Public Awareness

Author and National Ambassador Meg Medina Selected Honorary Chair of National Library Week 2024

CHICAGO — Award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina has been selected Honorary Chair of National Library Week, April 7-13, 2024, which celebrates the indispensable role of libraries and library workers in schools and communities.

Artist Shepard Fairey chooses American Library Association for fundraiser 

CHICAGO – Artist Shepard Fairey has chosen the American Library Association for a fundraiser released on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in connection with Echo, an accessories and design manufacturing company. 

PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference will move attendees towards laughter and thoughtful reflection with speakers Dulcé Sloan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Mary Annaïse Heglar. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, in Columbus, Ohio, will feature dynamic speakers and programming in a celebration of all things public libraries.  

Dr. Brandy McNeil Appointed to Fill Director-At-Large Vacancy on PLA Board

CHICAGO — Last week, the Public Library Association (PLA) Board of Directors appointed Dr. Brandy McNeil to the Director-at-Large position in her return to the PLA board. Dr. McNeil will complete the 2023-2024 term of Candice Mack, who vacated the position effective November 10, 2023, to serve as the new executive director for the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). 

ALA appoints Leslie Burger as Interim Executive Director

CHICAGO – The American Library Association Executive Board has selected Leslie Burger as ALA’s interim executive director. Her first day is November 15, 2023. 

ALA unveils shortlist for 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

CHICAGO —Today, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the six books shortlisted for the esteemed Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, awarded for the previous year’s best fiction and nonfiction books written for adult readers and published in the United States.

ALA announces new YALSA Executive Director

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) welcomes Candice Mack as the new Executive Director for the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of ALA.

GameRT seeks nominations of amazing games for its new Platinum Play Awards list!

CHICAGO — The Games & Gaming Round Table (GameRT) of the American Library Association is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the new Platinum Play Awards as part of its celebration of International Gaming Month. These new awards will recognize the best games for use in library collections and library programming. 

Social Responsibilities Round Table seeks nominations for the 2024 Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice & Equality

CHICAGO - The Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) of the American Library Association is happy to announce that nominations for the 2024 Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice & Equality are now open.

Herb Biblo was a longstanding and active member of SRRT and ALA, having served as ALA Treasurer 1980-1984 and ALA Councilor for many years. The $4000 award, which is co-sponsored by Library Juice Press, is to recognize significant work in promoting social justice and/or equality within the library profession.

American Library Association and Sustainable Libraries Initiative to join forces on climate action strategy for libraries

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) to create a strategic plan for library professionals to address climate change. The SLI’s mission is to empower library leaders to advance environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible practices to intentionally address climate change and co-create thriving communities.

The National Climate Action Strategy will provide guidance on the following: