Public Awareness
New ¾«¶«´«Ã½tools guide libraries in applying for more than $1 billion in federal Digital Equity Act funding
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New ¾«¶«´«Ã½tools guide libraries in applying for more than $1 billion in federal Digital Equity Act funding.
¾«¶«´«Ã½ celebrates National Library Week 2024
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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (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.
¾«¶«´«Ã½ President Emily Drabinski to be honored with award from The Publishing Triangle
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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (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.
¾«¶«´«Ã½ 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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA). The new numbers show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and libraries.
¾«¶«´«Ã½ 2024 Election Opens
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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) election polls open on Monday, March April 11, 2024. ¾«¶«´«Ã½members 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.
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.
¾«¶«´«Ã½Executive Board decision on LibLearnX
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After careful evaluation and analysis of financial and other critical factors, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Executive Board has decided that LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience will not be held in 2026.
¾«¶«´«Ã½announces applications for second year of the Building Library Capacity Grants
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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) announces the opening of the second year of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Building 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.
¾«¶«´«Ã½launches campaign as it nears its 150th anniversary
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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The association will recognize and commemorate the leadership and support that ¾«¶«´«Ã½has provided to library workers, library users, library trustees and supporters throughout the United States and the world. ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been an essential professional venue for learning, sharing, networking, and advocacy.
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.
¾«¶«´«Ã½ Opposes Proposed Georgia Legislation
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CHICAGO — The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (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.
¾«¶«´«Ã½ launches national search for executive directorÂ
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The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) announces that it has opened its search for an executive director...
¾«¶«´«Ã½ to receive lifetime achievement award from National Book Critics Circle
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CHICAGO – The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (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...
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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½Social 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...
¾«¶«´«Ã½announces slate of petition council candidates for 2024 election
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CHICAGO - The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) announces that the following individuals have filed petitions for the Councilor-at-Large position on the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Council for the 2024 ¾«¶«´«Ã½Election: Mario Gonzalez Executive Director Passaic Public Library...
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...
Artist Shepard Fairey chooses ¾«¶«´«Ã½ for fundraiserÂ
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CHICAGO – Artist Shepard Fairey has chosen the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ 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...