Advocacy
“Faith for Libraries” Campaign Will Combat Book Censorship and Defend Religious Freedom
Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending civil rights and multi-faith democracy, today is launching a new campaign with the American Library Association and Unite Against Book Bans to combat book censorship and defend the freedom to read.
Radical school librarianship
CHICAGO — School librarians perform a critical and frontline role in defending equity, diversity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom (EDIIF) within their school communities. Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ Radical...
ALA disappointed by FCC takebacks, lack of due process in decision to end library hotspots, school bus Wi-Fi
The American Library Association (ALA) and partners in the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, expressed disappointment with today’s FCC vote to end E-Rate support for library and school hotspot lending programs and school bus Wi-Fi.
New Research Examines Recruitment and Retention of Black Female School Librarians
CHICAGO – Newly published research study from the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), used interviews and research methodology to analyze recruitment and retention rates of Black...
AASL to Host a Screening of The Librarians
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) will host a screening of the documentary The Librarians, from Oscar-nominated and Peabody Award-winning director and producer Kim A. Snyder, at the AASL National Conference. Sponsored by the...
Crafting ethical narratives for advocacy and impact
CHICAGO — In today’s polarized landscape, libraries face two key challenges: the difficulty of turning raw data into narratives that effectively advocate for libraries, and the ethical complexities of representing communities in these stories. Kate...
ALA Warns FCC Proposed Action Would Cut Off Internet for Library Patrons and Cost Libraries Nationwide
The American Library Association responded with disappointment to an announcement by the FCC Chairman, who proposed reversing the FCC’s 2024 decision to authorize E-Rate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots checked out at public libraries for internet access.
ALA Leads Libraries, Museums, Cultural Institutions, and Nation’s Largest Cultural Worker Union Urging Federal Court to Block Administration's Efforts to Dismantle the Nation’s Cultural and Educational Infrastructure
Libraries, Museums, Cultural Institutions, and Nation’s Largest Cultural Worker Union Urge Federal Court to Block President Trump’s Effort to Dismantle the Nation’s Cultural and Educational Infrastructure.
AASL announces publication of the second edition of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries
CHICAGO — Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, the newly released second edition of “ National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries” equips school librarians with the...
ALA Webinar: Turning Congressmembers into Library Champions
In this webinar, ALA policy experts will share updates on the latest fights to defend library funding and train attendees on how best to turn your Congressmembers from passive library supporters (or objectors) into true library champions.
ALA and League of Women Voters release Civic Collaboration Guide
The American Library Association (ALA) and League of Women Voters (LWV) announce the publication of A Guide to Civic Collaboration, a joint resource to inspire and support year-round civic programming in libraries.
Developing the collective power of library workers
CHICAGO — Interest in unions and the real, day-to-day benefits they secure for employees is on the rise—including among library workers, who are beginning to realize that on their own they have little leverage. But with a union they have the power of...
Local Library Stories Show Impact of Unprecedented Federal Funding Cuts
Stories from communities from Anaconda, Mont., to Albany, N.Y., came to life today on the American Library Association’s (ALA) Show Up For Our Libraries interactive site map.
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New ALA report spotlights prison libraries’ strategic role in reentry
Investing in Prison Libraries: A Cost-Effective Path to Safer Communities and Second Chances, a new report by the American Library Association, explores the essential role of prison libraries in lowering recidivism by better preparing incarcerated people for their release and why further investments in prison libraries are essential to reducing the social and economic impacts of incarceration.
ALA Store at 2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition
Visit the ALA Store, located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center on the bridge between the 200-level meeting rooms and Hall A, for a variety of posters, bookmarks, clothing, gift and professional development books, and more. Store hours are: Friday...
AASL National Conference Closing Session Live Recording of The Reading Culture Podcast with Mychal Threets
CHICAGO—Mychal Threets, the Mr. Rogers of school librarians, will conclude the 2025 AASL National Conference, which will take place October 16-18 in St. Louis, Missouri. Host Jordan Lloyd Bookey of the Reading Culture podcast, sponsored by Beanstack, will...
Registration opens for National Voter Registration Day 2025
The American Library Association encourages libraries to register for National Voter Registration Day 2025, a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating the fundamental right and responsibility of American citizenship. This year’s observation takes place on September 16, 2025.
Court allows Trump administration to proceed with efforts to destroy Institute of Museum and Library Services as case continues
A federal judge has declined to block the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling, issued today in ALA v. Sonderling, will allow the administration’s cuts at the independent agency while the case proceeds.
ALA welcomes IMLS staff return and select grant reinstatements, cautiously optimistic about national case
ALA welcomed the return of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff to work and the reinstatement of some IMLS grants, which had been terminated following President Trump’s March 14 Executive Order 14238.
AASL President’s Program Brings Banned Together Author Ashley Hope Pérez to ALA Annual Conference
CHICAGO— AASL President Becky Calzada will host Ashley Hope Pérez, author of Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights, for a compelling conversation on the transformative power of books. Together, they will explore the critical question, “What is...