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.

ALA in the News

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More than half of 2023's most challenged books have LGBTQ themes

The number of books challenged in libraries across the U.S. in 2023 spiked 65% over the previous year, according to the American Library Association.

More media coverage

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Core Webinar: Safety by Design

Core hosts the webinar "Safety by Design" on July 17, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT. Get important safety principles from an experienced security consultant and hear from a group of librarians and library architects putting those principles into real-world contexts.

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ALA praises FCC vote to make Wi-Fi hotspots eligible for E-rate funding

The American Library Association welcomes an FCC vote allowing libraries and schools to use tens of millions of dollars in federal E-rate funding each year to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots for lending.

Accepting Applications for the 2025 Lois Ann Gregory-Wood Fellowship

The American Library Association announces a call for applications for the Lois Ann Gregory-Wood (LAGW) Fellows Program. Visit the LAGW Fellows page for more information about the application process. Lois Ann Gregory-Wood worked at ALA for fifty years...

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Myla G. Corn Selected as the 2024 Tony B. Leisner Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Myla G. Corn of Apopka, Florida as the recipient of the 2024 Tony B. Leisner Scholarship. The $3,000 scholarship, named for an active ALA member and former member of the ALA Council, is awarded to a...

LLX - LibLearnX The Library Learning Experience - Phoenix, AX - Jan. 24-27, 2025 - American Library Association

ALA Opens LibLearnX 2025 Call for Program Proposals

Submit an education program proposal for the 2025 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience, taking place January 24-27, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. The submission site is open now through August 12.

Photo of Tyler Brady, recipient of the 2024 Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship

Tyler Brady Selected as the 2024 Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the selection of Tyler Brady of Honea Path, South Carolina as the 2024 Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship recipient. The $3,000 award is given to an ALA or library support staff member to help...

Photo of Rowan Wiebe, recipient of the 2024 ALA Century Scholarship

Rowan Wiebe Selected as the 2024 ALA Century Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the selection of Rowan Wiebe of Canada as the 2024 Century Scholarship recipient. The $2,500 scholarship funds services or accommodation for a library school student with disabilities admitted...

book cover for Inclusive Cataloging: Histories, Context, and Reparative Approaches

Practical approaches to inclusive cataloging

CHICAGO — As part of the profession's ongoing EDISJ efforts to redress librarianship’s problematic past, practitioners from across the field are questioning long-held library authorities and standards. They’re undertaking a critical and rigorous re...

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American Library Association’s Annual Conference brought together thousands for library event

More than 13,500 attendees gathered in San Diego, CA, for the largest library event in the world.

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New Public Library Technology Survey report details digital equity roles

Nearly half of libraries now lend internet hotspots; 95% offer digital literacy training CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) today published the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report. The national survey updates emerging trends around...

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Multnomah County Library chosen as the site of the 2025 Children’s Literature Lecture Award featuring Kyle Lukoff

ALSC's 2025 Children's Literature Lecture Award committee chooses Multnomah County Library System, Portland, Oregon, as the site of the 2025 Children’s Literature Lecture featuring Kyle Lukoff.

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Hohl inaugurated 2024-2025 ALA president

Cindy Hohl, director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, was inaugurated ALA President for 2024-2025 on Tuesday, July 2, at the ALA Annual Conference in San Diego.

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ALA Nominating Committee seeks ALA President-elect, ALA Treasurer, & ALA Councilor at Large candidates for 2025 election

ALA Nominating Committee seeks ALA President-elect, ALA Treasurer, & ALA Councilor at Large candidates for 2025 election

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National Climate Action Strategy unveiled at ALA Annual Conference

Library workers recognize that climate change is one of the biggest challenges to their communities, and a partnership between the American Library Association and the Sustainable Libraries Initiative addresses that challenge.

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American Library Association Council strongly reaffirms freedom for all to read freely

The association’s elected Council delivered a strong message opposing censors and those who are trying to remove hundreds of books at a time targeting LGBTQ+ and people of color from library shelves.