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 must be submitted through the online Public Libraries Manuscript Submission Form.
A paper copy is not necessary. The author will be directed through the process to enter information about the paper (author/s, title, abstract, etc.) and to upload the files (manuscript, figures, tables, appendixes).
2023 Editorial Themes and Production Schedule
| Issue | Editorial Theme | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| January/February 2023 | Knowing/Understanding Your Library Customers |
Query editor Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org) about submitting an article for this issue by: Submit approved article by: |
| March/April 2023 | Libraries in a Politically Charged Age |
Query editor Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org) about submitting an article for this issue by: Submit approved article by: |
| May/June 2023 | The Trauma-Informed Library |
Query editor Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org) about submitting an article for this issue by: Submit approved article by: |
| July/August 2023 | EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) |
Query editor Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org) about submitting an article for this issue by: Submit approved article by: |
| September/October 2023 | Library Leadership |
Query editor Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org) about submitting an article for this issue by: Submit approved article by: |
| November/December 2023 | Library Data |
Query editor Kathleen Hughes (khughes@ala.org) about submitting an article for this issue by: Submit approved article by: |
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.