American Libraries

Our March/April issue is live on our website—featuring Newsmaker Mychal Threets, recent library wins, airport libraries, and tips for congressional advocacy. Read the full issue at bit.ly/AL-MA26issue or by article at bit.ly/AL-MA26stories.

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…

Did you know: The Open Parts Network has digitized more than 1.5 million pages from parks and other historical sites. Learn more statistics about libraries and national parks in our By the Numbers feature. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/by-…

Voting in the ALA election starts today! Read the statements from presidential candidates Tamika Barnes and Becky Calzada in our new issue. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/magazine/issue…

"Our work is inseparable from our advocacy, and it is our professional responsibility to make advocacy a regular and powerful part of our daily lives." Read ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery's new column. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/adv…

Bad-news fatigue is real for library workers and advocates, but there are also examples of voters, courts, and candidates across the country affirming the profession. Read "5 Library Wins Worth Celebrating." americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/5-l…

ALA President @GeometricRabbit's new column explores how libraries help to build local businesses. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/goo…

Need some library joy? Read our interview with Reading Rainbow host and National Library Week honorary chair @mychal3ts. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/03/02/new…

In an open letter released today, ALA employees announced the formation of a union with @afscme31. If certified, the union will represent more than 100 ALA workers. afscme31.org/news/american-…

Our annual Library Design Showcase celebrates new and newly renovated libraries of all types and sizes. We're accepting submissions for the 2026 showcase through May 1. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/sub…

In "Racing the Clock," @MidColumbiaLib, @dekalblibrary, and Madison (Wis.) Public Library share the fun and excitement of hosting speed puzzling competition programs. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/rac…

The 2026 Carnegie Medals honored @MeghaMaj and Yiyun Li for excellence in fiction and nonfiction. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoo…

ICYMI: ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery's column outlines the ALA Forward initiative to ensure ALA's financial stability, foster membership growth, and bolster advocacy. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/rei…

Every year, @ala_united brings together trustees, foundation and Friends members, and those who work with them for a virtual conference to discuss the library advocacy landscape. Read our report at americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/unl…

ICYMI: The Youth Media Awards recognize the best in children's and young adult literature. See all of this year's winners. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoo…

"When we tell our stories, we remind the world that libraries are not just buildings or budgets. They are living testaments to human curiosity and care." Read more from ALA President @GeometricRabbit. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/you…

Did you know: In 1997, the Library of Congress discovered 10 plays, mostly unpublished, by Zora Neale Hurston. Find more statistics about Black History collections, authors, and literature in this month's By the Numbers column. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/by-…