American Library Association Opposes Proposed Georgia Legislation 

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) strongly opposes the proposed Georgia legislation that would prohibit the expenditure of public funds and private donations on services, materials, or operations provided by ALA.  

Contrary to the claims made by proponents of this legislation, the ALA does not promote any “ideology.”   For almost 150 years, ALA has served as the preeminent non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services in the United States and the preservation of publicly funded libraries as community institutions that provide free and unfettered access to a wide range of information and ideas for all people.   

ALA champions the First Amendment and works to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. The association has served people of all demographic backgrounds and beliefs since its inception in 1876.  

The beliefs of any one member of the association do not define the association. In fact, ALA does not espouse any political belief other than a commitment to the freedoms identified in our nation’s founding documents that are essential for our democracy.  

ALA endorses Libraries: An American Value which states that “Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government... We celebrate and preserve our democratic society by making available the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions and ideas, so that all individuals have the opportunity to become lifelong learners – informed, literate, educated, and culturally enriched.”  These American principles are further articulated in The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement. We encourage everyone to read these documents. 

The proposed Georgia legislation is based on false narratives that would restrict ALA and its resources for no valid reason. All organizations in any sector—business, legal, health, education, trades—should be concerned about this arbitrary effort to restrict the freedom of trade, freedom of speech, and freedom to associate. 

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.