American Library Association (ALA) President Sam Helmick called the final Council meeting of ALA’s 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago to order at approximately 9:05 a.m. on June 29.
The meeting kicked off with approval of the agenda (CD#8.7) and Helmick announcing memorial and tribute resolutions honoring:
- Randy J. Riley (M#8)
- Charles Kratz, (M#9)
- Maurice J. “Mitch” Freedman (M#10)
- Fobazi Ettarh (M#11)
- Florante Peter Ibañez (M#12)
- Stephen M. Hayes (M#13)
- Brenda Langstraat Bui (M#14)
- Stanton F. Biddle (M#15)
- Molly Royse (M#16)
- Diana Shonrock (M#17)
- Lisa Ladd (T#1)
ALA Treasurer Larry Neal shared an overview of his financial report, which included details from the first seven months of Fiscal Year 2026 (CD#13.2); the Fiscal Year 2027 budget memo (CD#13.3) and final budget (CD#13.4); an update on the 2025–2028 budget goals (CD#13.5); and the Association’s Structural Deficit Closure Plan, including a five-year plan to bring ALA out of its multimillion-dollar deficit (CD#13.6).
Sara Kelly Johns, Publishing Committee chair, presented the committee’s report (CD#32.1) and an action item requesting approval to add monograph publication ethics guidelines to the ALA Policy Manual (CD#32.2). It passed unanimously with 115 votes.
Sandy Hirsh, International Relations Round Table chair, presented the International Relations Councilor’s report (CD#18.1) and a tribute resolution honoring Michael Dowling, longtime director of ALA’s International Relations Office, who retired in May. The resolution also overwhelmingly passed.
During New Business, Endowment Chair Brett Bonfield presented the Endowment Trustees Report (CD#16.1) and Helmick proposed a unanimously-approved resolution celebrating ALA staff in honor of the Association’s 150th anniversary (CD#52).
The meeting concluded with Helmick recognizing retiring Councilors and Executive Board members (CD#46.1) and ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery presenting the final Annual attendance numbers: 14,800 total registrants (8,234 paid), including 2,567 first-time attendees.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:45 a.m.
