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April 9, 2026

ALA and AFSCME Prevail in Fight to Protect Libraries and Museums Nationwide

On April 9, 2026, the American Library Association (ALA) – the largest library association in the world – and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – the nation’s largest union of cultural workers – reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work.

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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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American Library Association president responds to Obama surveillance speech

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Barbara Stripling, president of the American Library Association (ALA), released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s remarks on the National Security Agency surveillance program: “After months of calling for...

Applications for Citizens-Save-Libraries grants due April 15

PHILADELPHIA — Applications for cycle two of the Citizens-Save-Libraries grants from United for Libraries, made possible by a grant from the Neal-Schuman Foundation, are due April 15. The 10 libraries that are selected will receive two days of onsite...

ALA President Barbara Stripling’s 'Building Community through Making' free webinar series continues with 'Making Strategic Partnerships'

CHICAGO – ALA President Barbara Stripling’s second installment of the Winter Webinar series “Building Community Through Making,” will be “Making Strategic Partnerships,” featuring nationally recognized speakers and innovative library leaders, from 1 p.m....

United for Libraries to present ‘Nuts & Bolts for Trustees, Friends and Foundations’ at Midwinter

PHILADELPHIA – United for Libraries will host “Nuts & Bolts for Friends and Trustees” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel, during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. Libby Post, president of...

Free webinar to kick off ALA President Barbara Stripling’s 'Community Building and Makerspaces' series

CHICAGO – ALA President Barbara Stripling’s Winter Webinar series “Building Community Through Making,” featuring nationally recognized speakers and innovative library leaders, begins at 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Central time on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. The...

Toolkit on starting an academic friends group available from United for Libraries

PHILADELPHIA – United for Libraries has made available a free toolkit to those looking to start a friends of the library group at a college, community college or university. “Academic Library Friends: A Tookit for Getting Started – You Can Do This!” was...