American Libraries

Our May issue, commemorating ALA's 150th anniversary, looks at moments that changed librarianship, barrier-busting library leaders, and more than a century of library poster art. Read the full issue at bit.ly/AL-May26issue or by article at bit.ly/AL-May26stories.

ALA President @GeometricRabbit reflects on the Association's first 150 years, and looks forward to the next. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/05/01/ala…

In honor of #ALA150, our May feature reviews 55 moments that redefined librarianship. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/05/01/55-…

On April 24, ALA workers began voting to form the ALA Workers United union, which will be certified if a majority of the 101 eligible staff members vote in favor. Votes will be counted May 27. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/04/29/ala…

Read guidance from expert Elyse H. Fox on value—and limits—of legal reference. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/the…

The Zion National Park herbarium holds 3100 preserved plants. Learn more statistics about libraries and National Parks in our By the Numbers column. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/by-…

Learn how public library directors prepared for the prospect of ICE activity in and near their libaries: americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/26/enc…

Happy National Library Week! Read our interview with NLW chair (and Reading Rainbow Host) @mychal3ts. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/new…

In a growing number of airports, stressed-out or delayed travelers can turn to books and dedicated reading spaces provided by the local public library. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/air…

If you're looking for fundraising help, our Librarian's Library column features books that can help guide libraries through the process. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/fin…

Small website accessibility improvements can have a big impact. Learn tips in our March/April feature. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/get…

Libraries are outstanding partners and collaborators that support local businesses and entrepreneurship. Read more from ALA President @GeometricRabbit. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/goo…

In his new column, ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery hails the value of advocacy and how it can bring about the change we want to see in our world. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/adv…

In "5 Library Wins Worth Celebrating," we highlight recent examples of good news where voters, courts, and candidates affirm the value of libraries. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/5-l…

Public library directors discuss how they prepared for the possibility of ICE in their library in a PLA webinar: americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/26/enc…. (The speakers will also be presenting at #PLA2026!)

Members have until April 1 to vote in ALA elections. Read statements from presidential candidates Tamika Barnes and Becky Calzada in our March/April issue. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/magazine/issue…

Librarians who provide legal reference must be wary of crossing the line to unauthorized practice of law. Law librarian Elyse Fox shares guidance for the services and referrals librarians can provide to help bridge the justice gap. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/the…

Airport libraries provide welcome services to harried travelers while marketing the libraries that operate them. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/air…

Are you ready for new website accessibility requirements for public entities that start to take effect in April? Learn small steps that can make big accessibility improvements. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/get…

Fundraising is a perennial concern for libraries. In the March/April Librarian's Library column, Allison Escoto reviews books that can help guide libraries through the process. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/fin…