Last Saturday afternoon, Lori Reed threw out an idea on Twitter and Facebook that “when one library is in trouble, ALL libraries are in trouble.” SaveLibraries.org was born; I immediately volunteered to help get the website up and running, which I’ve been slowly working on in between watching various basketball games in the evenings.

Lori explains the effort much better than I ever could, so read her explanation for what we hope Save Libraries will involve:

So let me announce a new resource for libraries, SaveLibraries.org. Our mission is to help raise awareness of the funding crisis libraries are facing. We will serve as an aggregator of news about library budget cuts, closings, and reductions, and compile links to “Save Library” campaigns.

Our slogan is, “When one library is in trouble, ALL libraries are in trouble.” There is a trend happening in this country and it’s one as a society that we should be appalled at. Our libraries represent the freedom and democracy that our country was founded on. Can you think of another place where all are welcome? No matter what your color, religion, or economic status the library is there with open doors.

However when libraries close and communities accept library closings as “the new normal,” then all libraries are in trouble. Other states, other communities, and other politicians are going to get the message that it’s ok. If it was ok for _____________ to close it’s libraries, then it’s ok here.

Well here’s a message. It’s not ok! Especially now. Communities need their libraries more than ever. I realize that we are in a recession. I get that state and local governments are out of money. But as library professionals, it is up to us to come up with a solution. Be a part of the solution!

Together we can make a difference. Together we can come up with a solution. Together we can save libraries!