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Show Up for Our Libraries

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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ALA in the News

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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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book cover for Growing Teen Engagement: Strategies to Captivate Secondary Learners (AASL Standards–Based Learning Series)

Teen-friendly school library spaces and services

CHICAGO —Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, “ Growing Teen Engagement: Strategies to Captivate Secondary Learners” is your essential resource for transforming your secondary school library into a thriving...

Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff, Seventh Edition

New edition of best-selling library technology companion

CHICAGO — Technology infuses every aspect of every day in every library, and thus basic technology skills are a prerequisite for everyone who works in a library. Providing a one-stop overview of all technologies used in libraries today, the seventh...

book cover for “Information Literacy Through Theory"

Conceptually rich information literacy research and practice

CHICAGO — Information literacy research is growing in importance, as evidenced by the steady increase in dissertations and research papers in this area. However, significant theoretical gaps remain. “ Information Literacy Through Theory,” published by...

book cover for A Slow Approach to Visual Literacy in Higher Education: Lesson Plans for Critical Discernment

Lesson plans for a slow approach to visual literacy

CHICAGO — The principles of “slow librarianship”—which prioritizes reflection, collaboration, solidarity, and valuing all kinds of contributions—can also support deeper and more sustained learning and understanding. “ A Slow Approach to Visual Literacy in...

Group of students in a classroom with digital device

Public Library Association expands digital literacy training funding opportunity, powered by AT&T

The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce expanded digital literacy funding opportunities and resources for public libraries, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.

Text in red and blue: Learn Without Limits; Image: colorful collage of clip art representing technology and innovation (Wi-Fi signal, books, computers, rocket, etc.

ALA praises FCC vote to make Wi-Fi hotspots eligible for E-rate funding

The American Library Association welcomes an FCC vote allowing libraries and schools to use tens of millions of dollars in federal E-rate funding each year to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots for lending.

Graphic for Core webinars

Core Webinar - Past to the Future: Intersections of Digitization, AI, and the Digital Humanities

Join Core for the webinar "Past to the Future: Intersections of Digitization, AI, and the Digital Humanities" on July 17, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT. The presenter will discuss will discuss how AI is being used to improve digitization.

Digital Equity Programs Timeline infographic; see fact sheet at bit.ly/dea-info for details. 2024 is the timeframe for applying for state cap. funds.

New ALA tools guide libraries in applying for more than $1 billion in federal Digital Equity Act funding

New ALA tools guide libraries in applying for more than $1 billion in federal Digital Equity Act funding.

Core Webinar Series: Creative Commons

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is excited to present the four-part webinar series “Creative Commons” March-April 2024. This webinar series is from Creative Commons, an international nonprofit organization that empowers people to grow...

Core Adds More to the “Best of Core Forum” Webinar Collection for 2023 Event

CHICAGO — Core is pleased to announce an updated list of selections for the second “Best of Core Forum” webinar collection. These webinars are based on programs presented at the 2023 Core Forum. The presenters are adapting the program content into live...

Core Webinar - Best of Core Forum: Getting Our Money’s Worth with eBook Acquisitions

CHICAGO –Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Getting Our Money's Worth with eBook Acquisitions" on February 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT. With more than six years of data from the Demand Driven Acquisitions (DDA) program of an R1 university, the...

product image for “Discover and Learn with the Library of Congress” digital booklet

Library of Congress and ALA announce new educational series

CHICAGO — ALA Editions, the book publishing arm of the American Library Association, is pleased to announce a new educational series, “Discover and Learn with the Library of Congress,” to be published in association with the Library of Congress. Combining...

Core Presents “Best of Core Forum” Webinar Collection for 2023 Event

CHICAGO –Core is pleased to present the second “Best of Core Forum” webinar collection, starting on January 16, 2024. These webinars are based on programs presented at the 2023 Core Forum. The presenters are adapting the program content into live webinars...

ALA welcomes federal E-rate support for Wi-Fi hotspots

Washington — The American Library Association (ALA) today welcomed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to permit use of E-rate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services. ALA President...

book cov er for The Librarian's Guide to Learning Theory: Practical Applications in Library Settings

Applying learning theories in real-world contexts

CHICAGO — From makerspaces to book clubs, from media facilities to group study spaces, from special events to book displays, libraries support learning in numerous ways. In “ The Librarian's Guide to Learning Theory: Practical Applications in Library...