Public Awareness

American Library Association reports record number of unique book titles challenged in 2023

Public Libraries Saw 92 Percent Increase In Number of Titles Targeted for Censorship Over The Previous Year

CHICAGO — The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by the American Library Association (ALA). The new numbers released today show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles* in schools and libraries. This tops the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship. 

American Library Association President Emily Drabinski to be honored with award from The Publishing Triangle

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to share that President Emily Drabinski will receive the Torchbearer Award from The Publishing Triangle, the association of LGBTQ+ people in publishing.

The award, now in its second year, is given to organizations or individuals who strive to awaken, encourage, and support a love of reading, or to stimulate an interest in and an appreciation of LGBTQ literature.

American Library Association 2024 Election Opens

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) election polls opened on Monday, March 11, 2024.  ALA members are encouraged to cast a digital ballot to vote for association-wide leadership that will shape the future and direction of the association. ALA’s annual election will close on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.  

Submissions Now Open for the 2024 John Cotton Dana Awards

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the 2024 John Cotton Dana Award (JCD). The John Cotton Dana Award is one of the most prestigious awards given to up to eight libraries. The $10,000 awards will be provided by the H.W. Wilson Foundation and honors outstanding library public relations.

ALA Executive Board decision on LibLearnX  

CHICAGO - After careful evaluation and analysis of financial and other critical factors, the American Library Association Executive Board has decided that LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience will not be held in 2026.   

ALA announces applications for second year of the Building Library Capacity Grants

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announces the opening of the second year of the  ALA Building Library Capacity Grants that will provide grants to libraries serving incarcerated persons or assisting those re-entering society. Up to sixteen $10,000 grants will be given to successful applicants nationwide. The application site is open now. The application deadline is April 12, 2024, with awards announced at the end of May.

ALA launches campaign as it nears its 150th anniversary

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The association will recognize and commemorate the leadership and support that ALA has provided to library workers, library users, library trustees and supporters throughout the United States and the world. ALA has been an essential professional venue for learning, sharing, networking, and advocacy. 

Unite Against Book Bans Announces a Free Book Résumé Resource

Community advocates, parents, teachers, librarians, and more to have access to free materials to support frequently challenged books

CHICAGO — Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with the publishing community, unveils a free collection of book résumés at bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves.

Miriam Tuliao to Participate in 37th Annual Great Saunter to raise funds for the Spectrum Scholarship Program

CHICAGO - Miriam Tuliao has announced that she will participate in the 37th Annual Great Saunter, a 32-mile walk around Manhattan, on May 4, 2024 to raise funds for ALA’s Spectrum Scholarship Program. This is Tuliao's 17th consecutive year organizing an annual fundraiser for Spectrum. 

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.