Write for Public Libraries Magazine

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Public Libraries, published six times a year, is the official publication of the Public Library Association. ALA’s only journal devoted exclusively to public libraries, Public Libraries magazine offers important industry news, PLA/ALA updates, and columns and feature articles that offer strategies and ideas that can make a difference in your career.

Get Started

Submissions to Public Libraries are invited and encouraged. If you’re interested in writing a feature article, a shorter opinion piece, reviewing books, or sending press releases, please query the editor, Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org to discuss your idea and deadlines. It is ideal to contact us far in advance of the issue you are interested in writing for. Upcoming editorial themes and deadlines are listed below. For more information about writing for Public Libraries, please read our editorial guidelines. If you have more questions, contact the editor, Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org.

Review Process

Manuscripts are evaluated by persons knowledgeable about the topic of the work and the Feature Editor. The evaluation process generally takes between 4–6 weeks.

How to Submit

All manuscripts and supplemental materials should be submitted to the editor, Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org.

Call for Submissions – Public Libraries Magazine 2027

The Public Libraries editorial team invites contributions for the 2027 volume of the magazine, the official publication of the Public Library Association. Each issue is built around a timely theme affecting public libraries. We are especially interested in feature articles that share innovative practices, lessons learned, practical strategies, and insights that can benefit colleagues across the field.

Below you'll find the 2027 editorial calendar with issue themes, query deadlines, and copy deadlines. The topic lists under each theme are intended to spark ideas and are not exhaustive.

Issue Theme Due Dates
January/February 2027

Collection Development in a Changing Landscape
How collection strategies are evolving in response to digital lending, AI-generated publishing, changing patron expectations, rising costs, and evolving space needs.

Possible topics include:

  • Balancing physical and digital collections
  • Libraries of Things and nontraditional collections
  • Navigating e-book pricing and licensing
  • Demand-driven and patron-driven acquisitions
  • Multilingual and culturally responsive collections
  • Collection development in the age of AI-generated content
  • Weeding, storage, and rethinking library space
  • Vendor consolidation and its impact on collection decisions

 

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org, about submitting an article for this issue by: Monday, September 21, 2026.

Submit completed article by: Friday, October 9, 2026.
March/April 2027

Library Workforce Development & Recruitment
Exploring recruitment, retention, onboarding, mentorship, leadership development, and preparing the next generation of library workers.

Possible topics include:

  • Innovative recruitment strategies
  • Retaining and supporting staff
  • Mentorship and succession planning
  • Practical management skills for new leaders
  • Budgeting, facilities, and operational training
  • Internships, residencies, and career pathways
  • Building resilient workplace cultures
  • Preparing library school graduates for today's workplace

 

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org, about submitting an article for this issue by: Monday, November 16, 2026.

Submit completed article by: Friday, December 18, 2026.
May/June 2027

Serving an Aging Population
Examining how libraries are adapting services, collections, and spaces to better support older adults, caregivers, and lifelong learners.

Possible topics include:

  • Dementia-friendly programming
  • Outreach to homebound patrons
  • Caregiver resources and partnerships
  • Lifelong learning opportunities
  • Technology instruction for older adults
  • Social connection and combating loneliness
  • Age-friendly library spaces
  • Accessible programming and collections

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org, by: Monday, January 11, 2027.

Submit completed article by: Friday, February 12, 2027.
July/August 2027

How-To: Social Media
A practical issue focused on helping libraries use social media strategically and effectively.

Possible topics include:

  • Building a sustainable social media strategy
  • Creating engaging content with limited resources
  • Managing community engagement
  • Social media during emergencies and crises
  • Measuring success beyond likes and shares
  • Video and short-form content
  • Platform-specific best practices
  • Case studies and practical checklists

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org, by: Monday, March 22, 2027.

Submit completed article by: Friday, April 23, 2027.
September/October 2027

Literacies for the Modern World
Exploring how libraries are helping communities build the skills needed to navigate today's information landscape, including AI literacy, media literacy, digital privacy, financial literacy, fraud prevention, and civic literacy.

Possible topics include:

  • AI literacy programming
  • Media and news literacy initiatives
  • Digital privacy education
  • Financial literacy partnerships
  • Fraud and scam prevention
  • Civic literacy and informed citizenship
  • Teaching critical thinking across age groups
  • Collaborating with schools and community organizations

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org, by: Monday, May 17, 2027.

Submit completed article by: Friday, June 18, 2027.
November/December 2027

Learning from Other Professions
Exploring what libraries can learn from fields such as hospitality, healthcare, education, design, technology, customer experience, and nonprofit leadership.

Possible topics include:

  • Customer experience lessons from hospitality
  • Design thinking in libraries
  • Project management best practices
  • Leadership lessons from other sectors
  • Healthcare partnerships and service models
  • Innovation from the technology sector
  • Community engagement strategies outside librarianship
  • Cross-sector collaborations that strengthened library services

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org, by: Monday, July 19, 2027.

Submit completed article by: Friday, August 20, 2027.

Outside of articles focused on the themes, manuscripts are considered on a rolling basis in the order in which they are received. Upon acceptance and author notification, articles are slotted into the production schedule for the next available issue.