Following is a template of a sample letter that you might use to build a personalized letter to your legislators seeking support for your library’s programs that support people with substance use problems in the community.
Letter to a Legislator:
The Honorable [Legislator’s Full Name]
[State Legislature Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],
I am writing to you on behalf of [Library Name] to share how our public library is working to strengthen families, safeguard communities, and support workforce participation through recovery-focused programming and collections.
As you know, the challenges of substance use and addiction touch nearly every family in our state. They place strain on law enforcement, increase health care costs, and reduce the strength of our workforce. Our public library is uniquely positioned to be part of the solution in a way that is low-cost, locally driven, and aligned with the values of personal responsibility and community support.
Here’s why this work matters:
- Protecting Families & Children: Libraries are trusted, non-stigmatizing spaces where parents, grandparents, and teens can find reliable information, attend educational events, and connect with community resources. Supporting families early helps prevent future crises.
- Encouraging Self-Reliance: By offering recovery-focused materials and programs—such as peer-led support groups, educational workshops, and workforce readiness resources—libraries empower individuals to take responsibility for their recovery and return to work and community life.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Libraries already exist in nearly every county. By partnering with public health organizations, faith-based groups, and nonprofits, libraries maximize existing taxpayer investments instead of creating entirely new systems. This is a cost-effective way to address a costly public problem.
- Community & Faith Partnerships: Many of our programs are run in collaboration with local churches, service clubs, and recovery community organizations. This ensures that programs reflect local values and are strengthened by faith-based and civic traditions.
- Public Safety: Research shows that early intervention and access to accurate information reduce repeat overdoses and related criminal justice costs. By offering community members safe, recovery-oriented programming, libraries contribute to safer neighborhoods.
Our goal is not to replace treatment or law enforcement, but to serve as a bridge—connecting people to resources, encouraging self-improvement, and reinforcing the community institutions that keep our state strong.
We would be honored to brief you further on how our library is helping address addiction and recovery in [County/City], and to explore ways the state might support these efforts through partnership or recognition.
Thank you for your continued leadership in supporting strong families, safe communities, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Library Name]