Sourcebooks and American Library Association collaborate on new series

Publishing partnership will feature wide-ranging selection of books and journals

CHICAGO — Sourcebooks, a leading independent publisher based in Chicago, and the American Library Association’s (ALA) book publishing imprint, ALA Editions|ALA Neal-Schuman, will collaborate on a new series that will promote easy and affordable access to a range of general interest library-and reading-related content.

“ALA publishes a lot of content of potential interest and importance to a wider readership than the librarian and teacher markets we typically reach,” said Mary Mackay, ALA’s associate executive director, publishing. “We also have ALA experts who can work with Sourcebooks editors to develop material specifically for that wider market, such as fun ways to use ALA award lists to inspire book discovery or helping kids explore the library. We couldn’t be more thrilled about partnering with an independent publisher so genuinely driven by the belief that books change lives, and that has long demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to libraries, schools, and readers of all ages.”

ALA and Sourcebooks will create new content together, starting with a series of one-year reading journals featuring titles recommended by editors from the association and its book review magazine Booklist. The initial titles include 52 Award-Winning Titles Every Book Lover Should Read, 52 Diverse Titles Every Book Lover Should Read, and 52 YA Books Every Book Lover Should Read, scheduled to be released in December 2021.

“The American Library Association is the foremost national organization that provides resources to inspire library and information professionals, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them in publishing a wide range of books that will delight, engage, and inform readers of all ages,” said Dominique Raccah, Sourcebooks publisher and CEO. “It’s so exciting to be working with another Chicago-based institution on providing important content for readers around the world.”

Through a collaborative process between Sourcebooks and ALA Publishing editors, the first co-branded general-interest series title, Build Great Teams: How to Harness, Create, and Be Part of a Powerful Team, by ALA author Catherine Hakala-Ausperk is slated for publication in March 2021 under the Simple Truths Ignite Reads program.

This collaboration will showcase ALA authors' and editors' expertise with an initial goal of publishing up to six co-branded titles a year while utilizing Sourcebooks editors' in-depth knowledge of the trade market and the company's outstanding record of reach into that market. The material published will include topics for a range of age groups, such as recommended book and media lists (including approaches and materials that center around marginalized communities), literacy development, personal digital archiving, genealogy research, management tips, and using the library.

Sourcebooks is a thriving entrepreneurial company that brings extraordinary authors to readers in the most dynamic, data-driven ways. We create books that transcend categories and defy odds and have been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are home to enthusiastic, book-loving employees who are dedicated to connecting books to readers in new and innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have touched over 100 million lives. Join us as we change 100 million more. Visit www.sourcebooks.com for more information.

Booklist is the book review magazine of the American Library Association, offering the latest news and views on books and media and considered an essential collection development and readers' advisory tool by thousands of librarians for more than 100 years. For more information, visit https://www.booklistonline.com/ .

American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. Visit http://www.ala.org/ for more information.