EveryLibrary Launches “Be Mighty for Your School Library” Pledge with Kwame Alexander and One Word at a Time
EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, is proud to announce the launch of the “Be Mighty for Your School Library” campaign in partnership with Newbery Medal–winning author Kwame Alexander and his nonprofit One Word at a Time.
Timed to coincide with School Library Month and National Poetry Month, the campaign invites students, families, educators, and communities across the country to take a simple but meaningful step: sign a public pledge to support and advocate for strong, well-funded school libraries.
The pledge campaign launches in conjunction with the Be Mighty for Your Library Challenge, a nationwide activation engaging public libraries across the country through youth poetry and library programming, also developed in partnership with Kwame Alexander and One Word at a Time. Challenge cards distributed through participating public libraries also highlight the Be Mighty for Your School Library campaign, connecting the two initiatives at the community level.
The campaign is inspired by Alexander’s new novel, The Mighty Macy, the story of a third grader who discovers her voice when her school library is suddenly closed—and ultimately takes action to help save it.
“This campaign is about helping people recognize that school libraries are not optional—they are essential,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary. “The Mighty Macy gives us a powerful, accessible story about voice, courage, and advocacy. ‘Be Mighty’ turns that story into real-world action for students, families, and communities.”
A National Campaign Rooted in Story and Action
At the heart of the campaign is the Be Mighty pledge, hosted at https://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/pledge-to-be-mighty, where people commit to standing up for their school libraries, supporting access to books, and speaking out when resources or services are at risk.
The campaign also connects participants to a range of EveryLibrary initiatives, including:
- Fight for the First, a national platform for local advocacy and civic engagement on library issues
- SaveSchoolLibrarians.org, which tracks and supports school library policy and funding efforts across the country
- FundLibraries.org, a crowdfunding platform that enables communities to directly support school library collections and programs
Together, these tools offer participants a clear pathway from pledge to action, whether at the local, state, or national level.
Expanding Access Through Author Engagement
As part of the partnership, EveryLibrary and the One Word at a Time will also promote the nonprofit’s Author Study program—an innovative virtual author engagement experience that connects thousands of students with leading writers through interactive sessions focused on reading, writing, and storytelling.
During the campaign, three school libraries will be selected to participate in the Author Study program, expanding access to high-quality literary experiences and reinforcing the connection between reading, creativity, and student voice.
“Libraries are the gatekeepers of imagination,” said Kwame Alexander. “They are where young people discover who they are and who they can become. This partnership is about inspiring kids to read, to write, and to realize that their voices matter.”
A Conversation to Launch the Campaign
The campaign officially launches with a special EveryLibrary Live! conversation featuring Alexander, exploring the themes of The Mighty Macy, the role of poetry in helping young people find their voice, and the importance of school libraries as spaces of learning, identity, and possibility.
The conversation highlights the connection between storytelling and advocacy, literacy and civic engagement, and the shared goal of ensuring every student has access to a strong school library. You can watch the archive of the conversation anytime for free on EveryLibrary Live! Facebook Live and YouTube Live channels.
Throughout April, EveryLibrary is encouraging individuals and communities nationwide to:
- Sign the Be Mighty pledge
- Share their support for school libraries
- Take action through advocacy campaigns
- Support local school libraries through fundraising and community engagement
“When people come together to support their libraries, they are investing in opportunity, equity, and the future of their communities,” said Chrastka. “This campaign is about helping people take that first step—and recognizing that even small actions can make a lasting difference.”
About EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary is the national political action committee for libraries, supporting library funding and policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Through advocacy, public education, and grassroots engagement, EveryLibrary works to ensure that libraries of all types remain accessible, well-funded, and responsive to the needs of their communities. SaveSchoolLibrarians.org is sponsored by Follett Content Solutions to focus on the future of school librarians and librarianship.
About Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 47 books, including The Mighty Macy, Black Star, and The Crossover, his Newbery Medal-winning novel turned Emmy® Award-winning Disney+ TV series. He is also the co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band and Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams, a PBS KIDS special based on his beloved children's book of the same name. A 2026 SINE 250+ Fellow at American University, he regularly shares his passion for literacy, books and the craft of writing around the world, including Ghana, West Africa, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic.
About One Word at a Time, Inc.
Founded in 2025 by Kwame Alexander, One Word at a Time (OWAAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring a deep love of reading through joyful, meaningful literacy experiences for students. Through interactive programming like the Author Study virtual webinar series, OWAAT empowers students, educators, and communities to harness the transformative power of reading.
https://www.onewordcommunity.org/
Learn More and Take the Pledge
Visit: https://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/pledge-to-be-mighty