Imagine a World Without Libraries
What Defunding Libraries Could Mean for Everyday Americans
Imagine a world without libraries—no free books for kids, no public computers for job seekers, and no quiet spaces to study. This isn’t a far-fetched scenario; with talks of defunding public services, libraries are at risk. What would happen to the millions of Americans who depend on them?
Libraries are more than just places to borrow books—they’re community hubs, educational resources, and digital lifelines. Defunding them would have a profound impact on everyday Americans. Here's what losing libraries could look like.
Free Access to Information Disappears
Libraries used to be private, only for the wealthy and elite who could purchase a membership. But the libraries of today provide free access to books, e-books, audiobooks, and movies, resources that many Americans can’t afford (or that would be impractical to keep in quantity). Without public libraries, people would need to pay for these materials out of pocket and store them. If you’re low-income or live in a small apartment, this would simply be impossible.
If libraries are defunded, access to information goes with it, available to only those who can afford to pay for it.
Digital Literacy and Internet Access at Risk
For millions of Americans, libraries are their only source of reliable internet access. Yep you read that right. For job hunting, completing schoolwork, or watching funny cat videos, many rely on library Wi-Fi and computers to stay connected.
Defunding libraries would deepen digital divides because it would remove access to information IN GENERAL, not just information housed by a library. Without libraries, those in rural and low-income communities would be left with few, if any, options to participate in the digital world. It would become even harder to climb out of poverty when the tools for doing so are no longer available.
Educational Gaps
Libraries are cornerstones of lifelong learning, offering free programs that support education at every stage of life. From preschool storytimes that nurture early literacy to GED prep classes that open new career paths, to digital literacy courses for our elders, libraries provide accessible resources for all ages.
Without libraries, parents would lose vital, no-cost educational opportunities for their children—spaces where kids develop reading skills, curiosity, and confidence. Adults would lose access to programs that empower them to advance their careers, like tutoring, ESL classes, and technology workshops. Seniors, too, would lose lifelong learning opportunities that keep them connected and engaged.
Defunding libraries would widen educational gaps, removing one of the few free, accessible avenues for people to gain knowledge, develop skills, and improve their futures.
The Loss of Community Spaces
Think of your local library’s book club or free summer reading programs for kids. These aren’t just fun or even just for learning—these programs build connections and foster community. Libraries serve as safe gathering spaces for people of all ages to come together, share ideas, and build relationships.
Defunding libraries would dismantle these community spaces, leaving neighborhoods without a central, free place to connect. Without it, those bonds would weaken, and communities would lose an essential resource for social connection.
Financial Strain on Families
Libraries offer free access to books, movies, programs, and digital resources that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars a year. Whether it’s a parent taking their child to storytime, someone borrowing the latest bestseller, or someone attending a free workshop, libraries provide accessible ways for everyone to learn, explore, and connect—without financial burden.
If libraries were defunded, people would be forced to find costly alternatives for education, entertainment, and personal growth. The price of books, online courses, movies, and community events would quickly add up, making libraries' absence deeply felt by families and individuals alike.
Libraries don’t just offer free resources—they create opportunities for enrichment that everyone deserves, regardless of income.
What We Can Do to Protect Libraries
Defunding libraries would have a devastating effect on our country. But there's a few things you can do to help.
Number one, use your local library. Go sign up for a card, renew your card if its expired. Check out books, movies, CDs, audiobooks. Use the online resources (learn a language, look up your family history, check out an audiobook on libby, watch movies on Kanopy or Hoopla, etc). Go into the library and use the space (attend storytime with your little, work from “home”, join book group).
Support your library by using it!
If you want to take bigger action, consider using the app 5 Calls.
5 Calls is a resource that helps you contact your representatives by phone or emails, providing helpful scripts to guide your message. It only takes a few minutes and has a HUGE impact! Although there isn’t a pre-made script about protecting libraries yet, you can use the points from this blog post to craft your message and let your representatives know why libraries matter.
Calling or emailing our representatives, even if we agree with how they are handling a particular issues, shows our representatives in volume how many people care about this topic being represented and fought for. Help ensure that libraries remain a cornerstone of our communities. Don’t wait until it’s too late—speak up now and protect this invaluable resource.