News and Press Center
Featured News
October 1, 2024
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.
press release
September 23, 2024
American Library Association reveals preliminary data on 2024 book challenges
Between January 1 and August 31, 2024, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 attempts to censor library materials and services.
press release
September 19, 2024
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.
press release
September 17, 2024
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...
news
July 25, 2024
Sam Helmick chosen 2024-2025 American Library Association president-elect
The American Library Association Council decided on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, that Sam Helmick will be the 2024-2025 president-elect effective immediately.
press release
July 9, 2024
New Public Library Technology Survey report details digital equity roles
Nearly half of libraries now lend internet hotspots; 95% offer digital literacy training CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) today published the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report. The national survey updates emerging trends around...
news
ALA in the News
Censorship reports show a mixed picture on U.S. book challenges
In observance of Banned Books Week, the American Library Association and PEN America released reports on book censorship across the country.
ALA active at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly
The American Library Association (ALA) International Relations Committee (IRC) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Subcommittee hosted the first ALA UN in-person event during the United Nations General Assembly 79 (UNGA), and members of...
2025 Jason Reynolds / Simon & Schuster Travel Grant Application Now Open
The American Library Association is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2025 Jason Reynolds / Simon & Schuster Travel Grant. The grant will cover the expenses of five (5) Black/African American youth or teen services...
American Library Association reveals preliminary data on 2024 book challenges
Between January 1 and August 31, 2024, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 attempts to censor library materials and services.
New Research Examines Librarian Roles During COVID-19 Pandemic
CHICAGO – Newly published research study from the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), used interview-based methodology to examine the shifting responsibilities and duties of school...
American Library Association to present United Nations program
Leaders and experts in government, academic, public and school libraries will converge to present the American Library Association’s first in-person event during the United Nations General Assembly.
AASL Commends the Worcester County Public Schools Media Expo
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) Media Expo, approving a resolution made by the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), an AASL Chapter. AASL annually...
Core Webinar Series: Library Facility Master Planning
CHICAGO—Core/Buildings & Operations: Buildings for College and University Libraries and Planning & Design Committees are pleased to present the four-part webinar series “Library Facility Master Planning." Library leaders with responsibility for one or...
Person-centered management in academic libraries
CHICAGO — A recent study published in the Journal of Library Administration draws a sobering conclusion: the accelerated exodus of library workers from the profession in the last several years is partially due to strained relationships between staff and...
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.
American Library Association announces the appointment of Donna Seaman as Booklist Editor-In-Chief
Booklist, the official book review journal published by the American Library Association, announces the appointment of Donna Seaman as Editor-In-Chief and Editor, Adult Books.
Award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services will help libraries boost literacy skills in communities nationwide
AASL Commends the Maryland State Education Association
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the Maryland State Education Association, approving a resolution made by the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), an AASL Chapter. AASL annually recognizes...
Reminder: Call for ALA Committee Volunteers for 2025-2027 - submit by October 14, 2024
ALA Members are reminded to volunteer for ALA standing committees for the 2025-2027 term. Serving on an ALA standing committee provides members with opportunities to: Gain valuable professional development and leadership experience Make an impact on key...
American Library Association Hosts Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress
ALA convened a third Intellectual Freedom Summit in its nearly 150-year history, bringing together national organizations, publishing allies, educational institutions, foundations, authors and other champions of intellectual freedom.
AASL Commends the Title Wave Book Mobile
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the Title Wave Book Mobile serving students in Carteret County, North Carolina, approving a resolution made by the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA)...