The nation’s largest public libraries anchor communities and serve as hubs for economic and community advancement. They provide critical resources across employment, health, information access, civic engagement and social services for jobseekers, small businesses, immigrants, seniors, families with children, students and those bridging the digital divide.

ULC’s advocacy strategy seeks to garner more support and funding for policies that strengthen and advance the essential role of public libraries. Through engagement with lawmakers in Congress and U.S. federal agencies, we advocate for several key policy positions that center the critical role that public libraries play in urban communities.

On this page you can find information about ULC’s policy priorities, updates on key legislation and access to additional resources.

To preserve, improve and expand library services in communities nationwide, Congress should consider the policy recommendations outlined below.

- Libraries are essential public infrastructure that need to be preserved for future generations.

- Public libraries advance literacy across a lifetime, which remains core to building a healthy economy and strong nation.

- Public libraries are leaders in workforce development, small business resources, digital inclusion and career navigation.

- Libraries provide essential access to health and mental health resources, and support unhoused individuals and families.

- Access to information and intellectual freedom are fundamental values of democracy and individual rights.

Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA)

The Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) is a pivotal piece of U.S. legislation that established and continues to support the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary federal agency dedicated to enhancing and supporting libraries and museums nationwide. The most recent reauthorization occurred on December 31, 2018, extending the IMLS's programs and introducing new authorities, including the development and support of museum, library, and information professionals. On March 14, 2025, an executive order was issued directing the gutting of the IMLS, among other agencies. ULC and its partners ARSL and PLA issued a joint statement in support of the funding.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. It is designed to help jobseekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

The bill is up for reauthorization and a bi-partisan and bi-cameral model exists that Congress should consider this year. In November 21, 2024 Leaders from the House Education and Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to reauthorize WIOA for the next five years. Despite earlier efforts, the 118th Congress concluded without completing the reauthorization of WIOA.

Download one-pagers and other documents to make the case for urban libraries with public officials on a number of topics on the ULC Advocacy Resources page of the website.

Other advocacy topics for urban libraries.

• Modernizing E-Rate Funds (last updated 2023)
• Fair E-Book and E-Audiobook Lending for Libraries (last updated 2019)