Discover innovative games, puzzles, toys, and play-based learning resources for library users of all ages at the first-ever ALA Demo Day on November 18. This virtual event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Join us in Louisville, Nov. 18–20, for thought-provoking presentations, keynote speakers, poster presentations, pre-conference workshops, tours, and social events. Register now!

Since 1876, the American Library Association has worked to expand access to information and strengthen communities through libraries. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years and look ahead to what libraries will make possible in the future.

Sign up for advocacy alerts from ALA to get the latest news and action opportunities! From broadband access to library funding, ALA's advocacy is powered by people like you.

Open doors to 150 more years of visionary leadership and professional development with the ALA Editions Fall/Winter 2027 Catalog. 

150 Years Strong, The Official Anniversary Website (pictured: Invitation to early ALA convention, photo of early ALA members, and librarians at a rally holding sign that reads " Too many issues, not enough poster."

Celebrating ALA's 150th Anniversary

Explore the ALA 150 website, your starting point for uncovering the legacy we’re celebrating and the future we’re shaping. Discover stories, milestones, and perspectives from across 150 years, along with rarely seen images from the ALA Archives.

 

Check out the anniversary website

Collage of features found in the Fall 2026 issue of American Libraries Magazine

Read the Latest Issue of American Libraries

Read the Fall 2026 issue of American Libraries, which features the annual Library Design Showcase, a celebration of new and newly renovated libraries of all types and sizes. Plus, view the winners of the ALA/IIDA 2026 Library Interior Design Awards, read an interview with author Min Jin Lee, and learn how school librarians are responding as statewide cellphone bans have driven more students to the library.

 

Read the Fall 2026 issue

Get Involved

ALA is the largest membership association in the library industry. It's a community of people working together to ensure that libraries remain vital centers of literacy, access, and opportunity.

By giving to ALA, you are helping us improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship to ensure access to information for all.

Fight Censorship: Take Action Against Book Bans

ALA compiles data on book challenges from reports filed by library professionals in the field and from news stories published throughout the United States.

learn more

Book Résumés help librarians, parents, and community members defend books from censorship. They detail each title’s significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, review committees, and elected officials.
 

Bookmark this link!

Your front line reports help ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom to stay on top of trends and supply library workers with resources to combat censorship. You can also help get the word out and encourage reporting of book censorship.

Report a challenge.

Upcoming eLearning Opportunities

Navigate through visible calendar events using tab, or use the previous and next buttons to view more events. Press Enter or Space to interact with event details.
Core eCourses
26
Oct
13
Nov

eLearning

Core Classroom: Making Training Stick: A Playful Approach to Learning

A three-week Core Classroom, each weekly Zoom session lasting 60 minutes (recommended but not mandatory) combined with 3 - 4 hours coursework each week.

Tired of “one-and-done” trainings that fizzle out the

The First Amendment Is for Everyone: Protecting Our Constitutional Front Porch
27
Oct

eLearning

The First Amendment Is for Everyone: Protecting Our Constitutional Front Porch

Presented by United for Libraries and the Freedom to Read Foundation

Core e-Forum icon
03
Nov

eLearning

Forum

What Should Libraries Stop Doing?

Libraries face growing expectations and evolving demands, often with fewer resources to meet them. Yet while we're quick to take on new responsibilities, we rarely let go of existing ones. This e-Forum invites

November 2026 Learning Live - How to be Kind Without Losing Your Mind: Tools for Library Allies, Stakeholders, and Staff
10
Nov

eLearning

How to be Kind Without Losing Your Mind: Tools for Library Allies, Stakeholders, and Staff

November 2026 Learning Live

Core Webinars
11
Nov

eLearning

Building Equitable, Actionable Feedback Cultures

Teams are an increasingly important workplace construct, allowing libraries to tap into staff potential to tackle complex work in our current, dynamic library environment.

ALA Demo Day: Games and Play, American Library Association
18
Nov

Demo Day

ALA Demo Day: Games and Play

Free Virtual Event: Discover innovative games,
puzzles, toys, and play-based learning resources 
designed to engage library users of all ages.

Decorative image of wood cutouts of human figures surrounding tree.
18
Nov

eLearning

Intentional Programming Rooted in Patron Experience

Explore how intentional, inclusive programming can strengthen the patron experience by meeting community needs.

December 2026 Learning Live - You Love Your Library. Make Sure Your Elected Officials Know Why.
08
Dec

eLearning

You Love Your Library: Make Sure Your Elected Officials Know Why

December 2026 Learning Live

26
Jan

Webinar

Council I of the 2027 Virtual Winter Council Session

Virtual Winter Council Session (Attendance by councilors is required)

27
Jan

Webinar

Council II of the 2027 Virtual Winter Council Session

Virtual Winter Council Session (Attendance by councilors is required)

Underserved populations frequently do not have access to a library—or they may even be unaware that they have an information need. How can we as a profession effectively reach them? 

Visit the Graphics Gift Shop for all-new Vintage ALA items--t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, pencil pouches, stickers, and more!

Designed to support state curricula and teaching standards, this full-color book combines facsimiles of primary sources from the Library of Congress's unparalleled collections with teaching strategies and mroe resources.

Whether it's a hardcover or paperback, an audiobook, or eBook, it's all reading! Display this poster to celebrate and promote reading in a variety of formats.

Resource Quick Links

ALSC's Best of Children's Books, Recordings, and Digital Media

ALSC's Children's Notable lists highlight media for children 14 years of age and younger of especially commendable quality that demonstrate respect for young people’s intelligence and imagination; exhibit venturesome creativity; and reflect and encourage the interests of children and young adolescents in exemplary ways.

Learn more

You May Also Be Interested In . . .

5 students and teacher showing off their collages as part of the Great Stories Club

Programming Resources

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning and connection in communities of all types.

Learn more about the ALA Public Programs Office 

.

ALA's Programming Librarian website is a place for library professionals to share, learn, and be inspired to present excellent programming for their communities. 

Browse the Programming Librarian website 

More Resources for Librarians

illustration for News, Press, and Media

News and Press Center

For more than 140 years, the American Library Association has been the trusted voice for all libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. 

Contact the ALA Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations team to learn more about ALA positions and actions and get comprehensive insights into key issues facing libraries nationwide.

Visit the News and Press Center

News and Press Resources

ALA Connect logo featuring speech bubbles and the tagline "Engage. Learn. Grow."

ALA Connect

Discussion boards and shared libraries provide collaboration tools connecting more than 50,000 library professionals with a wide variety of interests and specialization is the place to share ideas and make new connections with library workers across the globe.

Complete your profile and grow your online professional network at ALA Connect!

Quick Links for Members