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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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Supreme Court refuses to hear Little v. Llano County: ALA responds

ALA expressed disappointment and concern following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow a lower court ruling from the Fifth Circuit to stand. This decision will significantly restrict the freedom to read in public libraries across TX, LA, and MS.

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PhD Thesis by Publication in Social Science Research

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ PhD Thesis by Publication in Social Science Research: A Practical Guide” is the ultimate resource for those looking to understand and undertake a PhD TBP, which is a thesis...

Core Online Course Scholarship

2026 Applications Now Open for the Core Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries

Core: Infrastructure, Leadership and Futures, a division of the American Library Association, is now accepting applications for the Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries to participate in our online Fundamentals...

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YALSA announces 2026 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults finalists

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), selected five books as finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award.

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YALSA announces 2026 William C. Morris finalists

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), selected five books as finalists for the 2026 William C. Morris Award.

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Bicameral Right to Read Act Would Boost Federal Investment in Literacy Programs, Ensure Protections for School Librarians and Teachers

The American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), welcomed yesterday’s bicameral reintroduction of the Right to Read Act.

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Announcing the 2026 Core Fundamentals Web Course Schedule

Core is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Core Fundamentals Web Course schedule. This series of related online courses covers basic topics that enhance skills in various areas of library work.

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Best of Core Forum: Neurodiversity in the Academic Library

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Neurodiversity in the Academic Library" on January 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Neurodiversity within the librarian professional is often neglected as a subject of scholarly conversation. With higher rates...

Natioanl Library Week 2026 poster: Illustration of a library with Mychal waving from the door to usher passersby into the library. A large sign over the door of the library reads: Find Your Joy! At right is a photo of librarian Mychal Threets smiling with thumbs up gesture while wearing a t-shirt that reads "Library Joy!!"

Award-winning librarian and ‘Reading Rainbow’ host Mychal Threets to serve as 2026 National Library Week honorary chair

Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program “Reading Rainbow” Mychal Threets will serve as Honorary Chair of the American Library Association’s National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026.

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ALA welcomes reinstatement of all federal IMLS grants to libraries

Today, the American Library Association (ALA) greeted an announcement by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that it had reinstated all the agency’s grants.

Bibliotherapist and author Emely Rumble will open the Recharging in Challenging Times: ALA Virtual Event

Emely Rumble, LICSW, a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and seasoned biblio/psychotherapist with over 15 years of professional experience, is set to open the Recharging in Challenging Times: ALA Virtual Event on February 10, 2026.

PLA opens proposal window for “Hot Takes” and “How-To” programming at 2026 national conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) opened a call for proposals for the popular How-To Stage and new Hot Takes event at the PLA 2026 Conference, to be held April 1-3, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. The submission deadline is Dec. 15, 2025.

Call for SustainRT New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend Applications

The SustainRT New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend recognizes the importance of social equity to SustainRT and ALA, and works to support new and diverse members to overcome barriers to participating in the professional development.

Choice announces the Outstanding Academic Titles of 2025

MIDDLETOWN, CT - The Choice Outstanding Academic Titles (OAT) list for 2025 has been announced. This prestigious list, released today, reflects the best scholarly titles reviewed by Choice during the previous calendar year, as chosen by the editors. This...

Libraries Invited to Apply for the Sixth Annual Peggy Barber Tribute Grant to Support Programs that Strengthen Community Ties through Libraries as Third Spaces

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) invites library workers to apply for the sixth annual Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, a programming grant named after the transformative ALA leader responsible for the creation of National Library Week and the...