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.

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.

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.

Protecting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

In all 50 states, IMLS provides vital grants to libraries large and small, rural and urban. These funds strengthen communities and allow libraries to greatly expand the services they offer patrons, including job skills training and support for small business and homeschooling. Despite attempts to zero out the institute's budget, Congress preserved IMLS funding in 2026 thanks to the tireless advocacy of libraries across the nation, sending a bipartisan message that libraries belong to all Americans.

ULC remains vigilant to future efforts to undermine this essential library funding, and to ensure the institute remains able to fulfill its role for many years to come.

Updating the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Public libraries are trusted, accessible institutions that provide workforce services to millions of Americans each year. Libraries deliver job readiness training, digital skills development, and connections to employment resources in communities of all sizes.

ULC supports strengthening the role of public libraries within WIOA by:

• Recognizing libraries as critical workforce partners within state and local workforce systems.
• Encouraging collaboration between libraries and workforce boards to expand access to employment and training services.
• Promoting scalable models, such as the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s EmployNV Careers Hubs which integrate workforce services directly within libraries.
• Ensuring workforce policies support digital skills development, an increasingly essential component of economic mobility.

Strengthening library partnerships under WIOA will expand access to workforce services, particularly for individuals facing barriers to employment.

Strengthening the Future of Public Library Infrastructure

Public libraries are vital civic infrastructure, yet many systems face growing challenges related to facilities, technology, and digital content access.

ULC calls on Congress to engage in forward-looking policy conversations that address:

• Public library infrastructure needs, including modernization of facilities, broadband capacity, and digital technology systems.
• The role of Artificial Intelligence in libraries, including how libraries can support AI literacy, responsible use, and equitable access to emerging technologies.
• Equitable e-content access, ensuring sustainable digital lending models so libraries of all sizes can provide fair access to e-books and digital materials.

Additionally, ULC works advocate on behalf of all libraries for substantial cost savings on essential software, such as Microsoft Office for public-access computers, as concerns persists about library’s shift from education to to nonprofit pricing

As trusted community institutions, libraries play a critical role in helping communities navigate technological change while ensuring equitable access to information and opportunity.

Modernizing the Universal Service Fund (USF) & E-Rate Programs

Public libraries are essential digital access points for millions of Americans. As technology and community needs evolve, federal connectivity programs must modernize to ensure libraries can provide secure, high-quality access.

ULC supports modernization of the USF and E-Rate program that:

• Updates eligible equipment definitions to reflect current technology needs, including routers, network hardware, and cybersecurity infrastructure necessary to protect library networks and community data.
• Strengthens cybersecurity capacity for libraries that serve as trusted public access computing centers.
• Expands support for hotspot lending programs, enabling libraries to extend broadband access to households without reliable connectivity.
• Ensures a sustainable and equitable funding model that supports libraries’ role as essential community connectivity hubs in every state.

Modernizing E-Rate will ensure libraries remain resilient digital infrastructure for education, workforce development, and civic participation.