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June 12, 2025
Dr. Carla Hayden to appear at 2025 American Library Association Annual Conference
Former Librarian of Congress set to participate in conversation with award-winning author Kwame Alexander.
June 6, 2025
Court allows Trump administration to proceed with efforts to destroy Institute of Museum and Library Services as case continues
A federal judge has declined to block the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling, issued today in ALA v. Sonderling, will allow the administration’s cuts at the independent agency while the case proceeds.
May 21, 2025
ALA welcomes IMLS staff return and select grant reinstatements, cautiously optimistic about national case
ALA welcomed the return of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff to work and the reinstatement of some IMLS grants, which had been terminated following President Trump’s March 14 Executive Order 14238.
May 15, 2025
ALA raises alarm over termination of Digital Equity Act grants
The American Library Association (ALA) raised alarm over the Trump Administration’s cancellation of the Digital Equity Act grant program as of May 9.
May 1, 2025
Federal Court Halts Dismantling of Federal Library Agency in ALA Lawsuit
Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order to block the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
April 7, 2025
American Library Association, AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services
American Library Association, AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services
ALA in the News
The association, founded in 1876, condemned legislation that would threaten librarians and other educators with criminal prosecution for possessing “obscene” material.
ALA, AASL praise library legislation to expand access for students nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), welcomed the bicameral introduction of the Right to Read Act by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Raúl...
ALA welcomes Prison Libraries Act of 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association praised the Prison Libraries Act, introduced today by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-5th), along with co-leads Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18th) and Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11th), and 25 cosponsors...
Unite Against Book Bans virtual event to honor a lifetime of free expression through story CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) today announced a national day of action to protect libraries and the freedom to read, designating April 24, the...
ALA Launches Policy Corps Cadre for Proactive Advocacy on Book Banning
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the American Library Association (ALA) Public Policy & Advocacy (PPA) Office, in partnership with ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, announce a new initiative for proactive advocacy to combat book banning and censorship in...
ALA launches FY 2024 #FundLibraries campaign under tight deadline to gain House support
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) kicked off the annual #FundLibraries campaign on March 13, 2023, calling on library advocates in every congressional district to contact their representative and ask them to support libraries by...
ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office names Kent Oliver, Sara Benson senior policy advisors
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) has tapped Sara R. Benson and Kent Oliver as senior policy fellows for the Public Policy and Advocacy office to strengthen the association’s involvement in policy discussions related to First...
ALA offers webinars on new federal resources for sustainable library buildings
Free webinars will be offered on Feb. 1 and 2 Washington, D.C. -- The American Library Association (ALA) is offering two webinars for libraries about new federal resources for sustainable library buildings. On Feb. 1 at 1 pm Eastern, ALA will present...
ALA applauds passage of FY 2023 federal budget, key increases in funding for libraries
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) welcomed substantial increases in federal funding for libraries passed by Congress today as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill. President Biden is expected to sign the...
More than 50 Representatives urge support for library facilities in FY 2023 appropriations bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Fifty-four U.S. Representatives yesterday sent a letter urging the House to support federal funding to modernize library buildings nationwide. Led by Reps. Andy Levin (D-MI-9) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), the letter comes as...
ALA applauds new school library legislation to widen access for students nationwide
Sen. Jack Reed, Rep. Raúl Grijalva introduce the Right to Read Act WASHINGTON – Today the American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), welcomed the bicameral introduction of the Right to Read...
American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans and Banned Books Week Coalition Announce Events for September 18-24 CHICAGO -- Libraries nationwide will join the American Library Association to highlight increased censorship of books during this...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Library Association has released a new report that showcases the impact of the Libraries Build Business initiative on small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, as well as the library profession. Libraries Build...
Marjory Blumenthal and Dr. Christopher Harris Appointed ALA Senior Policy Fellows
The American Library Association (ALA) has appointed Marjory Blumenthal and Dr. Christopher Harris as Senior Policy Fellows in ALA’s Office of Public Policy and Advocacy. Blumenthal will focus on information technology policy issues, including copyright...
Senate FY 2023 Appropriations Bill Would Provide First Funding for Library Facilities in Decades
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The fiscal year (FY) 2023 funding bills released by the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 28 would, for the first time in 26 years, provide federal funding to modernize library buildings nationwide. If enacted, the bills would...
ALA Annual Conference Advisory
WASHINGTON, DC -- American Library Association (ALA) members and staff are continuing to monitor the situation related to today’s Supreme Court decision. While we grapple with the implications of this decision, our immediate priority is the safety of...
