[TL-Directors] ATALM's Tribal Library Council

Mon Dec 15 17:13:47 PST 2025

Hi,

You may be interested in the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums' (ATALM) new effort called the Tribal Library Council<https://www.atalm.org/networks/tribal-library-council/> (TLC). They "are rebuilding the TLC webpage as a practical, community-driven resource hub and launching a new phase of organizing to stabilize and strengthen tribal libraries nationwide." Information is below.

Best,
Jen

Jen Maurer, MLS (she/her)
School Library Consultant, State Library of Oregon
jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov> | 971-375-3540 | https://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries

[Logo with this text: State Library of Oregon, Library Support and Development Services]

From: ATALM <president at atalm.org<mailto:president at atalm.org>>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 10:56 AM
To: MAURER Jennifer * SLO <jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov>>
Subject: Tribal Libraries Need You

[https://mcusercontent.com/1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1/images/cbcce345-d209-e4d9-0c51-5cd214c97dc6.png]

Council Website<https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=579516234c&e=ca34d32c32>
Dear Jennifer,
Tribal libraries are among the most endangered cultural institutions in the country. Many tribal libraries operate with unstable or short-term funding, minimal staffing, and little institutional support. Some exist only because one person refuses to let them disappear.

Some have already closed. When a tribal library is lost, communities lose language resources, tribal history, digital access, educational support, and a trusted community space that connects elders, youth, and families.
ATALM created the Tribal Library Council (TLC) because this moment requires collective action. Tribal libraries cannot survive on goodwill alone. They need visibility, advocacy, shared resources, and a strong national network.
We are rebuilding the TLC webpage as a practical, community-driven resource hub and launching a new phase of organizing to stabilize and strengthen tribal libraries nationwide. But this work only succeeds if people show up and participate.
Here is how you can help right now:

  1.  Join the Tribal Library Council<https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=7eedb3b55f&e=ca34d32c32> to be part of a national effort focused on funding stability, advocacy, training, and long-term planning for tribal libraries. Membership is free, but there are also ways to join as a supporter.
  2.  Attend the TLC community meeting <https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=45fe9ee168&e=ca34d32c32> on January 20 to connect with colleagues, hear updates, and help shape priorities for the year ahead.
  3.  Join the <https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=ea4392fb88&e=ca34d32c32> Tribal Library Council Facebook Group<https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=5321420f01&e=ca34d32c32> <https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=b979384c77&e=ca34d32c32> to stay connected, share resources, ask questions, and build peer support across tribal libraries and allied fields.
  4.  Take the Building the Future of Tribal Libraries Survey<https://atalm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1&id=20a4d791a7&e=ca34d32c32> so we can accurately document needs, gaps, and opportunities and use that data to advocate for stronger support.
You do not have to work in a library to be part of this. Everyone has a role to play in protecting this essential infrastructure.
This is a critical moment. Tribal libraries will either continue to be underfunded and invisible, or we will organize, advocate, and build the support they need to survive and thrive. The difference is participation. The difference is you.
And, thankfully, the difference now is generous support from the Ford Foundation's BUILD program and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. With their support, ATALM has engaged a director for the TLC.  Cindy Hohl (Santee-Sioux) is the immediate past president of the American Library Association and a long-time librarian. Cindy brings deep experience, a strong vision, and a commitment to building a dynamic, useful, and community-driven council. She can be reached at libraries at atalm.org<mailto:libraries at atalm.org>.

With appreciation for you and all you do,

[https://mcusercontent.com/1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1/images/ed9aa0f5-e507-cf5a-3f9e-da64f19b6037.jpg]
Susan Feller
President & CEO
Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM)

P.S. Please add libraries at atalm.org<mailto:libraries at atalm.org> to your approved senders list. Most future communications will come directly from Cindy Hohl.
[https://mcusercontent.com/1b5fd0b3926b2a0236f0325a1/images/330c1847-a6ef-a01a-3cb1-2cd81e359fdd.png]

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