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.

Featured News

View All

January 15, 2026

ALA, Leading Education Organizations Highlight Value of Technology for Learning as Senate Committee Examines Kids’ Screen Time

Ahead of today’s Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on youth screen time, 17 national education technology, library and nonprofit organizations sent a joint letter to Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell...

January 8, 2026

American Library Association Kicks Off 150th Anniversary with Youth Media Awards

The American Library Association (ALA) officially launched its 150th anniversary year, marking a century and a half of empowering library professionals, advancing access to knowledge and protecting the freedom to read.

December 18, 2025

ALA welcomes pathbreaking study on the state of the nation’s library facilities

The American Library Association (ALA) welcomed the release of a major national study conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) about the condition of public library buildings.

December 9, 2025

Supreme Court refuses to hear Little v. Llano County: ALA responds

ALA expressed disappointment and concern following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow a lower court ruling from the Fifth Circuit to stand. This decision will significantly restrict the freedom to read in public libraries across TX, LA, and MS.

Fund Libraries. Tell Congress to invest in libraries.

December 5, 2025

Bicameral Right to Read Act Would Boost Federal Investment in Literacy Programs, Ensure Protections for School Librarians and Teachers

The American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), welcomed yesterday’s bicameral reintroduction of the Right to Read Act.

Natioanl Library Week 2026 poster: Illustration of a library with Mychal waving from the door to usher passersby into the library. A large sign over the door of the library reads: Find Your Joy! At right is a photo of librarian Mychal Threets smiling with thumbs up gesture while wearing a t-shirt that reads "Library Joy!!"

December 4, 2025

Award-winning librarian and ‘Reading Rainbow’ host Mychal Threets to serve as 2026 National Library Week honorary chair

Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program “Reading Rainbow” Mychal Threets will serve as Honorary Chair of the American Library Association’s National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026.

Press Quick Links

ALA in the News

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