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April 9, 2026

ALA and AFSCME Prevail in Fight to Protect Libraries and Museums Nationwide

On April 9, 2026, the American Library Association (ALA) – the largest library association in the world – and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – the nation’s largest union of cultural workers – reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work.

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New wave of bills targeting libraries is ‘a threat to our democracy,’ American Library Association warns

The association, founded in 1876, condemned legislation that would threaten librarians and other educators with criminal prosecution for possessing “obscene” material.
 

 

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PLA releases “Family Engagement for Spanish-Speaking Community Members” Workbook

The Public Library Association (PLA) announced the availability of a new practical guide for engaging Spanish-speaking community members.

ALA American Library Association

ALA Council adopts Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) Council has adopted “Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries,” a new resource designed to help libraries develop and revise policies for the ethical, human-centered use of artificial intelligence.

Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs" on July 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Study room spaces have become a critical resource offered in large academic libraries, yet their standard configuration...

Best of Core Forum: The Quiet Revolution Is Loud: Are Libraries Ready?

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: The Quiet Revolution Is Loud: Are Libraries Ready?" on August 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. For most libraries, door counts have reached or surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Demand for quiet study spaces has...

Games and Gaming Round Table

Games & Gaming Round Table Celebrates the 2026 Game On! Grant recipients - Jefferson High School Library (IL) and Denton Public Library (TX)

The Games & Gaming Round Table (GameRT) of the American Library Association is pleased to announce TWO recipients of the 2025 Game On! Grant! GameRT introduced the Game On! grant program in 2020 with the intention of providing libraries with the...

Core Webinar: Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm" on August 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Anti-transgender rhetoric has been spreading for many years, but the inauguration on January 20, 2025 marked a sea-change in the...

Choice and Wiley publish report on transformative agreements

CHICAGO - Choice announces the publication of “Transformative Agreements, Open Access and Research Impact,” the latest in a series of research reports designed to provide actionable intelligence around topics of importance to the academic library...

Core Webinar: Empowering Intergenerational Digital Literacy

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Empowering Intergenerational Digital Literacy" on August 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. A lack of access, confidence, and skills keeps many older adults from connecting digitally. This webinar focuses on how public libraries...

Intellectual Freedom Committee Releases New Guidelines to Support Library Staff in Evaluating Digital Content Vendors

The Intellectual Freedom Committee today announced the release of “ Content Controls and Access Guidelines for Vendors,” a new guiding document designed to help library staff make informed, principled decisions when selecting third‑party digital content...

book cover for Creating Generative AI Policies: A Guide for Public and Academic Libraries

ALA Special Report surveys Generative AI policies for public and academic libraries

CHICAGO —Though it’s challenging to set policies for a technology that is so young and still in flux, the need is urgent. Because usage of AI presents both opportunities and risks, libraries must be proactive. There are already digital literacy skills...

Decorative image of Public Library Association logo above the PressReader logo.

New Report Examines Evolving Role Of Public Libraries In Media Literacy And News Access

The Public Library Association (PLA) and Press Reader released the “News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries” report examining how public libraries are supporting patrons as they navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

ALA American Library Association

American Library Association Delegation to Participate in United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

The American Library Association (ALA) will send a delegation to the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

ALA American Library Association

American Library Association Council Introduces Resolution to Establish Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights

The American Library Association (ALA) Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption and recognition of the Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights.

Core Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists with a gold outline of a duck

Announcing the 2026 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists

Core presents the 2026 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists. The lists are composed of notable children’s and young adult science fiction published between November 2024 and March 2026 and organized into three age...

ALA American Library Association

Faith leaders, librarians convene in Chicago to strengthen fight against book bans

Faith leaders, librarians and civic advocates gathered in Chicago on June 25 for a workshop focused on how religious communities and library workers can work together to fight book bans and defend the freedom to read.