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.
Final Reminder: Polls close April 4 in 2018 PLA Election
CHICAGO -- Time is running out for Public Library Association (PLA) members to cast their ballots in the association's 2018 election. The polls will close at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, April 4. This year, six nominees will stand for three...
Polls now open in 2018 PLA Board Election
Voting Deadline: Wednesday, April 4 CHICAGO -- The voting period has begun in the Public Library Association's (PLA) 2018 Election. In the 2018 PLA Election six nominees, listed below, will stand for three positions on the Board of Directors: PLA...
ALA and AASL release joint statement on Florida Senate Bill 7026
CHICAGO – American Library Association (ALA) President Jim Neal and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Steven Yates released the following joint statement in response to legislation that will allow for the arming of school librarians in...
American Library Association appoints Cushman & Wakefield as strategic real estate advisor
CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) has appointed Cushman & Wakefield as its exclusive real estate advisory firm to assist in the development of strategic real estate options that support the mission, business, and financial goals of the ALA...
Long-time RUSA member, Ed Garcia, elected to ALA Executive Board
CHICAGO - The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is pleased to announce that long-time RUSA member and current RUSA Director-at-Large has been elected to the ALA Executive Board. In addition to his service to RUSA, Garcia is a member of LITA...
ALA Appoints Mary Ghikas as Executive Director through January 2020
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board has appointed Mary Ghikas as executive director through January 2020, effective immediately. Ghikas has been serving as interim executive director since August 1, 2017, after the retirement...
(En Inglés) CHICAGO – En tiempos de desastre, las bibliotecas son un recurso invaluable para las comunidades necesitadas. Cuando hay zonas afectadas por los desastres naturales. ALA, los colaboradores de las bibliotecas y la comunidad en general, se...
American Library Association president-elect to tour Puerto Rico libraries
(El Español) CHICAGO – In times of disaster libraries serve as an invaluable resource to communities in need. When areas are affected by natural disasters, the ALA, library supporters and the community at large work to provide resources needed to help...
Candidates announced for 2018 Public Library Association board election
CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) Nominating Committee has unveiled the slate of candidates for the Association’s 2018 election. In the 2018 PLA election six nominees will stand for three positions on the board of directors: PLA President and...
PLA and United for Libraries to host Oct. 17 webinar on ‘Troubled Library Boards’
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) and United for Libraries are partnering to present a webinar designed to improve library boards of directors. The webinar, titled “Troubled Library Boards: Prevention and Survival” will be held at 2 p.m...
Committee Appointments 2018-2019
CHICAGO — Loida Garcia-Febo, American Library Association (ALA) president-elect, encourages members to volunteer to serve on ALA, Council, and two joint committees for the 2018-2019 term (terms start on July 1, 2018). Serving on a committee provides...
ALA Council adopts interpretations on politics and equity, diversity, inclusion
CHICAGO — At the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago, ALA Council adopted two interpretations authored by the Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) that address recent dialogues on diversity and politics. “ Equity, Diversity...
Council resolution calls for libraries to create responsible spaces
CHICAGO - At the 2017 Annual Conference in Chicago, the ALA Council passed a resolution regarding libraries as responsible spaces. As part of the Committee on Diversity report, this resolution is in response to a documented increase in hate crimes...
Kathi Kromer new head of ALA Washington Office
CHICAGO - After a nationwide search for the American Library Association’s (ALA) new Associate Executive Director (AED), Washington, D.C. Office, ALA has announced the appointment of Kathi Kromer to the role. Kromer will join the ALA Washington Office...
