Act for Libraries is brought to you by Libraries for the Future, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing innovation and investment in the nation's libraries.
Since 1992, Libraries for the Future (LFF) has helped public libraries respond to the changing needs and opportunities of their communities. From 2004-2007, the organization operated under the parent organization Americans for Libraries Council (ALC). As of September 17, 2007, the organization has reunited as Libraries for the Future. For more information about LFF, please see our website at www.lff.org.
Through professional development activities, targeted grants, forums, and research projects, LFF transforms libraries into 21st century community centers for information and education. Emphasizing collaboration between libraries and community groups, LFF links professionals across disciplines - health and literacy, for instance, or infant development and space planning - to allow participants to think beyond their own specialties and devise new solutions to shared challenges.
LFF's core missions are:
Advocacy: Act for Libraries
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| LFF/ALC: Making the case for strong, vibrant libraries. |
This website reflects 14 years of advocacy experience on the part of Libraries for the Future.
In addition to the ideas and resources found throughout these pages, LFF conducts advocacy at the national level. Members of our national network of passionate, committed library advocates participate in legislative briefings, speak publicly to focus attention on libraries, and inspiring action and investment in libraries as one of the cornerstones of our democracy.
Current Board and Council Members are leaders from many sectors--corporate, philanthropic, academic, nonprofit and governmental--who work to keep libraries high on the national agenda and at the center of our communities.
Libraries for the Future welcomes everyone who cares about libraries to join its national membership.
More about membership in LFF
Programs: Libraries for the Future
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| Programs: Serving individuals across the lifespan. |
Libraries for the Future's program division develops national programs to strengthen individual libraries and library systems, provides training in community librarianship, and facilitates planning for 21st century libraries.
Libraries for the Future was founded in 1992, and currently operates programs in more than 220 libraries in 27 states.
Signature programs:
- Equal Access Libraries Providing training, technical assistance and model programs to strengthen libraries as gateways to information and learning.
- Family Place Libraries Transforming libraries into centers for emergent literacy and healthy child development.
- Fit for Life Promoting health and wellness among teens and their families, with a specific focus on library programs for urban populations with limited access to reliable health information.
- Lifelong Access Libraries Developing libraries as centers for lifelong learning and civic participation for active and engaged older adults.
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| Innovation: Envisioning the future library in Louisville (KY). |
Innovation
- Design Charrette. What will the library of the future look like? LFF is currently partnering with the Louisville (KY) Free Public Library and the MIT Design Lab on "The Louisville Project" to translate current community, information and cultural needs into clear design principles for today's libraries.
- Read about the people, libraries, and inspirations behind the recent revolution in library services in Innovation in Action, 12 stories about the first 12 years of Libraries for the Future.
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Resource Development:
Leading library revitalization
in the Gulf Coast |
Resource-Development
In addition to working to increase the level of public and private investment in libraries, LFF is proud to serve as a conduit of funds from foundations and private donors to libraries across the nation.
LFF is currently partnering with the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund to oversee $5 million in aid to libraries throughout Mississippi and Louisiana damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The work concentrates on the physical repair or rebuilding of public libraries as well as some support for the restoration of collections.
More about the Gulf Coast Libraries Renewal Fund |
