Public Awareness

2023 John Cotton Dana Awards Announced

The 2023 John Cotton Dana (JCD) Award winners, recognized for their strategic communications efforts, have been selected. The John Cotton Dana Awards provide up to eight grants for libraries that demonstrate outstanding library public relations. The award is managed by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Core Division and EBSCO Information Services and consists of $10,000 grants from the H.W.

PLA programs and events at the 2023 ALA Annual Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) will host more than 20 programs, two preconferences, and a President’s Coffee Catch-up during the 2023 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, at the McCormick Place Convention Center and surrounding hotels in Chicago, Ill., June 22–27.

Library community mourns loss of Patricia A. "Pat" Wand 

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) and the broader library community lost a valued member, leader, and friend in Patricia A. “Pat” Wand who died suddenly on April 28, 2023. A multi-talented and dedicated volunteer, Wand led ALA and its higher education division, the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), in planning and budgeting, legislative advocacy, and international relations during her 50 years as an active member. 

Freedom to Read Foundation announces 2023 Election Results

The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is excited to announce the results of the 2023 Board of Trustees election. FTRF members elected six trustees to its Board of Trustees for two-year terms that begin on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

ALA Announces Theme for Banned Books Week, October 1-7, 2023

Grant application window open through May 19, 2023

CHICAGO – The American Library Association has announced the theme for Banned Books Week 2023: “Let Freedom Read!” Banned Books Week will take place October 1 – 7, 2023.

Tracie D. Hall named to TIME’s Annual TIME100 List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World

CHICAGO – TIME has named Tracie D. Hall to the 2023 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The full list and related tributes appear in the April 24 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, April 14, and now at time.com/time100

Submissions Now Open for the 2023 John Cotton Dana Awards

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the 2023 John Cotton Dana Award (JCD). The John Cotton Dana Award is one of the most prestigious awards given to up to eight libraries. The $10,000 awards will be provided by the H.W. Wilson Foundation and honors outstanding library public relations.

Ten Honorees Set to Receive Prestigious I Love My Librarian Award for Outstanding Public Service

CHICAGO — Today the American Library Association (ALA) announced 10 recipients of the coveted I Love My Librarian Award. Honorees are exceptional librarians from academic, public and school libraries who were nominated by patrons nationwide for their expertise, dedication and profound impact on the people in their communities.