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ALA American Library Association

June 25, 2026

American Library Association launches national advocacy campaign to fight FCC attack on library funding

The American Library Association, along with SHLB Coalition partners, launched a full-scall advocacy campaign today after the FCC voted to advance a proposal that asks whether the E-Rate program should be terminated or limited to only rural areas.

Woman with long dark hair looking over her right shoulder

May 5, 2026

Laufey takes center stage as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month 2026

Icelandic-Chinese composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has been named honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month.

ALA American Library Association

April 30, 2026

ALA, SHLB partners disappointed with FCC decision to impose new E-Rate bidding portal

The American Library Association today expressed disappointment following the Federal Communications Commission's vote to establish a new competitive bidding portal for the federal E-Rate program.

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.

ALA American Library Association

April 7, 2026

Trump administration withdraws appeal, securing historic victory for libraries and IMLS

On April 6, 2026, a federal court granted the Trump Administration’s request to withdraw its appeal of a federal judge’s earlier ruling that struck down the Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

ALA American Library Association

April 3, 2026

White House FY27 budget proposal repeats threats to eliminate IMLS

The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 federal budget released today by the White House would cut funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the school library program Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL).

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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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2026 Leab Awards Recipients Announced

CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Katharine Kyes Leab and Daniel J. Leab American Book Prices Current Exhibition...

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: How to Have an Inclusive Collection Even When Your Institution Isn’t

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: How to Have an Inclusive Collection Even When Your Institution Isn’t" on October 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. How can you ensure your collection is inclusive for all, even if your institution isn’t...

ALA American Library Association

ALA UN Delegation elevates libraries at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2026

The American Library Association participated in the 2026 United Nations High-Level Political Forum at United Nations headquarters in New York.

Core Webinar: International Librarianship Panel

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "International Librarianship Panel" on August 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT. What is it like to build a library career beyond North America? Join three experienced librarians who have worked internationally as they share...

ALSC Professional Awards: Excellence, Innovation, Recognition

Association for Library Service to Children Supports 2026 Bound to Stay Bound, Melcher Scholarships

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has awarded a total of six students the Bound to Stay Bound and Melcher Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.

School Library Research- Research Journal of the American Association of School Librarians

New Research Examines Digital Citizenship after COVID-19

CHICAGO – Newly published research study from the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), used surveys and interviews to examine digital citizenship in K-12 schools following the COVID...

Core Webinar: Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Anti-Trans Bias and the New Federal Paradigm" on August 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Anti-transgender rhetoric has been spreading for many years, but the inauguration on January 20, 2025 marked a sea-change in the...

Pokemon Club - ALSC & AASL

AASL President Amanda Kordeliski Honors Pokémon Company International with Presidential Commendation

CHICAGO – During the 2026 ALA Annual Conference, held June 26–29 in Chicago, American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 2025-2026 President Amanda Kordeliski awarded her Presidential Commendation in recognition of The Pokémon Company International’s...

New from ACRL - Faculty and Librarian Partnerships Two-Volume Set

CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of Faculty and Librarian Partnerships, " Volume 1: Information Literacy and Faculty Empowerment " and " Volume 2: Customized Program Support," edited by Amy Dye...

ALA American Library Association

Federal court permits suit on Trump-halted Digital Equity Act to proceed

Following a July 15 decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the Digital Equity Act (DEA) Competitive Grant Program is set to resume, but without a key provision that addresses racial disparities in internet access.

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: Accuracy Matters: Evaluating the Value of AI Tools

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Accuracy Matters: Evaluating the Value of AI Tools" on September 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on library...

PLA releases “Family Engagement for Spanish-Speaking Community Members” Workbook

The Public Library Association (PLA) announced the availability of a new practical guide for engaging Spanish-speaking community members.

ALA American Library Association

ALA Council adopts Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) Council has adopted “Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries,” a new resource designed to help libraries develop and revise policies for the ethical, human-centered use of artificial intelligence.

Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Assessing Study Room Use and Patron Needs" on July 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. Study room spaces have become a critical resource offered in large academic libraries, yet their standard configuration...

Best of Core Forum: The Quiet Revolution Is Loud: Are Libraries Ready?

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: The Quiet Revolution Is Loud: Are Libraries Ready?" on August 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. CDT. For most libraries, door counts have reached or surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Demand for quiet study spaces has...