Public Awareness

Digital Equity Programs Timeline infographic; see fact sheet at bit.ly/dea-info for details. 2024 is the timeframe for applying for state cap. funds.

New ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵtools guide libraries in applying for more than $1 billion in federal Digital Equity Act funding

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New ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵtools guide libraries in applying for more than $1 billion in federal Digital Equity Act funding.

National Library Week 2024 poster with text Ready, Set, Library! in red, yellow, and green.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ celebrates National Library Week 2024

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The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) is thrilled to celebrate National Library Week from April 7 to11. This year’s theme is "Ready, Set, Library!" which illustrates the idea that in an always-online world, libraries give the community a green light to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most.

headshot of Emily Drabinski, 2024 ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPresident

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ President Emily Drabinski to be honored with award from The Publishing Triangle

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The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) is pleased to share that President Emily Drabinski will receive the Torchbearer Award from The Publishing Triangle, the association of LGBTQ+ people in publishing.

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ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ reports record number of unique book titles challenged in 2023

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The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA). The new numbers show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and libraries.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ 2024 Election Opens

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The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) election polls open on Monday, March April 11, 2024.  ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵmembers are encouraged to cast a digital ballot to vote for association-wide leadership that will shape the future and direction of the association. ALA’s annual election will close on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. 

CORE logo: Leadership - Infrastructure - Futures

Submissions Now Open for the 2024 John Cotton Dana Awards

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Up to eight $10,000 awards will be provided by the H.W. Wilson Foundation in 2024. Libraries of all types and sizes are encouraged to submit entries for a 2024 John Cotton Dana Award. Entries should highlight a strategic communications campaign from the past year. Examples of past campaigns have included rebranding efforts, promotion of archives and special collections, awareness campaigns, community partnerships and special events. Entries may be submitted by any library, Friends group, consulting agency or service provider, unless they are represented on the JCD committee.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵExecutive Board decision on LibLearnX

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After careful evaluation and analysis of financial and other critical factors, the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ Executive Board has decided that LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience will not be held in 2026.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵannounces applications for second year of the Building Library Capacity Grants

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The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) announces the opening of the second year of the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵBuilding Library Capacity Grants that will provide grants to libraries serving incarcerated persons or assisting those re-entering society. Up to sixteen $10,000 grants will be given to successful applicants nationwide. The application site is open now. The application deadline is April 12, 2024, with awards announced at the end of May.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵlaunches campaign as it nears its 150th anniversary

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The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The association will recognize and commemorate the leadership and support that ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵhas provided to library workers, library users, library trustees and supporters throughout the United States and the world. ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵhas been an essential professional venue for learning, sharing, networking, and advocacy.

Book Resumés - Unite Against Book Bans - bit.ly/BookResumes

Unite Against Book Bans Announces a Free Book Résumé Resource

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Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with the publishing community, unveils a free collection of book résumés at bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves.

Miriam Tuliao to Participate in 37th Annual Great Saunter to raise funds for the Spectrum Scholarship Program

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Miriam Tuliao has announced that she will participate in the 37th Annual Great Saunter, a 32-mile walk around Manhattan, on May 4, 2024 to raise funds for ALA’s Spectrum Scholarship Program. This is Tuliao's 17th consecutive year organizing an annual fundraiser for Spectrum.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ Opposes Proposed Georgia Legislation

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CHICAGO — The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) strongly opposes the proposed Georgia legislation that would prohibit the expenditure of public funds and private donations on services, materials, or operations provided by ALA.

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ launches national search for executive director 

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The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) announces that it has opened its search for an executive director...

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ to receive lifetime achievement award from National Book Critics Circle

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ

CHICAGO – The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) has been selected to receive the prestigious Toni Morrison Achievement Award from the National Book Critics Circle. The award, established by the NBCC in 2021, honors institutions that have made lasting and...

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2024 Rise Book Project presents Top Ten feminist books for young readers

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Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18, a subgroup of the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵSocial Responsibilities Round Table’s Feminist Task Force, announced its Top Ten feminist...

PLA announces Dr. Joy Buolamwini as opening session speaker for 2024 conference

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) announces that the 2024 Conference will open with the “Poet of Code” Dr. Joy Buolamwini as the opening session speaker. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3—5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, will feature...

ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵannounces slate of petition council candidates for 2024 election

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CHICAGO - The ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ (ALA) announces that the following individuals have filed petitions for the Councilor-at-Large position on the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵCouncil for the 2024 ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵElection: Mario Gonzalez Executive Director Passaic Public Library...

Meg Medina

Author and National Ambassador Meg Medina Selected Honorary Chair of National Library Week 2024

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CHICAGO — Award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina has been selected Honorary Chair of National Library Week, April 7-13, 2024, which celebrates the indispensable role of libraries and library workers in...

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Artist Shepard Fairey chooses ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ for fundraiser 

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CHICAGO – Artist Shepard Fairey has chosen the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵ for a fundraiser released on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in connection with Echo, an accessories and design manufacturing company. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the...

PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference will move attendees towards laughter and thoughtful reflection with speakers Dulcé Sloan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Mary Annaïse Heglar. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, in...