ALA launches campaign as it nears its 150th anniversary

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The association will recognize and commemorate the leadership and support that ALA has provided to library workers, library users, library trustees and supporters throughout the United States and the world. ALA has been an essential professional venue for learning, sharing, networking, and advocacy. 

As America itself prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, the country and the American Library Association are intertwined in ensuring that all people can participate in democracy. 

“For 150 years, ALA has played a key leadership role in supporting free and unfettered access to information. Our association has advocated for and protected the freedom to read and has battled censorship attempts that are on the rise throughout the country,” said Emily Drabinski, ALA president. “Our anniversary in 2026 is the perfect time to showcase the work of ALA to support librarians throughout the country and the increasingly important role they play in their communities, colleges and schools.” 

The ALA Executive Board has created two member-led committees to lead the association in the planning for the anniversary: 

• The 150th Commemoration Committee will develop and guide events, programs, products, and a public awareness campaign related to the yearlong anniversary in 2026. It will focus on the impact the association has made and will take a forward-looking approach to exploring a vision for the next 150 years. Co-chairs are Martin Garnar, Amherst College library director; and Courtney L. Young, ALA past president and university librarian at Colgate University.  

• 150th Fundraising Campaign Committee will establish a campaign goal, partner to create campaign strategies, provide opportunities for donor engagement, host events and meet with potential donors. Co-chairs are Jim Neal, ALA past president and university librarian emeritus at Columbia University, and Christina Rodriques, ALA Executive Board member and OCLC senior program manager. 

“We are excited about the campaign’s potential to draw on the initiative and enthusiasm for this work with partners within ALA, the broader library community, and among the many friends and allies of libraries,” said Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger. “We look to the Commemoration Committee for the many activities to celebrate this notable milestone, and to the Fundraising Campaign Committee to coordinate development efforts to support librarians as they create the libraries of the future.” 

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 more than 140 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.