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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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AASL Announces Toor Scholarship Recipients

CHICAGO – Four school librarians from across the country have been awarded an American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Toor Scholarship for Strong Public-School Libraries. The Toor Family, in honor of their parents, Jay and Ruth Toor, established...

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Washington Library Association- School Library Division Awarded AASL ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant

CHICAGO – The Washington Library Association (WLA) - School Library Division is the recipient of the 2025 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the $1,750 grant is given to an AASL Chapter for...

Hirons Library at Goldey-Beacom College chosen as the 2025 recipient of the LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) of the American Library Association is pleased to announce that the 2025 Innovation in Instruction Award will be presented to the Hirons Library Goldey-Beacom College.

Jane Hammons chosen as the 2025 recipient of the LIRT Librarian Recognition Award

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) of the American Library Association has chosen Jane Hammons, Associate Professor and Teaching & Learning Engagement Librarian, as the 2025 recipient of the LIRT Librarian Recognition Award.

Melissa Jacobs receives the AASL Intellectual Freedom Award

CHICAGO – Melissa Jacobs, Director of Library Services, New York City Public Schools, New York, is the recipient of the 2025 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Intellectual Freedom Award. Established in 1982 and sponsored by ProQuest, the...

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ALA awards $3.5 million in library accessibility funding to 300 small and rural libraries in third round of grant initiative

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the third round of recipients of its Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant, an initiative to help small and rural libraries increase the...

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Applications Open for 2025 Core LIFT Award for Professional Development

CHICAGO–Core is pleased to announce applications are open for the Career LIFT Award to support skill development and networking opportunities for information professionals. The award consists of up to $1,500 the recipient may use on professional...

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Last 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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Last Call for the SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace Nominations

Library staff are our greatest asset in building and supporting sustainable libraries and communities, the ALA Sustainability Roundtable (SustainRT) is recognizing libraries that go above and beyond in meeting their staff's wellness needs.

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Savannah Lake Named a 2025 Core Emerging Leader

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is pleased to announce that Savannah Lake has been selected as a Core Emerging Leader (EL). Lake is a Digital Scholarship Librarian for the J. Murrey Atkins Library at University of North Carolina at...

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Kay Slater Named a 2025 Core Emerging Leader

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is pleased to announce that Kay Slater has been selected as a Core Emerging Leader (EL). Slater is a Creative Technology Specialist at Oak Park Public Library (OPPL) in Oak Park, IL. In that role, they...

Win $5,000 for your k-12 school library!

K-12 school librarians invited to apply for the annual $5,000 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award

CHICAGO — School librarians are invited to apply for a $5,000 annual award recognizing outstanding humanities programming in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Nominations for the 2025 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award will be accepted until...

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LaShonda Campbell Named a 2025 Core Emerging Leader

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is pleased to announce that LaShonda Campbell has been selected as a Core Emerging Leader (EL). Campbell is a Collections Development Librarian at University of Arkansas at Monticello. She earned her...

Core Online Course Scholarship

February-August 2025 Applications Now Open for the Core Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries

CHICAGO–Core is now accepting applications for the Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries to participate in our online Fundamentals courses held between February 24, 2025, and August 7, 2025. One free seat per...

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Submissions Now Open for the 2025 John Cotton Dana Awards

CHICAGO—The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the 2025 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...