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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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ALA American Library Association

American Library Association announces 2027 Youth Media Awards Public Announcement Date and Location

The 2027 ALA Youth Media Awards public announcement will be held on Monday, January 25, beginning at 10 a.m. CT. The announcement will take place at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605). The Youth Media Awards recognize the top books, digital media, video and audio books for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Printz and Newbery awards.

book cover for The Public Librarian’s Guide to Answering Health Questions

The Public Librarian’s Guide to Answering Health Questions

CHICAGO — Librarians play a central role in helping people navigate information, evaluate sources, and find answers they can trust. That includes health information, something many people come to the library looking for every day. Maybe they need more...

American Library Association marks 150th Anniversary during Banned Books Week with list of 150 Most Challenged Books

The Oct. 4–10 Observance Concludes With Let Freedom Read Day

Choice publishes white paper showing academic libraries how to optimize their purchasing decisions using prescriptive analytics

Middletown, CT – October 1, 2026: Choice announces the tenth publication in a series of white papers designed to provide actionable intelligence around topics of importance to the academic library community. The paper, “The Optimized Library: Prescriptive...

Run for ALA President-elect, Executive Board Member, or Councilor-at-Large by e-petition

ALA members may seek the positions of president-elect, executive board member, or councilor-at-large by petition.

AIA_ALA_Core

The 2027 ALA/AIA Library Building Award Application is Open Now!

The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are currently accepting applications for the AIA/ALA 2027 award which honors the best in library architecture and design. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

ALA American Library Association, AASL American Association of School Librarians

ALA, AASL Endorse the Bicameral Quality Educator Partnership Act

The American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians endorsed the bicameral Quality Educator Partnership Act (S.5549 / H.R.10530).

book cover for Public Libraries and Homelessness: A Practical Guide

A guide for supporting homeless library users

CHICAGO — As homelessness increases across the UK and in other parts of the world, public libraries, as one of the only places in society in which one can exist without the expectation of paying for the privilege, have become a key safe space for homeless...

Core Forum

Announcing the 2026 Core Forum Keynote Speakers!

Core is proud to announce our Forum 2026 keynote speakers, Nick Laracuente and Frank X Walker!

book cover for International School Librarianship: Advice and Stories from Around the Globe

International voices of school librarianship

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ International School Librarianship: Advice and Stories from Around the Globe” collects the advice and stories of experienced and award-winning librarians from around the world...

PLA seeks responses to 2026 Public Library Technology Survey

The Public Library Association (PLA) seeks responses to the 2026 Public Library Technology Survey. This unique national survey focuses on resources, training, staff, and funding related to technology access.

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AASL Announces Relaunch of AASL Standards Web Portal

AASL Announces Relaunch of AASL Standards Web Portal The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) today announced the relaunch of the AASL Standards web portal, providing school librarians and their learning communities with an enhanced digital...

book cover for Libraries and Care-experienced Children and Young People

Understanding and supporting children and young people in care

CHICAGO — Exacerbated by the effects of austerity and cuts to public services, countries across the world are experiencing a crisis in the provision of care for children and young people. Wars, famine, and environmental disaster have led to an increase in...

Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures logo

Applications Open for the 2026-2027 Core Leadership Mentoring Program

The Core Leadership Development & Mentoring Committee is now recruiting mentors and mentees for the 2026-2027 cohort of the Core Leadership Mentoring Program . This program connects Core members who are established leaders or mid- to advanced-career...

Award-Winning Authors and Advocates Bess Kalb and Tony Weaver, Jr., to Headline Banned Books Week 2026

Bess Kalb (Buffalo Fluffalo series) and Tony Weaver, Jr. (Weirdo), have been named honorary chairs for Banned Books Week 2026 (October 4–10, 2026). They will be joined by youth honorary chairs Marshall Romero and Azeemah Sadiq.