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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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PLA welcomes Dr. Ruha Benjamin to Big Ideas stage April 2

The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce that Ruha Benjamin, founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab and award-winning author, will deliver the Big Ideas keynote at the PLA 2026 Conference.

book cover for The Infinite Loop: Archives and Time Travel in the Popular Imagination

Archives and time travel in the popular imagination

CHICAGO — The fascination with time travel and its consistent popularity within the science fiction genre is deeply rooted in science fiction writers’ and readers’ passion for history and, by extension, for libraries and other kinds of archives. However...

book cover for Digital Literacy in Public Libraries

Digital literacy in public libraries

CHICAGO — Today's libraries are thoroughly digital environments, not only storing and preserving written information electronically, but also emphasizing digital access to information as a pathway to equitably educating the community on issues of health...

book cover for Information Science: History, Ideas, Applications

A core text for teaching Information Science

CHICAGO — What is information science? Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ Information Science: History, Ideas, Applications” answers this key question and explains how information science differs from data science and...

ALA American Library Association

Christa Bell receives YALSA’s Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has named Christa Bell as the recipient of this year's Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant, which aims to recognize a librarian who has planned a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy

ALSC Professional Awards: Excellence, Innovation, Recognition

Holmes receives Bechtel Fellowship

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Professional Recognition and Scholarships Committee have awarded the 2026 Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship to Soline Holmes.

Core Webinar: Lean Thinking for Transformation: Actionable Change

CHICAGO — Join Core for the webinar "Lean Thinking for Transformation: Actionable Change" on April 1, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Budget reductions are a reality for many in academic library leadership. For decades, significant cutbacks have been made in library...

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: Navigating Institutional Change Through Collaboration and Use of Management Tools

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Navigating Institutional Change Through Collaboration and Use of Management Tools" on April 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Over the past two years, the Collection Services department of our library faced...

book cover for Championing Your School Library: A Practical Guide to Advocacy, Marketing and Promotion

A guide to championing your school library

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ Championing Your School Library: A Practical Guide to Advocacy, Marketing and Promotion” is a comprehensive resource of practical strategies that will enable readers to...

Final Call for SustainRT New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend Applications

The SustainRT New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend recognizes the importance of social equity to SustainRT and ALA and supports new and diverse members in overcoming barriers to participating in professional development and networking.

ALA American Library Association

American Library Association Council elects two members to Executive Board for 2026-2029 term

The American Library Association (ALA) Council has elected Lesliediana Jones and Shauntee Burns-Simpson to serve on the ALA Executive Board.

Core Webinar: Best of Core Forum: How to Create a Patron-Centered Administration

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: How to Create a Patron-Centered Administration" on April 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Do you want to take your library’s customer service to the next level? If so, this session is for you. We’ll share a...

PLA announces pre-conference programming

The Public Library Association (PLA) will set the stage for the largest public library conference in the world with Hot Takes and a Conference 101 session to orient and connect more than 5,000 expected attendees on March 31, 2026, in Minneapolis.

Best of Core Forum: Competency vs. Character: What Makes a Good Leader?

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Competency vs. Character: What Makes a Good Leader?" on March 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Leadership is essential at every level of an organization, as experienced library leaders reach retirement age...

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2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List and Top Ten List Announced by the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is pleased to introduce the 2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children (BGNC) Reading List and Top Ten List. This reading list highlights the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in...