American Library Association Announces 150th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign: ‘For Our Libraries. For 150 Years More.'

The $60 million campaign is the most ambitious in the Association’s history 

CHICAGO - As part of the American Library Association’s 2026 sesquicentennial, the Association is launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign, For Our Libraries. For 150 Years More. 

“In this sesquicentennial year, we recommit to the principles that have guided us for 150 years: courage, collaboration, access, and an unyielding faith in the power of stories to change lives,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “For Our Libraries, For 150 Years More is an investment in library workers, equitable access to information, intellectual freedom and lifelong literacy in every community.” 

The $60 million campaign goal represents the most ambitious philanthropic initiative in ALA’s history and reflects a long-term investment in libraries, library workers, literacy, intellectual freedom, and equitable access to information.  

As a mission driven organization, ALA is directing Campaign gifts to programs and services supporting America’s libraries, marking a historic investment in our libraries’ ability to serve their communities. The Campaign focuses on strengthening key action areas:  

Advancing the Library Profession: ALA is a vital connector, advocating for the library profession, unifying academic, public, school, government, and special libraries as part of a powerful network. Campaign gifts will help support scholarships, professional development opportunities, and services for library workers across the nation.  Outside of the federal government, ALA is the nation’s largest grant maker supporting U.S. libraries and library workers. 

Advocacy for Libraries: As a persistent and tenacious presence, ALA serves as the voice of libraries and library workers in Washington, D.C., advocating at the national level. Campaign gifts will help ensure this vital work continues. Recently, ALA led a lawsuit challenging the attempted dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. With April’s settlement, this win protects this agency’s crucial services for libraries. 

Equitable Access to Information: ALA is the leading advocate for E-rate and other digital opportunity initiatives that enable libraries to serve their communities with affordable, high-speed Internet access and digital skills resources. Campaign gifts support training for library workers, equipping them to help address digital divides in their communities. 

Intellectual Freedom: ALA is the leading advocate for the right to read in all types of libraries, providing direct confidential support to library workers facing censorship, education, and resources to support intellectual freedom and privacy in libraries. Campaign gifts will bolster ALA’s advocacy and essential training programs that help library workers understand the legal issues around censorship and support each other during censorship attempts.  

Literacy of all Kinds: Libraries stand ready to strengthen literacy for every generation. From foundational to advanced literacy skills, library workers teach, inspire, and equip individuals to navigate a rapidly changing world. Recently ALA launched a “Mobile Literacy in Action” initiative to address the critical digital divide for millions of Americans who rely on smartphones as their sole gateway to the internet but lack the specialized skills to navigate the technology for essential needs like banking, telehealth, employment, and civic engagement. This project empowers hundreds of community members to close opportunity gaps and provides a national roadmap for modernizing digital equity. 

ALA’s volunteer-led 150th Anniversary Campaign Cabinet developed its vision: As we celebrate the milestone of the founding of ALA, we endeavor to secure the future of the largest library association in the world, to open new pathways for members, and to ensure that libraries and library workers continue our vital community-building work for the next 150 years and beyond. 

The Cabinet is co-led by Christina Rodriques, Columbus Public Library, and Steven Yates, PhD, University of Alabama. 

“An investment in libraries is an investment in helping our communities learn, connect and thrive,” said ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery. “And especially in this moment as we celebrate 150 years of the ALA and 250 years of our nation, it’s fitting to commit to supporting our libraries, so essential to our democracy. I heartily encourage all individuals who can, private foundations, and corporate partners to help us sustain America’s libraries and the careers of those who work in them. It’s not only a deep investment in the future of libraries and knowledge, but in our freedoms. Join us.” 

The 150th Campaign extends through December 31, 2027. To support the Campaign and learn more, visit ALA150.org. For further information about the Campaign, contact Amy Katzenberger, Director of Development, akatzenberger@ala.org, or 312-280-5049. 

About the American Library Association 
The 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 150 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.