RIVERSIDE, IL – EveryLibrary, the first and only political action committee for libraries in the United States has launched a national $10,000 matching challenge as part of its annual Match-A-Versary and GivingTuesday campaign. EveryLibrary is running a $10,000 matching challenge tied to this annual campaign, and all gifts made through GivingTuesday on December 2 are doubled dollar for dollar up to $10,000. The match is intended to fund rapid response work that protects library funding and defends the freedom to read.
Library funding and access to information face escalating political and legal threats at local, state, and federal levels. Cuts to collections, coordinated censorship efforts, and directives that limit core library services continue to grow. Because EveryLibrary is a political action committee, it can intervene where most libraries legally cannot. Donations given during this campaign allow EveryLibrary to respond quickly when censorship attempts or funding crises arise.
Match Details and Donor Impact
All gifts made through December 2 will be doubled until the full $10,000 match is unlocked. The match connects supporters directly to on the ground outcomes such as protecting local library budgets, stopping coordinated censorship campaigns, and keeping books on shelves. Funds raised through the match will support rapid response campaigns, legal and policy work, and local organizing that defends both library funding and the freedom to read.
EveryLibrary is also offering donor gifts created with Sprinkles Studios, a former librarian and artist. One time donors who give $50 or more will receive an exclusive vinyl sticker. Monthly donors who give $10 per month or more will receive both a tote bag and sticker.
Why the Match Matters Now
Each of these examples required immediate intervention. Donations made through the Match-A-Versary and GivingTuesday challenge ensure EveryLibrary can continue responding swiftly whenever a community’s library is put at risk.
A federal court decision recently protected the Institute of Museum and Library Services from an attempted shutdown, preserving a key federal funding source while signaling continued political pressure.
In Chicago, a proposed 50 percent cut to the public library collections budget sparked widespread public concern, underscoring the need for strong advocacy.
In Fairhope Alabama, state officials halted approximately $42000 in funding to the public library, requiring immediate action from local residents to close the gap through donations and organizing.
In Tennessee, statewide directives interfered with routine library operations and chilled core collection decisions, reflecting growing state level political interference.
Call to Action
EveryLibrary is urging supporters, educators, parents, readers, and community advocates to make their GivingTuesday donations early and help unlock the full $10,000 match. Match-A-Versary runs through December 6, and supporters can pledge now at https://www.everylibrary.org/givingtuesdaypledge and all gifts made through that page will be doubled up to $10,000.
About EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary is the first and only national political action committee for libraries. As a pro library nonpartisan organization, EveryLibrary builds voter support for libraries, opposes censorship, and fights anti library legislation across the country. Through its public advocacy and grassroots campaigns, including the FightForTheFirst.org platform, EveryLibrary works to ensure that libraries and cultural institutions remain free independent and accessible for all.
About EveryLibrary Institute
The EveryLibrary Institute is a national 501c3 non profit and library focused think tank dedicated to strengthening the future of library funding in the United States and abroad. As a companion organization to EveryLibrary, the 501c4 political action committee for libraries, the Institute operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. Its work includes research, open access publishing, professional development, and partnerships with foundations, associations, and allied organizations to build public and political support for public academic and school libraries. Learn more at everylibraryinstitute.org.