The National Library Power Program began in 1988 in New York City Public Schools. Today the program is being implemented in 19 sites nationwide and the Fund's investment in the 463,000 children totals more than $40 million. The goal is to create exemplary models of library media programs as part of the education process, and to strengthen the role of librarian as teacher by encouraging collaborations among teacher, administrators, and librarians, and facilitating partnerships among leaders in school districts, public libraries, business, parent groups and communities. While the communities are encouraged to invest in education (through the libraries) they become involved in improving education for local children.

Library Power involves parents and community members by opening the school system and engaging them in activities such as story-telling, reading, using computers and refurbishing the centers. These are activities that people consider important and make them feel needed. The program also makes their involvement meaningful, because results are measurable – children read better and they learn to use libraries as a resource in lifelong learning, parents learn how to tell stories in a more engaging manner, and the schools become more welcoming places where parents and community members visit.

Additionally, businesses are supporting the program. Libraries are a non-controversial, straight-forward avenue to improve education while providing a resource for all community members. "We've been here too long not to be involved," said one company executive in Patterson, New Jersey. "Education in Patterson is a major concern for every employer; our employees come from here. We have gotten a lot from Patterson and want to give something back so we've helped to raise funds for Library Power."