Public Library Association (PLA)

Public libraries launch, expand services during COVID-19 pandemic

As public libraries close their buildings to the public, staff continue to serve their communities in innovative ways. Those are among the chief findings the Public Library Association (PLA) announced today in the broadest survey of public libraries’ response to the pandemic to date, with 2,545 unique responses nationwide. Most respondents (98%) reported their buildings were closed to the public but, in many cases, staff continued to expand access to digital resources, launch virtual programs and coordinate services with local government agencies.

America’s libraries report for duty as 2020 Census opens

CHICAGO - Today, millions of U.S. households will begin receiving letters inviting them to respond to the 2020 census. The American Library Association issued the following statement by ALA President Wanda Brown:

"For the first time in history, U.S. residents have the opportunity to respond online. Many people will have questions, and they’ll turn to their libraries as one of the most trusted resources. I am proud to say that America’s libraries are ready to report for duty.

Polls now open in 2020 PLA election

Voting Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 11:59 p.m. Central Time

CHICAGO -- The voting period has begun in the Public Library Association (PLA) 2020 election. Members will have an opportunity to elect three new directors to the PLA Board of Directors.

Public Library Association announces 2020 award winners

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has announced the winners of its 2020 awards and grants, honoring the best in public library service, innovation and outreach. Award and grant recipients are chosen by member volunteers who serve on PLA’s award juries. PLA President Ramiro S. Salazar, along with the award sponsors and PLA members, will recognize the award winners as part of the PLA Member Welcome Breakfast at the 2020 ALA Annual Conference this June in Chicago. Here are the winners:

Public Library Association stands with Nashville in wake of tornado

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is deeply saddened at news of the devastating impact of last night’s deadly tornado in Nashville and central Tennessee. Nashville Public Library locations are closed today, except for polling locations. PLA is reaching out to Nashville library leaders to see how the association can best support the library and its community in the coming days.

Course on popular YouTube added to PLA’s DigitalLearn.org website

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has released a new online tutorial to help patrons learn the basics of using the popular online video site, YouTube. The course, Intro to Searching Videos on YouTube, covers the basics of searching for videos for entertainment, instruction, “do it yourself,” and more. This 21-minute online tutorial explores how one navigates the YouTube homepage, how to perform searches, and how to create an account.

Ten ALA Spectrum Scholars awarded grants to attend PLA 2020 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has awarded travel grants for ten Spectrum Scholars to attend the PLA 2020 Conference, taking place Feb.

ALA releases updated Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census

Today the American Library Association issued an updated Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census, the premier resource to prepare libraries for the decennial count of every person living in the United States.

PLA opens registration for 2020 Virtual Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is offering an alternative opportunity for public library workers who are unable to attend the PLA 2020 Conference in Nashville, Tenn. PLA will present a condensed, live, online conference experience—the PLA 2020 Virtual Conference— February 27-28.