ALA International Relations Round Table Announces 2026 Mission Enhancement Grant Recipient

CHICAGO–The American Library Association’s (ALA) International Relations Round Table (IRRT) is pleased to announce that the BRIDGE: Building Relationship through International Dialogue & Global Exchange” project has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 IRRT Mission Enhancement Grant.

The project submitted by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), proposes a series of four virtual Ignite Talks-style webinars that will bring together librarians and information professionals’ practices, successful programs, and practical solutions that can be replicated and adapted in libraries across different countries and communities.

The BRIDGE project aligns closely with the IRRT’s mission to foster international dialogue, professional, and knowledge exchange among library professionals worldwide. By highlighting best practices from diverse regions, the initiative will strengthen global networking opportunities and support professional development across the international library community.

Webinar themes will include digital innovation, community engagement, library sustainability, and emerging technologies in libraries. Each session will include concise presentations from five to six volunteer speakers representing multiple countries, followed by moderated discussions and audience questions.

The project aims to:

• Promote international collaboration and understanding among library professionals
• Increase awareness of innovative global library practices
• Support professional development opportunities worldwide
• Strengthen international professional networks and partnerships

Funds from the IRRT Mission Enhancement Grant will support coordination, promotion, evaluation, and translation services for the webinar series. AFLI will provide the webinar platform and technical support as an in-kind contribution.

Recorded sessions and written summaries will remain available as reusable professional development resources for the global library community, extending the project’s impact beyond the live events.

The International Relations Round Table Endowment was established in 2016. Interest from the Endowment supports member-initiated proposals for international activities and initiatives that contribute to ALA’s role in the profession.

For additional information about the grant or to apply next year, please visit the IRRT Mission Enhancement Grant page. 

About the American Library Association   

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.