Many Voices, One Nation began as an initiative of past ALA President Carol Brey-Casiano. The 2005 Initiative generated a " nation's booklist". Additionally, librarians across the nation planned local celebrations of our nation's diverse voices for the night of Monday, April 11, 2005 during National Library Week. Programs included local authors and/or dignitaries participating in read-alouds featuring selections from the Many Voices, One Nation booklist or other books representing a region's rich heritage and diverse groups reading and presenting on a relevant topic. A tip sheet, downloadable art, a sample press release and sample radio public service announcements were provided to assist libraries in their planning.
The first national Many Voices, One Nation literary event was held at the ALA 2005 Annual Conference in Chicago. The June 2006 Many Voices, One Nation: New Orleans proved to be a moving evening commemorating human resilience and courage as ALA’s Conference came to New Orleans in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricanes. The June 2007 program in Washington D.C. kept the tradition going. In 2008, a special Many Voices Many Nations showcasing Native voices and respecting the presence of indigenous nations as sovereign nations was organized with support from then ALA President Dr. Loriene Roy.
ALA's Office for Diversity and Committee on Diversity continue to build on Brey-Casiano’s vision of an event highlighting diverse voices and the unifying role that libraries play in building a literate nation through these national literary events at ALA Conferences. Please join us as we stand up and speak out to promote our nation's literacy and diversity through libraries!
Get Involved
Everyone is invited to share information on potential authors and performers for inclusion in future Many Voices events. Please contact the Office for Diversity at diversity@ala.org with suggestions and inquiries.
The Many Voices event offers a unique opportunity to maximize your exposure in the library community while demonstrating your organization's committment to diversity. Consider joining us a Sponsoring Partner, and spend an evening enjoying literature, drinks and hors d’oeuvres while networking with a few hundred library professionals in celebration of our nation's many voices!
Partner Benefits:
- Promotion before the conference on Office for Diversity electronic discussion lists, web site, blog and via an email blast to membership
- Opportunities for members of the organization to network with attendees
- Display tables to exhibit promotional materials, catalogs, etc.
- Logo recognition on signage at the reception and promotional materials
- An opportunity to give a brief speech during the reception
- Announcement of partnership prior to the conference in the form of a press release
Contact Miguel Figueroa at mfigueroa@ala.org for sponsorship information.
Materials from Past Events
All files will open as downloadable pdfs.