Governance

ALA announces $1.25M emergency fund for libraries impacted by COVID-19

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announced today it will make available $1.25M in emergency relief grants to libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund invites public, school, academic, and tribal libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for grants of $30,000 to $50,000.

ALA Executive Board supports APALA in recognizing and condemning ongoing anti-Asian hate crimes

Update March 25, 2021: Since the Executive Board issued this statement on March 11, another horrific act of racist, sexist, and targeted violence against the Asian community was perpetuated in Atlanta. In the aftermath of the murders of eight people, including six Asian women, we again amplify the words of our colleagues in the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association and join them in asking all ALA members to publicly condemn anti-AAPI racism through visible actions and join forces in battling discrimination, xenophobia, and white supremacy.

ALA Elections now open – cast your vote today!

CHICAGO -- American Library Association (ALA) election polls are now open!    ALA members are encouraged to cast a digital ballot to vote for association-wide leadership that will shape the future and direction of the association. ALA’s annual election will close on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. 

Sam Helmick, Christina Rodriques, Ana Elisa de Campos Salles to serve on ALA Executive Board

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Council has elected Sam Helmick, Christina Rodriques and Ana Elisa de Campos Salles to serve on the ALA Executive Board. The Executive Board election took place during the 2021 ALA Midwinter Meeting and Exhibits, held virtually Jan. 22-26. Elected board members will begin a three-year term beginning in July 2021 and concluding in June 2024.

American Library Association joins American Historical Association’s condemnation of the 1776 Commission’s Report

CHICAGO — The American Library Association’s Executive Board has signed on to a statement from the American Historical Association that condemns the Advisory 1776 Commission report from the previous administration that “reject[s] recent efforts to understand the multiple ways the institution of slavery shaped our nation’s history.” Of its decision to cosign the statement, ALA said:

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.  

ALA announces slate of petition Council candidates

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announces that the following individuals have filed petitions for the Councilor-at-Large position on the ALA Council for the 2021 ALA Election:

ALA Statement on Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping

CHICAGO - On September 22, the White House issued its Executive Order On Combating Race And Sex Stereotyping, prohibiting federal employees, contractors, and grant recipients from discussing or considering concepts such as critical race theory and white privilege and discouraging diversity education and training.

ALA Nominating Committee Councilors-at-Large candidates announced

CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Nominating Committee annually nominate candidates from among the general membership for members-at-large of Council. Individuals who are not selected by the Nominating Committee may run for office by petition.