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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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book cover for Critical Information Literacy Applications for All Libraries

Critical information literacy topics, programs, and lessons

CHICAGO — Through its focus on questioning who creates information, addressing algorithmic biases, and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices, critical information literacy (CIL) can serve a vital function in navigating our complicated world...

American Library Association to present during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum

The American Library Association is sending a delegation to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, July 13-24.

book cover for “The AI and Data Revolution: Understanding the New Data Landscape”

The AI and data revolution

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ The AI and Data Revolution: Understanding the New Data Landscape” outlines the key changes over the last 30 years that have led to this moment, from the rise of mass media...

“Social Media in Healthcare Information” book cover

Social media in healthcare information

CHICAGO — Social media has now been an integral part of life for over 20 years, revolutionizing so many aspects of our lives that it is now difficult to imagine a world without it. As smartphone technology has matured and users have grown more...

Becky Calzada

AASL President Becky Calzada Honors The Librarians Filmmakers and Book Riot’s Kelly Jensen with Presidential Commendations

CHICAGO – During the 2025 ALA Annual Conference, held June 26–30 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, American Association of School Librarians (AASL) President Becky Calzada awarded her Presidential Commendations in recognition of outstanding advocacy for...

American Library Association Annual Conference and Exhibition brings more than 14,000 to Philadelphia

Amid continued threats to library funding and attacks on the freedom to read, library workers gathered June 26-30 in Philadelphia at the . 2025 American Library Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, the largest library event in the world.

Helmick inaugurated 2025-2026 ALA President

Sam Helmick, Community & Access Services Coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, was inaugurated ALA President for 2025-2026 on June 30 at the ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Jacob P. Folsom Selected as the 2025 David H. Clift Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the selection of Jacob P. Folsom of Los Angeles, California, as the 2025 David H. Clift Scholarship recipient. The David H. Clift Scholarship was named for a former director of the American...

Colton D. Whelpton Selected as the 2025 Tony B. Leisner Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Colton D. Whelpton of Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) as the recipient of the 2025 Tony B. Leisner Scholarship. The $3,000 scholarship, named for an active ALA member and former member of the ALA...

Mia Jakobsen Selected as the 2025 Peter Lyman Memorial/SAGE Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association and SAGE are pleased to announce Mia Jakobsen of Furry Creek, British Columbia (Canada) as the recipient of the 2025 Peter Lyman Memorial/SAGE Scholarship in New Media. Jakobsen says she “wants to pursue a career in...

Rachel Salvatori Selected as the 2025 Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the selection of Rachel Salvatori of Nashville, Tennessee as the 2025 Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship recipient. The $3,000 award is given to an ALA or library support staff member to help...

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ALA celebrates Supreme Court ruling to protect federal broadband programs

The American Library Association (ALA) applauded the Supreme Court 6-3 decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund (USF).

Sarah Shuai Martin Selected as the 2025 Mary V. Gaver Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the selection of Sarah Shuai Martin of Chicago, Illinois as the 2025 recipient of the Mary V. Gaver Scholarship. The $3,000 scholarship was established to honor the memory of a past ALA...

John Cotton Dana Award

2025 John Cotton Dana Awards Announced

IPSWICH, Mass. — June 27, 2025 — The 2025 John Cotton Dana (JCD) Award recipients have been selected, honoring libraries for their exceptional achievements in strategic communications. Administered by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Core Division...

Man with glasses wearing a jacket

American Library Association chooses Daniel Montgomery as new executive director

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Daniel J. Montgomery as its next executive director. He will replace Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger.