Public Library Association

ALA welcomes Supreme Court decision to hold citizenship question from 2020 Census

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Supreme Court today issued a 5-4 ruling in Department of Commerce v. New York, temporarily blocking the Commerce Department from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. In response, ALA President Wanda Brown made the following statement:

July PLA webinar explores access issues related to unreturned library materials

CHICAGO – As a means of reducing barriers to library access, public libraries are increasingly eliminating overdue fines and fees. So, why do some patrons still fail to return borrowed materials? 

In Fall 2016, more than 10,000 people in the City of Milwaukee, WI, had their overdue fines forgiven and their library privileges restored. However, within 90 days, 8% of those individuals had once again incurred fines or fees.

PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative kicks off for summer 2019

CHICAGO -- This week, the Public Library Association (PLA) commenced its Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) activities for summer 2019. Through III, PLA sponsors paid, mentored summer internships at public libraries for high school juniors and seniors. The libraries were selected through a competitive application process in early 2019.

Public Library Association expands access to technology and digital skills training for rural communities with Microsoft Philanthropies

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced a new effort, supported by Microsoft Corp., to increase digital skills programming and access to technology in rural communities. Through $400,000 donated by Microsoft Philanthropies, PLA will provide hardware and digital skills training and resources to rural libraries, helping rural populations reap the benefits of broadband internet connectivity.

Free webinar in June highlights voter education services in public libraries

CHICAGO – In a time marked by uncertainty, the public library is in an extraordinary position as one of society’s most trusted institutions. Public libraries can leverage that trust to be at the forefront of voter education as we head into what will be one of the most watched presidential elections of our lifetimes. 

ALA releases new Libraries' Guide to the 2020 Census

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the American Library Association released the Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census, a new resource to prepare libraries for the decennial count of every person living in the United States.

Public libraries in Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio and Virginia awarded funding for workforce development

CHICAGO -- Today the American Library Association (ALA) and Public Library Association (PLA) announced the names of another 36 libraries across five states, which have been selected to receive funding from Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of ALA and PLA, sponsored by Grow with Google. The goal of the initiative is to ensure that public libraries across the nation receive ongoing access to free tools and resources to help everyone across America grow their skills, careers and businesses.

Author Ann Patchett to speak at 2019 PLA Member Welcome Breakfast

CHICAGO -- The New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett will be the special guest speaker, courtesy of HarperCollins, at the Public Library Association's (PLA) Member Welcome Breakfast at the 2019 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Washington, DC.  PLA President Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne, PhD will host the Breakfast during which PLA will also recognize the recipients of its 20

PLA to host three webinars in May

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced its webinar offerings for the month of May. All three webinars are offered free of charge, but registration is required and space is limited. Please click the webinar titles below for more information or to register.

Improving the Quality of Youth Programs
Thurs., May 2; 1-2 p.m. Central Time

ALA, PLA Select First Round of Libraries Lead with Digital Skills Awardees: 20 Pennsylvania Public Libraries Receive Funding for Workforce Development

Today the American Library Association (ALA) and Public Library Association (PLA) announced the names of 20 libraries* in Pennsylvania selected to receive funding from Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of ALA and PLA, sponsored by Grow with Google.