MIAMI — EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, has joined Florida library foundations, Friends of the Library groups and library supporters to launch Keep Libraries Funded, a nonpartisan campaign urging voters to take the pledge and vote No on Amendment 3 in November.

The Keep Libraries Funded Florida Coalition is sounding the alarm because Amendment 3 would dramatically reduce local tax revenues that fund essential public services, especially Florida’s public libraries. State fiscal analysis estimates a recurring reduction of approximately $11.86 billion in local non-school property tax revenue if the amendment is approved.

Those dollars help communities fund services Floridians rely on every day, including libraries, parks, public safety, infrastructure, services for seniors and families and local programs that make communities livable.

Florida libraries are among the most trusted and widely used public services in the state. They help children learn to read, connect families with books and programs, provide public computers and Wi-Fi, support job seekers, serve seniors, host community meetings, preserve local culture and offer welcoming public spaces where everyone belongs.

If Amendment 3 passes, libraries around the state could face shorter hours, fewer books and materials, reduced technology access, fewer children’s programs, deferred maintenance, staffing reductions, new fees and possible closures.

Across Florida, these risks are already becoming visible. The Miami-Dade County Library System is projecting a $20 million cut in the first year that could include branch closures, fewer hours, employee layoffs and program cuts. Volusia County library leaders have warned of a possible $7 million reduction, equal to roughly 30 percent of the library system’s budget. Hillsborough County has projected a $21.2 million annual library revenue loss by 2029. West Florida Public Libraries could lose as much as $4 million a year. Palm Beach County has projected a potential $28 million library revenue loss. In Parkland, city leaders have warned that Amendment 3 could lead to far more extreme cutbacks, including closing the Parkland Library.

As part of the campaign, the coalition has launched KeepLibrariesFunded.org, a new informational campaign website that shares real stories of projected cuts and negative impacts on Florida libraries. The site will help voters understand what is at stake, connect local warnings to the statewide fiscal picture and encourage Floridians to take action.

The Keep Libraries Funded Florida Coalition stands with library organizations, civic groups, local leaders, public service advocates and organizations committed to good government and strong communities. The coalition also stands with Florida families, seniors, students, job seekers, small business owners, readers and residents who depend on their libraries every day.

The campaign is nonpartisan. It does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Its focus is Amendment 3 and its consequences for local library services. Voters deserve clear information before making a permanent change to the Florida Constitution that could weaken libraries and other community services for years to come.

The campaign’s call to action is simple: Take the Pledge to Vote No on Amendment 3 and share the pledge with five people who care about their library.

Florida’s libraries were built by communities, for communities. They should not be weakened by a rushed statewide amendment that cuts local revenue without a clear replacement plan. EveryLibrary and the Keep Libraries Funded Florida Coalition urge every Floridian who values their library to learn the facts, share the campaign and pledge to vote No on Amendment 3 in November.

More information about the campaign is available through the Keep Libraries Funded campaign launch.