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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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coalition title, all caps, in various shades of blue: AIRWAVES FOR EQUITY

ALA, Leading Digital Inclusion Advocates Launch Airwaves for Equity Coalition

New coalition asks Congress to dedicate revenue from future spectrum auctions to support digital literacy and adoption efforts Washington, D.C.—Today, the American Library Association, along with eight other of the nation’s leading digital equity...

book cover for Fostering Student Success: Academic, Social, and Financial Initiatives

Academic libraries supporting students academically, socially, and financially

CHICAGO — Academic libraries are confronting a myriad of challenges, including consequences stemming from the pandemic, the changing demographics of student bodies, and the financial obstacles that many students are struggling to overcome. What’s needed...

book cover for Student-Created Media: Designing Research, Learning, and Skill-Building Experiences

Designing student-created media for authentic learning

CHICAGO — Reinforcing the ACRL Framework’s calls for information creation in a range of formats, a 2020 LinkedIn survey rated “video production” as a top 10 skill sought by employers. “ Student-Created Media: Designing Research, Learning, and Skill...

book cover for Media Literacy for Justice: Lessons for Changing the World

Media literacy for justice

CHICAGO — The corrosive effects of today’s relentless tide of media are pernicious. We are conditioned in many ways by our media environments to accept and not question, making it crucial that young people master the skills necessary to access, analyze...

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American Library Association partners with Estée Lauder Companies on pilot grant project to boost literacy and digital skills of at-risk youth

CHICAGO – The American Library Association is pleased to announce it is partnering with Estée Lauder Companies to support WRITING CHANGE, an innovative pilot grant project to build literacy and digital skills for at-risk youth. WRITING CHANGE is a three...

book cover for Using Context in Information Literacy Instruction: Beyond Basic Skills

Beyond basic skills in information literacy instruction

CHICAGO — Librarians know that information literacy is much more complex and nuanced than the basic library research skill that it's often portrayed as; in fact, as outlined by the ACRL Framework, research is a contextual activity. But the settings in...

book cover for Metaliteracy in a Connected World: Developing Learners as Producers

Metaliteracy in a connected world

CHICAGO — In their new book “ Metaliteracy in a Connected World: Developing Learners as Producers,” published by ALA Neal-Schuman, Thomas P. Mackey and Trudi E. Jacobson continue their best-selling series with a careful examination of this foundational...

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ALA President Patty Wong to host Connectivity Corner Instagram Live series on libraries, broadband access and digital equity

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Library Association (ALA) will host a bimonthly series of live conversations between ALA President Patty Wong and library practitioners who are keeping their communities connected with high-speed broadband, technology and...

2020 Public Library Technology Survey

National survey finds libraries play expanded role in digital equity, bridging gaps in access to technology

CHICAGO – As the nation celebrates Library Card Sign-up Month this September, a new report from the Public Library Association (PLA) details how libraries are further extending their technology services and resources in the face of pandemic limitations...

Trust Me | Getting Better Foundation

AASL partners with the Getting Better Foundation to share award-winning documentary

Rosemary Smith Managing Director Getting Better Foundation rosemary.smith@gettingbetterfoundation.org CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has partnered with the Getting Better Foundation (GBF) to share the award-winning...

PLA launches Public Libraries: Partners in Workforce Development webinar series

CHICAGO — As the nation begins recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people are seeking opportunities to build skills, find and improve job prospects, and prepare for in-demand careers. Public libraries are stepping up to meet these needs with...

book cover for 32 Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Programs for Libraries

Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality programs for libraries

CHICAGO — Bestselling tech maven and editor Ellyssa Kroski is back with “ 32 Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Programs for Libraries,” published by ALA Editions, a timely, all-in-one guide to planning, organizing, and running virtual events. Ranging...

PLA, AT&T team up to bring digital literacy training to families

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, and AT&T have announced a collaboration to improve digital literacy and promote broadband adoption among families and communities, particularly those who are...

PLA, public libraries and Microsoft Corp. extend upskilling efforts for in-demand jobs

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA), supported by Microsoft Corp., is promoting tools to help job seekers in high-growth careers. PLA’s Skilling for Employment Post COVID-19 initiative connects public libraries and their communities nationwide...

book cover for Seeing Sense: Visual Literacy as a Tool for Libraries, Learning and Reader Development

Visual literacy as a tool for learning

CHICAGO — The burgeoning field of visual literacy can be universally understood across a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, regardless of traditional literacy levels. A key tool for navigating digital devices, there is often an antipathy surrounding...