Literacy is one of ALA's Key Action Areas. As noted in the Strategic Plan (2017 Update) ALA assists and promotes libraries in helping children and adults develop the skills they need, including the ability to read and use technology, understanding that the ability to seek and effectively utilize information resources is essential in a global information society. The Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports lifelong literacy through a variety of resources and initiatives supporting family literacy, adult literacy, English language learners, and more.
Key Resources
- ALA Literacy Clearinghouse, a website bringing together literacy efforts from across ALA
- Adult Literacy through Libraries, an initiative by ProLiteracy and the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services
- The American Dream Literacy Initiative, a grant program for public libraries to expand services for adult English language learners or adults in need of basic education and workforce development, funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
- How to Serve the World @ your library, a toolkit of resources, strategies, and replicable programs for serving English language learners at your library
- Literacy for All: Adult Literacy through Libraries, a toolkit to help libraries add, expand, and advocate for adult literacy services
- ALA Family Literacy Focus, an initiative of 2010-11 ALA President Camila Alire
- DigitalLearn.org, an initiative from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Public Library Association