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Show Up for Our Libraries

April 9, 2026

ALA and AFSCME Prevail in Fight to Protect Libraries and Museums Nationwide

On April 9, 2026, the American Library Association (ALA) – the largest library association in the world – and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – the nation’s largest union of cultural workers – reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work.

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ALA in the News

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New wave of bills targeting libraries is ‘a threat to our democracy,’ American Library Association warns

The association, founded in 1876, condemned legislation that would threaten librarians and other educators with criminal prosecution for possessing “obscene” material.
 

 

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The 2027 ALA/AIA Library Building Award Application is Open Now!

The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are currently accepting applications for the AIA/ALA 2027 award which honors the best in library architecture and design. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Core Forum

Announcing the 2026 Core Forum Keynote Speakers!

Core is proud to announce our Forum 2026 keynote speakers, Nick Laracuente and Frank X Walker!

Core Webinar: Building Equitable, Actionable Feedback Cultures

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Building Equitable, Actionable Feedback Cultures" on November 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT. Feedback is one of the most powerful tools a leader has, and one of the most misused. This session invites library leaders at...

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: Building an IDEA Strategy for Public Libraries

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Building an IDEA Strategy for Public Libraries" on October 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Public libraries increasingly seek to advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), yet many...

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: How to Have an Inclusive Collection Even When Your Institution Isn’t

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: How to Have an Inclusive Collection Even When Your Institution Isn’t" on October 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. How can you ensure your collection is inclusive for all, even if your institution isn’t...

Core Webinar: International Librarianship Panel

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "International Librarianship Panel" on August 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT. What is it like to build a library career beyond North America? Join three experienced librarians who have worked internationally as they share...

Core Webinar: Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm" on August 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Anti-transgender rhetoric has been spreading for many years, but the inauguration on January 20, 2025 marked a sea-change in the...

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: Accuracy Matters: Evaluating the Value of AI Tools

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Accuracy Matters: Evaluating the Value of AI Tools" on September 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on library...

Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs" on July 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Study room spaces have become a critical resource offered in large academic libraries, yet their standard configuration...

Best of Core Forum: The Quiet Revolution Is Loud: Are Libraries Ready?

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: The Quiet Revolution Is Loud: Are Libraries Ready?" on August 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. For most libraries, door counts have reached or surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Demand for quiet study spaces has...

Core Webinar: Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm" on August 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Anti-transgender rhetoric has been spreading for many years, but the inauguration on January 20, 2025 marked a sea-change in the...

Core Webinar: Empowering Intergenerational Digital Literacy

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Empowering Intergenerational Digital Literacy" on August 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. A lack of access, confidence, and skills keeps many older adults from connecting digitally. This webinar focuses on how public libraries...

Core Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists with a gold outline of a duck

Announcing the 2026 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists

Core presents the 2026 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Lists. The lists are composed of notable children’s and young adult science fiction published between November 2024 and March 2026 and organized into three age...

John Cotton Dana Award

2026 John Cotton Dana Awards Announced

IPSWICH, Mass. — June 26, 2026 — The 2026 John Cotton Dana (JCD) Award recipients have been selected, celebrating library marketing and communications through strategic and creative campaigns. Administered by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Core...

2026 Presidential Citations

Announcing the Awardees of the 2026 Core Presidential Citations

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is pleased to announce the 2026 awardees of Core Presidential Citations. The Core Presidential Citations recognize distinguished achievements by Core members who make significant contributions to the...