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Show Up for Our Libraries

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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Pokemon Club - ALSC & AASL

AASL President Amanda Kordeliski Honors Pokémon Company International with Presidential Commendation

CHICAGO – During the 2026 ALA Annual Conference, held June 26–29 in Chicago, American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 2025-2026 President Amanda Kordeliski awarded her Presidential Commendation in recognition of The Pokémon Company International’s...

Michael Dowling, Director, International Relations and Chapter Relations

American Library Association Announces Michael Dowling as Recipient of the 2026 Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award for International Librarianship

The American Library Association announces Michael Dowling, longtime director of ALA's International Relations Office and Chapter Relations Office, as the recipient of the 2026 John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award for International Librarianship.

AASL Research Paper Awards Announced

CHICAGO – Two research papers have been awarded the 2026 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Research Paper Award by the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) of AASL. The award recognizes excellence in manuscripts addressing a...

ALA American Library Association

ALA International Relations Round Table Announces 2026 Mission Enhancement Grant Recipient

The American Library Association’s (ALA) International Relations Round Table (IRRT) is pleased to announce that the BRIDGE: Building Relationship through International Dialogue & Global Exchange” project has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 IRRT Mission Enhancement Grant.

AASL Best Digital Tools 2026

AASL Announces 2026 Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released its annual list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning. The Best Digital Tools provide opportunities for school librarians to enhance learning, engage learners, and...

Intellectual Freedom Round Table. 2026 Intellectual Freedom Awards. Gerald Hodges Chapter Relations Award: PLDAA, Public Library Directors Association of Alabama. John Phillip Immorth Memorial Award: Deborah Caldwell-Stone. Eli. M Oboler Memeroail Award: Paul T. Jaeger

ALA Announces 2026 Recipients of Celebrated Library Intellectual Freedom Awards

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the Public Library Directors Association of Alabama as the recipient of the 2026 Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award...

AASL NSLY 2026 Vernon Hills Staff

Vernon Hills High School named National School Library of the Year

CHICAGO – Vernon Hills High School, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is the recipient of the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) 2026 National School Library of the Year (NSLY) Award. Sponsored by Follett Content, the NSLY Award annually...

ltceg

Terrebonne Parish Library System (Houma, La.) and Union (N.J). Public Library Awarded ALA’s Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) has awarded its seventh annual Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant to Terrebonne Parish Library System in Houma, La., and Union (N.J.) Public Library. The winning libraries will use the grant...

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Academic, K-12 and Tribal Library Awarded ALA’s 2026 Peggy Barber Tribute Grant for Programs to Strengthen Community Through Libraries as Third Spaces

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) has awarded its 2026 Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, a programming grant named after the transformative ALA leader, to Fresno (Calif.) State Library, Lafayette County C-1 School District, Higginsville, Mo. and...

Jessie Commerce receives AASL Frances Henne Award

CHICAGO – Jessie Commerce, assistant librarian at Salem Church Middle School in Richmond, Virginia, is the recipient of the 2026 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Frances Henne Award. Sponsored by Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, the $1,250...

Keely Tolin receives AASL Distinguished School Administrator Award

CHICAGO – Keely Tolin, Principal at Shawnee Middle School, is the recipient of the 2026 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Distinguished School Administrator Award. Sponsored by ProQuest, the $2,000 award recognizes and honors a school...

Connecticut Association of School Librarians Logo

Connecticut Association of School Librarians receives AASL Chapter of the Year Award

CHICAGO – The Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL) is the recipient of the 2026 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Chapter of the Year Award. The $1,000 award recognizes the AASL Chapter that is most active and dynamic in...

Dr. Robbie Barber chosen as the 2026 recipient of the LIRT Librarian Recognition Award

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) is pleased to announce that Dr. Robbie Barber has been selected as the recipient of the 2025-2026 LIRT Librarian Recognition Award.

Bellevue School District Libraries chosen as the 2026 recipient of the LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award

The Library Instruction Round Table announced that the 2025-2026 Innovation in Instruction Award will be presented to the Bellevue School District Libraries at Lake Hills Elementary School, Bellevue Digital Discovery, and Cherry Crest Elementary School.

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North Carolina School Library Media Association Awarded AASL ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant

CHICAGO – North Carolina School Library Media Association is the recipient of the 2026 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Sponsored by Bloomsbury, the $1,750 grant is given to an AASL Chapter for planning and...