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April 7, 2025
American Library Association, AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services
American Library Association, AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services
April 7, 2025
American Library Association kicks off National Library Week with the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024 and the State of America’s Libraries Report
The American Library Association (ALA) today released the highly anticipated Top 10 Most Challenged Books List.
March 15, 2025
ALA statement on White House assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services
An executive order issued by the Trump administration on Friday night, March 14, calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries.
February 10, 2025
American Library Association launches public supporter program
The American Library Association launched a new supporter program on February 10, 2025, inviting the public to join the fight to protect libraries and library professionals at a pivotal moment in our country’s history.
January 26, 2025
ALA to U. S. Department of Education: Book bans are real
The American Library Association responds to the Department of Education's dismissal of complaints about censorship and discrimination: the "effort to terminate protections... advances the demonstrably false claim that book bans are not real."
January 22, 2025
New ALA Initiative Asks Advocates to “Show Up for Our Libraries”
Today the American Library Association (ALA) launched Show Up for Our Libraries, a campaign to harness the collective power of library advocates to influence elected leaders and policymakers.
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.
PLA wraps 2024 conference with strong attendance and engagement
The Public Library Association (PLA) welcomed more than 7,500 public library workers, supporters, and vendors nationwide to celebrate all things public libraries at the PLA 2024 Conference, April 3–5, in Columbus, Ohio, and at the virtual conference.
PLA announces new opening speaker for 2024 conference: Shola Richards
The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce Shola Richards, founder and CEO of “Go Together” and best-selling author will open the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3—5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Richards replaces Dr. Joy Buolamwini, who will no longer be able to keynote due to unforeseen circumstances.
Columbus, Ohio, hosts national showcase for public library innovation
Conference to bring more than 6,200 library leaders for programs ranging from artificial intelligence to addressing learning loss to boosting accessibility for all.
How-To Stage, Career Center, and more special activities at PLA 2024 Conference
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio will feature a wide variety of special activities, from the How-To Stage to the Career Center...
PLA opens registration for 2024 Virtual Conference
CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced that registration is open for the PLA 2024 Virtual Conference. Offered as an alternative opportunity for public library workers unable to attend the in-person conference in Columbus, Ohio...
PLA announces 2024 conference scholarship winners
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is awarding 115 scholarships for public library professionals and students to attend the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio. Of this total number, 97 scholarships will support in...
PLA announces Dr. Joy Buolamwini as opening session speaker for 2024 conference
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) announces that the 2024 Conference will open with the “Poet of Code” Dr. Joy Buolamwini as the opening session speaker. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3—5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, will feature...
PLA now accepting proposals for How-To Stage at PLA 2024 Conference
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) opened a call for proposals for the How-To Stage at the PLA 2024 Conference, to be held April 3–5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. The How-To Stage, located in the Exhibits Hall of the Greater Columbus Convention...
PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference will move attendees towards laughter and thoughtful reflection with speakers Dulcé Sloan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Mary Annaïse Heglar. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, in...
PLA expands its 2024 Conference Scholarship opportunities
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) will award 50 conference scholarships for public library workers and students to attend the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio. As part of PLA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and...
Registration and housing now open for PLA 2024 Conference
CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced that registration and housing are officially open for the PLA 2024 Conference. The conference will take place April 3–5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio; most events will be held at the Greater...
PLA now accepting proposals for PLA 2024 Conference
CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) opened the Call for Proposals for educational sessions to be presented at its next biennial conference, to be held April 3-5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. The PLA 2024 Conference will highlight innovative...
6,000 attend first in-person PLA national conference since pandemic
CHICAGO – The Public Library Association national conference ended Friday, March 25, 2022, after more than 6,000 library professionals and gathered together in person and virtually to attend sessions on shaping the future of public library service in a...
Portland to host largest national library conference since the pandemic
(CHICAGO) In the wake of the pandemic and calls for social justice, the Public Library Association (PLA) will host its national conference in Portland, Oregon, from March 23 to 25, 2022. More than 4,000 attendees will attend the in-person event at the...
PLA 2022 to generate an estimated $4.4 million in revenue for City of Portland
CHICAGO - The Public Library Association (PLA) national conference is the largest in-person association conference to return to Portland since the beginning of the pandemic. The event will bring more than 4,000 attendees to the Oregon Convention Center...
