News and Press Center

Stay updated on ALA's latest news, events, and initiatives in libraries nationwide. Your go-to source for library innovation and impact.

ALA in the News

NBC News (logo)

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.

More media coverage

All News

ALA logo on red background

Lisa Varga named Associate Executive Director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office

The American Library Association (ALA) announced today that Lisa Varga will become the associate executive director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington D.C.

Show up for our libraries! ALA American Library Association. #ForOurLibraries

ALA statement on White House assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services

An executive order issued by the Trump administration on Friday night, March 14, calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries.

ALA, AASL decry U.S. Defense Department censorship of schools and libraries on military installations

DoDEA school libraries provide a wealth of information and resources to their communities. By ordering the removal and suppression of learning materials and activities in its schools and libraries, the DoDEA is engaging in censorship...

Red background, white words: BOOK BANS ARE REAL. ALA logo

ALA to U. S. Department of Education: Book bans are real

The American Library Association responds to the Department of Education's dismissal of complaints about censorship and discrimination: the "effort to terminate protections... advances the demonstrably false claim that book bans are not real."

ALA logo on red background

American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians Members Featured in Documentary “The Librarians” to Walk the Red Carpet at Sundance Premiere

American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians member leaders Becky Calzada, Carolyn Foote, and Amanda Jones, will walk the red carpet at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, for the premiere of “The Librarians"

Show up for our libraries! ALA American Library Association. #ForOurLibraries

New ALA Initiative Asks Advocates to “Show Up for Our Libraries”

Today the American Library Association (ALA) launched Show Up for Our Libraries, a campaign to harness the collective power of library advocates to influence elected leaders and policymakers.

ALA files U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief affirming universal service, E-Rate Program and essential roles of libraries

This week the American Library Association (ALA) filed an amicus brief affirming the FCC's essential Universal Service Fund (USF) and the E-rate Program that helps power broadband-enabled services and access through U.S. public libraries & schools.

ALA logo on red background

ALA vows to defend intellectual freedom and access to information against political threats 

In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the American Library Association vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats. 

Denise Davis Appointed ALA Senior Fellow for Research and Data

The American Library Association (ALA) has appointed Denise Davis as a Senior Fellow in ALA’s Department on Institutional Advancement, Programs, and Partnerships and in its Public Policy and Advocacy Office.

ALA logo on red background

White House recognizes libraries’ efforts to save lives from overdose

White House recognizes libraries’ efforts to save lives from overdose. American Library Association President Cindy Hohl participated in event with Administration officials and national leaders.

Red, white and blue copy on black background: 10.19.24  FREEDOM TO READ DAY OF ACTION COMMUNITIES UNITE AGAINST BOOK BANS

Freedom to Read Community Day of Action rallies support for America’s libraries on October 19

The American Library Association (ALA) and the ALA-founded Unite Against Book Bans campaign are joining some of the nation’s largest and smallest library systems to in a Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19, 2024.

Reader. Voter. Ready. Inspiring Future Voters

ALSC, ALA unveil 'Inspiring Future Voters' booklist for young readers

As part of the American Library Association’s Reader Voter Ready civic engagement campaign, the Association for Library Service to Children has released “Inspiring Future Voters,” a new booklist for young readers.

Graphic logo with a book stack and a voting ballot above the text "READER. VOTER. READY."

On National Voter Registration Day 2024, ALA President urges library professionals to get Reader Voter Ready

WASHINGTON – On National Voter Registration Day, also Constitution Day, ALA President Cindy Hohl issued the following letter to library professionals: Dear colleagues, Today is National Voter Registration Day. As president of the American Library...

Webinar. Understanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Wed., October 2, 3:30-5 pm ET. American Library Association. Public Service Promise.

948,000 and Counting: Free Webinar on Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The American Library Association (ALA) will present a free webinar for library workers about Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) on Oct. 2, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

Text in red and blue: Learn Without Limits; Image: colorful collage of clip art representing technology and innovation (Wi-Fi signal, books, computers, rocket, etc.

ALA praises FCC vote to make Wi-Fi hotspots eligible for E-rate funding

The American Library Association welcomes an FCC vote allowing libraries and schools to use tens of millions of dollars in federal E-rate funding each year to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots for lending.