Board of Directors

Library, author, bookseller groups condemn legal action attempting to censor books in Virginia

The American Library Association (ALA) joined with Virginia librarians and booksellers, publishers and civil liberties organizations to issue a statement on June 1 condemning a Virginia political candidate’s legal action that seeks to halt distribution of two well-received books in Virginia. Based on the unfounded claim that the books might be "obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors,” such legal actions threaten Virginians’ freedom to read, according to the coalition’s members.

Kathy Carroll, Sara Dallas to serve on ALA Executive Board

CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Council has elected Kathy Carroll and Sara Dallas to serve on the ALA Executive Board. The Executive Board election took place during the virtual 2022 Library Learning Experience. Elected board members will begin a three-year term beginning in July 2022 and concluding in June 2025.

Mary Davis Fournier named PLA executive director

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announced today the appointment of Mary Davis Fournier as executive director, Public Library Association (PLA), a division of ALA. Her first day in her new role will be Monday, June 14.

2021 Public Library Association election results

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the results of its 2021 Election. Voting was available from March 8 through April 7, and open to all PLA members in good standing.

The members elected Dr. Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley, director of Libraries at the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Public Library to the office of 2022-2023 PLA president.

ALA Endowment Trustees add minority-owned GQG Partners as newest fund manager

CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Endowment Trustees announce the acquisition of minority-owned GQG Partners LLC as the newest fund manager in ALA's $62 million portfolio. Founded in 2016 by Rajiv Jain, Chairman & Chief Investment Officer, GQG Partners LLC joins the ALA portfolio via its International Opportunities Fund, a considerable cap growth mutual fund that offers international portfolio diversification. 

ALA condemns violence on Capitol Hill, calls for advocacy

WASHINGTON, DC — The Executive Board of the American Library Association (ALA) gives thanks for the safety of the staff in our Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington and ALA members who work on Capitol Hill, as well as for elected legislators, congressional staff and other government workers who put themselves in jeopardy to defend the seat of our federal government on January 6, 2021.  

Polls now open in 2020 PLA election

Voting Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 11:59 p.m. Central Time

CHICAGO -- The voting period has begun in the Public Library Association (PLA) 2020 election. Members will have an opportunity to elect three new directors to the PLA Board of Directors.

ALA responds to financial situation

CHICAGO – American Library Association (ALA) President Wanda K. Brown and the ALA Executive Board released the following statement in response to financial shortfalls in the current fiscal year operating budget that were first brought to light at the Association’s recent Midwinter Meeting.