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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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American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom unveils new and updated resources to protect the freedom to read

The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) launched significant updates to tools to help library workers, advocates and the public combat book banning and to stay informed on the latest censorship cases around the country.

Core Webinar: Using the Viewfinder Toolkit for Responsible AI

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Using the Viewfinder Toolkit for Responsible AI" on May 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. AI hype is everywhere! Libraries and archives want to use AI to improve our resources and services, while protecting our communities from...

Show Up for Our Libraries - American Library Association (ALA)

After blocking cuts to FY 2026 funding, library advocates call for boost in federal funding for FY 2027

As the House of Representatives began taking requests for federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 spending, the American Library Association (ALA) launched its annual Fund Libraries campaign...

book cover for Intellectual Freedom Manual, Eleventh Edition

Announcing the eleventh edition of OIF’s Intellectual Freedom Manual

CHICAGO — When someone faces a difficult intellectual freedom (IF) issue, they usually don’t have time to wade through dense text to find the answers they need. Designed as a real-world reference, the new eleventh edition of the “ Intellectual Freedom...

ALA American Library Association

Scholastic Library Publishing Award is accepting nominations, deadline March 15

The Scholastic Library Publishing Award deadline is extended until March 15th!

ALA Statement on Staff Unionization Efforts

ALA employees announce plans to form a union.

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Application Open for ALA Endowment Trustee Position

Applications are now being accepted for two (2) ALA Endowment Trustee positions, who will serve a three-year term. All applicants will be required to submit an electronic application, as well as upload a CV and three references.

Host Applications Open for 2027 Children's Literature Lecture Featuring Kwame Alexander

Applications are now open to host the 2027 Children's Literature Lecture featuring award-winning author Kwame Alexander. The application form is due Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Show Up for Our Libraries - American Library Association (ALA)

ALA denounces federal book banning bill

The American Library Association denounced H.R. 7661, a federal bill targeting LGBTQ+ stories that would modify the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to restrict "sexually oriented" materials.

ALA American Library Association

ALA Names Grant Winners for National Mobile Literacy Initiative with Simple Mobile

The American Library Association (ALA), in partnership with Simple Mobile and World Education, is proud to announce the five winners of the Connected Communities: Mobile Literacy in Action grant.

Best of Core Forum: Competency vs. Character: What Makes a Good Leader?

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Competency vs. Character: What Makes a Good Leader?" on April 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Leadership is essential at every level of an organization, as experienced library leaders reach retirement age, the...

American Library Association opens registration for its 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition and announces opening and closing speakers

CHICAGO — Today, the American Library Association (ALA) opened registration for the ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition, to be held at the McCormick Place Chicago Convention Center and surrounding hotels in Chicago, June 25-29, 2026.

Best of Core Forum: Power of a Community The Colorado Chicano Movement

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Power of a Community The Colorado Chicano Movement" on April 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Engaging with their community through active, collaborative memory work, archivists can provide a voice and build...

2026 Jesse H. Shera Award for the Support of Dissertation Research

The Library Research Round Table is pleased to announce the 2026 Jesse H. Shera Award for the Support of Dissertation Research: Deeth Ellis, Simmons University Examining the Enactment of School Librarian Leadership Practices using Distributed Leadership Theory: A Mixed Methods Study

2026 Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research

The Library Research Round Table is pleased to announce the 2026 Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research: Blair Solon, Margie Montañez, Liz Cooper, Amy Jankowski, Glenn Koelling, and Laura Soito. “Preparing for the Worst but Hoping for the Best: Censorship, Academic Libraries, and Reconsideration Policies.” Library Resources & Technical Services (Chicago) 69, no. 2 (2025). https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.69n2.8439.