In communities around the country, museums and libraries face losing their collections for good because of neglect and everyday threats like exposure to light, humidity, high or fluctuating temperatures, and pest infestation. Sadly, once we lose these collections, we cannot get them back--a possibility with profound impact for future generations of learners. The Institute of Museum and Library Services has launched "Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action," a national initiative to raise public awareness of the importance of caring for our treasures, and to underscore the fact that these collections are essential to the American story. This booklet provides an overview of the "Connecting to Collections" initiative, its components, and resources.