ALA President

Run for ALA President-elect or Councilor-at-Large by petition

ALA members may run for ALA office by petition for the position of ALA President-elect or ALA Councilor at Large. Individuals who are interested in running by petition or were not selected by the ALA Nominating Committee may run for office by filing an electronic petition. The ALA Nominating Committee will begin notifying nominated candidates by the end of October 2022.

Members who are interested in running by petition may do so by completing an e-petition form:

Drabinski wins 2023-2024 ALA presidency

CHICAGO — Emily Drabinski, interim chief librarian at The Graduate Center, City University of New York has been elected 2022-2023 president-elect of the American Library Association (ALA).

Drabinski received 5,410 votes, while her opponent, Kelvin Watson, executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District received 4,622 votes.

Upon learning the outcome of the election, Drabinski provided the following statement:

Make your voice heard within ALA at the Virtual Membership Meeting, Thursday, March 17

CHICAGO – ALA members will have the opportunity to engage in real time with ALA leadership during the association’s Virtual Membership Meeting, at 1 p.m. Central/2 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, March 17.

Virtual meetings are part of ALA’s ongoing focus to connect members and provide an avenue for input on strategic direction, budget priorities, and topics of interest.

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 6, 2022. 

Libraries Transforming Communities to distribute more than $7 million in grants to support small and rural library accessibility efforts, call for Grant Advisor RFPs now open

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announced today that its Libraries Transforming Communities project will offer more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services and programs to better serve people with disabilities.

Register now for ALA Connect Live session focusing on sustainability and climate action for libraries and communities

CHICAGO — This month's ALA Connect Live session is one you won't want to miss. It will showcase what library champions are doing to help their communities address climate change.

Register now for this important discussion, which takes place at 11 a.m. Pacific time/ 1 p.m. Central time on Thursday, Feb. 24. 

ALA names Maureen Sullivan Honorary Member

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Council elected former ALA President Maureen Sullivan to honorary membership in the association, the ALA's highest honor, during the virtual 2022 Library Learning Experience. Honorary membership is conferred in recognition of outstanding contributions of lasting importance to libraries and librarianship.

ALA names Jim Neal Honorary Member

CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Council elected former ALA President and Treasurer Jim Neal  to honorary membership in the association, the ALA's highest honor, during the virtual 2022 Library Learning Experience. Honorary membership is conferred in recognition of outstanding contributions of lasting importance to libraries and librarianship.

ALA begins a new tradition with the first-ever LibLearnX

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) hosted the first LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience (LLX) conference online, Jan. 21-24, 2022. LibLearnX is a completely new conference experience, built from the ground up based on years of research, exploration, and most importantly, input from library professionals. The 2022 conference was intentionally designed as a benefit for ALA Members, with an opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate. The event attracted 2,100+ participants and 66 exhibiting organizations.

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono to join ALA President Patricia 'Patty' Wong in conversation plus more

CHICAGO — ALA President Patricia “Patty” Wong will be joined by U.S. Senator, Mazie K. Hirono in conversation at the LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience Opening Session, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. CT.