News and Press Center
Featured News
November 6, 2024
ALA vows to defend intellectual freedom and access to information against political threats
In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the American Library Association vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats.
press release
October 16, 2024
American Library Association opens registration and launches Preliminary Program for 2025 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix, AZ
LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites ALA members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations.
press release
October 1, 2024
Freedom to Read Community Day of Action rallies support for America’s libraries on October 19
The American Library Association (ALA) and the ALA-founded Unite Against Book Bans campaign are joining some of the nation’s largest and smallest library systems to in a Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19, 2024.
press release
September 23, 2024
American Library Association reveals preliminary data on 2024 book challenges
Between January 1 and August 31, 2024, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 attempts to censor library materials and services.
press release
September 19, 2024
ALSC, ALA unveil 'Inspiring Future Voters' booklist for young readers
As part of the American Library Association’s Reader Voter Ready civic engagement campaign, the Association for Library Service to Children has released “Inspiring Future Voters,” a new booklist for young readers.
press release
July 25, 2024
Sam Helmick chosen 2024-2025 American Library Association president-elect
The American Library Association Council decided on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, that Sam Helmick will be the 2024-2025 president-elect effective immediately.
press release
ALA in the News
Censorship reports show a mixed picture on U.S. book challenges
In observance of Banned Books Week, the American Library Association and PEN America released reports on book censorship across the country.
Gordon Baker elected 2022-2023 United for Libraries president
EXTON, Pennsylvania — Dr. Gordon Baker, Dean of Libraries, Emeritus at Clayton State University and chair of both Georgia Library Association and Southeastern Library Association’s Trustees, Friends and Advocates Division and Section, has been elected...
Amy Koester elected ALSC vice-president/president-elect
Amy Koester, learning experiences manager, Skokie (Ill.) Public Library (SPL), has been elected vice president/president-elect of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). She begins her...
Margaret Heller Elected 2021-22 Core President-elect
Margaret Heller, Digital Services Librarian at Loyola University Chicago, has been elected as the 2021-22 President-elect of Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures, a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Her term will begin July 1, and...
Pelayo-Lozada wins 2022-2023 ALA presidency
CHICAGO - Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada, adult services assistant manager, Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, California has been elected 2021-2022 president-elect of the American Library Association (ALA). Pelayo-Lozada is the first...
2021 Public Library Association election results
CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the results of its 2021 Election. Voting was available from March 8 through April 7, and open to all PLA members in good standing. The members elected Dr. Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley...
ALA announces $1.25M emergency fund for libraries impacted by COVID-19
CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announced today it will make available $1.25M in emergency relief grants to libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund...
ALA Executive Board supports APALA in recognizing and condemning ongoing anti-Asian hate crimes
Update March 25, 2021: Since the Executive Board issued this statement on March 11, another horrific act of racist, sexist, and targeted violence against the Asian community was perpetuated in Atlanta. In the aftermath of the murders of eight people...
ALA Elections now open – cast your vote today!
CHICAGO -- American Library Association (ALA) election polls are now open! ALA members are encouraged to cast a digital ballot to vote for association-wide leadership that will shape the future and direction of the association. ALA’s annual election will...
Sam Helmick, Christina Rodriques, Ana Elisa de Campos Salles to serve on ALA Executive Board
CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Council has elected Sam Helmick, Christina Rodriques and Ana Elisa de Campos Salles to serve on the ALA Executive Board. The Executive Board election took place during the 2021 ALA Midwinter Meeting and...
CHICAGO — The American Library Association’s Executive Board has signed on to a statement from the American Historical Association that condemns the Advisory 1776 Commission report from the previous administration that “reject[s] recent efforts to...
ALA condemns violence on Capitol Hill, calls for advocacy
WASHINGTON, DC — The Executive Board of the American Library Association (ALA) gives thanks for the safety of the staff in our Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington and ALA members who work on Capitol Hill, as well as for elected legislators...
ALA announces slate of petition Council candidates
CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announces that the following individuals have filed petitions for the Councilor-at-Large position on the ALA Council for the 2021 ALA Election: Rachael Clukey, reference librarian, Delaware County District...
Candidates announced for 2021 Public Library Association board election
CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) 2021 Nominating Committee has unveiled the slate of candidates for the Association’s 2021 Election. This year, six nominees will stand for three positions on the PLA Board of Directors: 2022-2023 president...
ALA Statement on Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping
CHICAGO - On September 22, the White House issued its Executive Order On Combating Race And Sex Stereotyping, prohibiting federal employees, contractors, and grant recipients from discussing or considering concepts such as critical race theory and white...
ALA Nominating Committee Councilors-at-Large candidates announced
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Nominating Committee annually nominate candidates from among the general membership for members-at-large of Council. Individuals who are not selected by the Nominating Committee may run for office by...
