As an adult services librarian in northern Colorado, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how federal funding strengthens our libraries and, through them, our communities. At my library, federal Library Services and Technology Act<\/a> (LSTA) funds help support digital literacy training, homebound delivery services, and access to job-seeking resources for people who might not otherwise have a place to turn.<\/p>\n These are not luxuries — they are lifelines, especially for rural and lower-income Coloradans. In many small towns, the public library is the only place with reliable internet access, the only place where veterans can find support services, where students can complete homework, and where older adults can learn to navigate online health care portals.<\/p>\n Right now, Congress must act to maintain funding for both the LSTA and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, which supports school libraries. Without federal support, our ability to meet local needs could be deeply compromised.<\/p>\n This year, the White House proposed eliminating federal support for libraries altogether. That\u2019s why I\u2019m calling on Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Colorado\u2019s House delegation to reject that proposal and ensure that at least $232 million for LSTA and $30 million for IAL are included in the FY26 federal budget.<\/p>\n Libraries reflect the values and resilience of their communities — but we can\u2019t do it alone. Federal support ensures that every Coloradan, no matter their ZIP code, can access the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.<\/p>\n \u2014 Dania Laubach, Greeley<\/em><\/p>\nPhoto tells a different story<\/h4>\n