John Chrastka
20 Articles
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Keeping Libraries “Right Side Up” | Budgets and Funding 2024
Most library measures passed in 2023, but the year also saw confusingly worded ballots and little new funding.
EveryLibrary's Election Night 2023 Library Wrap-Up
EveryLibrary tracked over 60 local library elections, annual budget votes, and statewide ballot measures that impacted libraries on the Tuesday, November 7, 2023 ballots across nine states. Voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of libraries.
Fighting for What Matters: Referenda 2022
Libraries return to the ballot box following a COVID-impacted pause.
Value Added Budgets | Budgets and Funding 2023
Library budgets continued to rebound in 2022, with the largest upticks in a decade—and a continued focus on pandemic-era community needs.
We Must Try to Win: Referenda 2021
The vast majority of 2021 library ballot measures passed, but few were put to a vote, and fewer asked for new funding.
How To Fight an Austerity Budget and Advocate for Your Library in the Age of COVID-19
It is important for library leaders to realize that every other local organization or unit of government who responded to the COVID disaster with compassion, engagement, and their best efforts also has a great story to tell. During times of austerity, the narratives that matter are about direct and measurable outcomes for people who used your service, visited your program, accessed your collections, or interacted with your staff.
Referenda Report: Renewals Up, New Funding Lagged in 2019
Referenda: 2019 library ballot measures see success in renewals, less for new funding.
Before the Ballot: Building Political Support for Library Funding
Stable Support
Voters spoke, and to a large extent, libraries continued to find support at the ballot box in 2018. After a striking level of wins in 2017, libraries on the ballot in 2018 have reset back to average historical pass/fail levels for a midterm election year—with a nonetheless healthy 79% passing overall.
