News and Press Center

Stay updated on ALA's latest news, events, and initiatives in libraries nationwide. Your go-to source for library innovation and impact.

Featured News

View All
Navigate through visible news articles using tab, or use the previous and next buttons to view more articles. Press Enter or Space to interact with article details.
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.

Press Quick Links

ALA in the News

NBC News (logo)

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.
 

 

More media coverage

All News

book cover for Digital Literacy Unpacked

Digital literacy unpacked

CHICAGO — Digital literacy is a powerful subject, which supports inclusivity, social mobility and digital citizenship globally. “ Digital Literacy Unpacked,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, brings together thought...

Libraries Ready to Code logo in blue and red

ALA's Libraries Ready to Code to Release Beta Collection at 2018 Annual Conference

The American Library Association’s (ALA) Libraries Ready to Code initiative, sponsored by Google, is releasing the beta version of the Ready to Code Collection at the 2018 Annual Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans. A release reception will be held...

PLA launches new interest groups in online community platform

CHICAGO -- The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has unveiled eight new interest groups in the online community platform, ALA Connect. ALA Connect is a site where members of ALA meet and mingle...

rusa logo

eForum: Assessing Electronic Reference Services

CHICAGO - Have you been wondering if your users are aware of your chat service? Or maybe how your students are using your research guides or your online FAQ? Do you need a little inspiration or advice on how to find out? If so, this Assessing Electronic...

DigitalLearn.org Year in Review

CHICAGO – Twenty-seventeen was a busy year for DigitalLearn.org, the Public Library Association’s (PLA) website designed to help consumers increase their digital literacy skills. DigitalLearn.org offers a collection of tutorials on a wide range of...

book cover of The Complete Guide to Personal Digital Archiving

The complete guide to personal digital archiving

CHICAGO — Scholars and scrapbookers alike need your help with saving their most important digital content. But how do you translate your professional knowledge as a librarian or archivist into practical skills that novices can apply to their own projects...

Courses in budgeting, using mobile devices added to PLA’s DigitalLearn.org website

CHICAGO — DigitalLearn.org, the Public Library Association’s (PLA) website designed to help community members increase their digital literacy skills, has added two new beginner-level courses to its collection of tutorials, which now totals 21. The...

PLA, Gail Borden Public Library team up to expand DigitalLearn.org training resources

CHICAGO — DigitalLearn.org, the Public Library Association’s (PLA) website designed to help consumers increase their digital literacy skills, now includes a robust suite of resources and tools for library staff and other educators to use when conducting...

63 Ready-to-Use Maker Projects

A sourcebook of 63 ready-to-use maker projects

CHICAGO — A new compilation from editor and maker Ellyssa Kroski, “ 63 Ready-to-Use Maker Projects,” published by ALA Editions, spotlights a multitude of creative projects that you can tailor for your own library. Librarians and makers from across the...

Public libraries highlight cyber security awareness in October

CHICAGO – Earlier this month the credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed that they had suffered a cyber-attack that endangered the personal information of 143 million U.S. users. Even before the Equifax hack, 64 percent of Americans had been personally...

September webinar focuses on measuring effect of digital literacy services

CHICAGO – Nearly all public libraries offer some sort of digital literacy services, ranging from group computer classes to individual tutoring assistance, but how do library staff know their efforts are achieving the desired effect? How can libraries...

New Tools, Support Advance Digital Skills Training in PLA Pilot Project

CHICAGO -- A new digital literacy pilot project made possible by the Public Library Association (PLA) and Cox Communications (Cox) is hitting a critical milestone this summer as participating libraries kick off training events in their communities. The...

Expert Internet Searching, Fifth Edition

Becoming an expert internet searcher

CHICAGO — In an environment where increasing amounts of information (and fake news) flood the internet on websites and social media, the information professional’s job is getting harder. It is important that they are skilled at finding and using the...

Creating and Sharing Online Library Instruction: A How-To-Do-It Manual For Librarians

A manual for creating and sharing online library instruction

CHICAGO — Designed to be reused and shared, learning objects are digital content and assessments centered on student learning outcomes. The promise of sharing online instruction across libraries, campuses, or a consortium holds time-saving appeal. An easy...