Governance

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.

Aldrich, Garcia, Pelayo-Lozada, seek 2022-23 ALA presidency

CHICAGO - Stacey A. Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System, Honolulu, Hawaii; Ed Garcia, Director, Cranston Public Library, Cranston, Rhode Island; and Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada, Adult Services Assistant Manager, Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, California, are candidates for the 2022-23 presidency of the American Library Association (ALA).

Run for ALA office by filing an electronic petition

CHICAGO - Individuals who were not selected by the ALA Nominating Committee may run for office by petition. Members who are interested in running by petition may do so by completing an e-petition form: