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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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The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘The Boy Wonder,’ ‘Raised by Ghosts’ and ‘Teen Titans’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Young Adults Awards

The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘The Boy Wonder,’ ‘Raised by Ghosts’ and ‘Teen Titans’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Young Adults Awards

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The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals!’, ‘How to Draw a Secret’ and ‘Witches of Brooklyn’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Children Awards

The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals!’, ‘How to Draw a Secret’ and ‘Witches of Brooklyn’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Children Awards.

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Submissions Now Open for the 2026 John Cotton Dana Awards

CHICAGO—The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the 2026 John Cotton Dana Award (JCD). The John Cotton Dana Award is one of the most prestigious awards given to up to eight libraries for outstanding library public relations...

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ALA Core Margaret Mann Citation Applications are Now Open

CHICAGO—Please consider nominating a colleague or self-nominating for the ALA Core Margaret Mann Citation, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding professional achievement in cataloging or classification, either through publication of significant...

Core Online Course Scholarship

2026 Applications Now Open for the Core Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries

Core: Infrastructure, Leadership and Futures, a division of the American Library Association, is now accepting applications for the Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries to participate in our online Fundamentals...

Call for SustainRT New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend Applications

The SustainRT New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend recognizes the importance of social equity to SustainRT and ALA, and works to support new and diverse members to overcome barriers to participating in the professional development.

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GameRT Announces 2025 Platinum Play Award Recipients

As a part of the International Games Month 2025 celebrations, the Games & Gaming Round Table (GameRT) of the American Library Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Platinum Play Awards. The “Platys” are awarded to games considered...

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Penguin Random House and United for Libraries Announce 2026 Grants to U.S. Small and Rural Libraries

Penguin Random House and United for Libraries today announced a 2026 grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds...

Call for Volunteers: Serve on ALA Award Juries 

Call for Volunteers: Serve on ALA Award Juries

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Susan D. Ballard receives AASL Distinguished Service Award

CHICAGO- Susan D. Ballard, past president of AASL and a retired district director of Library, Media, and Technology (Londonderry, NH), is the recipient of the 2025 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Distinguished Service Award. Sponsored by...

ALA Store at 2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition

Visit the ALA Store, located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center on the bridge between the 200-level meeting rooms and Hall A, for a variety of posters, bookmarks, clothing, gift and professional development books, and more. Store hours are: Friday...

Jesse H. Shera Award for Support for Dissertation Research, 2025

The Library Research Round Table is pleased to announce the 2025 Jesse H. Shera Award for the Support of Dissertation Research: A Meaningful Place: Public Libraries and Self-care Children Jacqueline "Jacquie" Kociubuk, University of Wisconsin - Madison...

Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research, 2025

The Library Research Round Table is pleased to announce the 2025 Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research: Ben Rawlins, Associate Dean for Outreach, Engagement and Collections William T. Young Library, University of Kentucky "Are...

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AASL Research Paper Awards Announced

CHICAGO – Three research papers have been awarded the 2025 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Research Paper Award by the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) of AASL. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the grants recognize excellence in...

Bound To Stay Bound Books

Thirty AASL Members Awarded Bound to Stay Bound Grants to Attend First 2025 AASL National Conference

CHICAGO – Thirty American Association of School Librarians (AASL) members have been awarded $750 travel grants to attend their first AASL National Conference. Generously sponsored by Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. (BTSB), the grants will enable...