Tell us about the ROAR4Libraries Campaign. How did it start? What are the campaign's goals?

The R.O.A.R. - Read, Organize, Advocate, Rally Campaign was developed by the CommCats, a team of six Texas State University students (Saliyah M. Parker, Andrea Estela Pabon, Marrah Fuentes, D’Aaron Castle, and Jasmine Lozoya) competing in the national 2025 PRSSA Bateman Competition. The campaign was formed to build support and awareness of the political action committee, EveryLibrary, and the need for library advocacy. 

The goals of our campaign are:

1. To inform and inspire new audiences for EveryLibrary by creating informational content and sharing it with local communities.
2. To diversify EveryLibrary’s audience of engaged library activists by identifying library champions who have signed our pledge of commitment to protecting and supporting libraries, ensuring their presence for future generations.
3. To demonstrate new channels and pathways for audience engagement by implementing social media strategy and best practices to develop a brand across multiple platforms focused on sharing information and connecting with the community.

What are some of the threats local libraries are facing? 

Through our research, we have found that libraries serve as a central hub for their communities, providing essential resources and programs for everyone. However, according to EveryLibrary, they are faced with navigating through censorship attacks, budget and funding cuts, removal of resources, and legislation that could impede their ability to continue serving the community and remove books from their shelves. Our libraries need our support — they need library champions willing to protect them and ensure they remain a part of the community for generations to come.

What are some ways people can show support for their local libraries?

Everyone can be a library champion and support their local library! We have uncovered just how easy it can be to get involved and take action to support libraries and are happy to share.

Here are a few simple ways:

• [R]ead - stay informed about the need for library advocacy and the issues your local library may be facing by seeking out information from a trusted source, like EveryLibrary.
• [O]rganize - connect with other library champions in your community by joining or forming groups to discuss and organize your support efforts.
• [A]dvocate - stand up for your local library by taking an action (i.e. sign a pledge of your support, write a local or state legislator, donate to library advocacy initiatives, etc.) and remember, all actions are helpful.
• [R]ally - gather with your community, and others, to use your voices to R.O.A.R. for libraries by spreading the word and being ready to defend your local library in its time of need.

How can people get involved in the campaign?

We welcome everyone to join us as we R.O.A.R. 4 Libraries! 

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Sign Our Pledge to R.O.A.R. 4 Libraries - English, Español 
• Visit Our Website - roar4libraries.com
• Follow Our Channels - linktr.ee/roar4libraries
• Join Us at an Event:
• 2/22 - R.O.A.R. at the San Antonio African American Book Festival
• 2/28 - Happy HouROAR at the Round Rock Public Library