Advocacy for Literacy: Making Your Voice Heard
One of the most critical roles you play as a literacy advocate is engaging with elected officials whose decisions profoundly impact literacy initiatives and education in our communities. Whether you are involved in public education, private institutions, adult education, or community-based literacy programs, state and local policies significantly influence the resources and opportunities available for literacy development.
SoMLA actively monitors and advocates on all legislative matters affecting literacy, from funding for educational programs to laws on curriculum standards and teacher certification, from policies addressing digital literacy and access to public records, to legislation on community development and educational equity. Your voice is essential in ensuring that these laws and policies continue to support and expand literacy efforts across all sectors.
One of the most critical roles you play as a literacy advocate is engaging with elected officials whose decisions profoundly impact literacy initiatives and education in our communities. Whether you are involved in public education, private institutions, adult education, or community-based literacy programs, state and local policies significantly influence the resources and opportunities available for literacy development.
SoMLA actively monitors and advocates on all legislative matters affecting literacy, from funding for educational programs to laws on curriculum standards and teacher certification, from policies addressing digital literacy and access to public records, to legislation on community development and educational equity. Your voice is essential in ensuring that these laws and policies continue to support and expand literacy efforts across all sectors.
HEAR OUR VOICES
📚 Federal Funding Hangs in the Balance
(September 2025) - Libraries across Maryland—and the nation—are watching closely as Congress debates the future of federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the agency that supports vital library services in every state.
Despite repeated efforts by former President Donald Trump to eliminate the agency’s budget entirely, both the House and Senate appropriations committees have proposed a modest increase, potentially bringing IMLS’s budget to nearly $300 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
This is welcome news for Maryland’s 24 public library systems, which received over $3.3 million in federal grants in 2025 alone. These funds support essential services such as:
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle IMLS and place its staff on administrative leave, citing concerns about federal bureaucracy. This move raised alarms among library advocates, who feared a permanent loss of funding.
Stone emphasized the stakes: “Without federal support, libraries can’t offer these life-changing services. And if libraries can’t help their communities, we all lose.”
SoMLA Stands with LibrariesAt the State of Maryland Literacy Association, we believe libraries are cornerstones of literacy, equity, and opportunity. We proudly support sustained—and increased—funding for IMLS and urge our members and partners to advocate for library resources at the local, state, and federal levels.
Libraries are more than buildings with books. They are lifelines for learners of all ages, especially in underserved communities. As literacy advocates, we must ensure they have the support they need to thrive.
📢 Take Action: Contact your representatives and let them know you support full funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Together, we can protect the future of literacy in Maryland and beyond.
(September 2025) - Libraries across Maryland—and the nation—are watching closely as Congress debates the future of federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the agency that supports vital library services in every state.
Despite repeated efforts by former President Donald Trump to eliminate the agency’s budget entirely, both the House and Senate appropriations committees have proposed a modest increase, potentially bringing IMLS’s budget to nearly $300 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
This is welcome news for Maryland’s 24 public library systems, which received over $3.3 million in federal grants in 2025 alone. These funds support essential services such as:
- Job skills training
- Internet access in rural communities
- Resume workshops for formerly incarcerated individuals
- Literacy programs for underserved populations
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle IMLS and place its staff on administrative leave, citing concerns about federal bureaucracy. This move raised alarms among library advocates, who feared a permanent loss of funding.
Stone emphasized the stakes: “Without federal support, libraries can’t offer these life-changing services. And if libraries can’t help their communities, we all lose.”
SoMLA Stands with LibrariesAt the State of Maryland Literacy Association, we believe libraries are cornerstones of literacy, equity, and opportunity. We proudly support sustained—and increased—funding for IMLS and urge our members and partners to advocate for library resources at the local, state, and federal levels.
Libraries are more than buildings with books. They are lifelines for learners of all ages, especially in underserved communities. As literacy advocates, we must ensure they have the support they need to thrive.
📢 Take Action: Contact your representatives and let them know you support full funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Together, we can protect the future of literacy in Maryland and beyond.
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Libraries Need You
(March 2025) - The White House has taken steps to dismantle the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the only federal agency dedicated to funding libraries. Call your members of Congress today and urge them to protect IMLS funding. Phone calls take just a few minutes but send a powerful message that libraries matter. Use ALA's action page for an easy call script & share this with 3 friends who love libraries. Let’s keep the momentum going! |
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MSDE Seeks Advisory Council Applicants
MSDE is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Teacher, Principal, and Family Advisory Councils! The advisory councils provide direct input to the State Superintendent of Schools about important issues in Maryland schools. Members participate in discussions with the State Superintendent concerning topics that will lead to the improvement of Maryland public schools and the opportunities they afford. The deadline to apply is September 22, 2024. To learn more about the Advisory Councils and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3TdgAOj. |
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MSDE Draft Literacy Policy
(June 2024) - MSDE has published a draft literacy policy for review and feedback. This policy proposes that student progression from one grade level to the next would be determined, in part, based on reading proficiency. You can review the draft policy at the following link: Draft MSDE Literacy Policy. |
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MSDE Releases Version2 of Draft Literacy Policy
(August 2024) - MSDE has released Version 2 of the DRAFT Comprehensive K-3 Literacy Policy as well as information on how to register to provide related testimony at the hybrid public hearing scheduled for August 27th from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Register at this link. |
