For immediate release | September 2, 2026
Accepting Applications for the 2027 Lois Ann Gregory-Wood Fellowship
The American Library Association (ALA) invites applications for the 2027 Lois Ann Gregory-Wood (LAGW) Fellows Program. Visit the LAGW Fellows page for more information about the program and application process.
Lois Ann Gregory-Wood worked at ALA for 50 years, including 27 years as the ALA Council Secretariat. For thousands of ALA members, she was the face of ALA Council and governance. The Fellows Program honors her leadership and contributions while encouraging greater understanding of and participation in ALA’s governance processes.
The program seeks applicants for 2027. The selected Fellow will receive a $2,500 grant to help cover the costs of attending ALA governance meetings and the 2027 ALA Annual Conference. The Fellow will attend the ALA Governance Meetings in January 2027 (virtually) and the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 24–28, 2027.
Throughout the conferences, the selected Fellow will work with a mentor and attend various governance meetings to observe, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of ALA’s governance and leadership processes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be an ALA member for at least two years.
- Be a practicing librarian with an MLS from an accredited institution or a CAEP-accredited master’s degree with a specialty in School Library Media; a full-time library staff member; or a library trustee or Friends board member.
- Have worked as a librarian or library staff member or served as a library trustee or Friends board member, for at least five years.
- Have attended at least one ALA Annual Conference or LibLearnX/Midwinter Meeting.
The application deadline is October 15, 2026. Applicants will be asked to explain their interest in the program and describe how the experience and knowledge gained through the fellowship will benefit ALA, their library, and their professional career.
The selection committee will review applications in October, and the selected Fellow will be notified and announced by November 15, 2026. Applications are now available.
Prospective applicants with questions may contact Jim Neal, chair of the Selection Committee, or Kimberly L. Redd, ALA staff liaison.
The LAGW Fellows Program offers ALA members a valuable opportunity to gain an inside view of the Association’s governance, develop their leadership skills, and explore ways to become more actively involved in ALA governance.
Contact:
Kimberly Redd
Program Manager
American Library Association
Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR)
klredd@ala.org312-280-4279
