Though not a comprehensive timeline of library history, the milestones collected here demonstrate lasting impact and how libraries and the profession are intertwined with the American story itself—as repositories of memory, arenas of debate, and enduring instruments of democratic life. 1876–1889 On October 4, 1876, a group of 103 librarians and advocates assembled at the … Continue reading 55 Moments That Redefined Librarianship
The rabbit-warren days are over. Since ALA headquarters moved in 2020 to its present location at Chicago’s 225 North Michigan Avenue, Barbus has presided over a completely reimagined in-house library. Visitors step off the elevator to find a large, open, bright area that’s home to not only the office’s main reception desk but also row upon … Continue reading Bookend: A Library for Librarians
Today, we stand at 150 years, a century and a half of voices lifted, stories shared, and doors opened. We celebrate not just survival but triumph. For libraries are not just buildings; they are the pulse of democracy, the heart of community, and the echo of our collective soul. Through wars and unrest, through the … Continue reading ALA at 150
I invite you to join your colleagues at Annual to observe our past, reflect on our present, and envision our future. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather for the “ALA150: A Celebration for Our Libraries” reception on Saturday evening and immerse themselves in a variety of sessions highlighting key library moments under the ALA150 … Continue reading Rebirth and Reaffirmation
If a majority of the 101 eligible staff members out of 161 ALA employees vote to unionize, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will certify the new union. Votes will be counted May 27. In a March 2 open letter, 40 staff members announced their plans to unionize with the American Federation of State, County, … Continue reading ALA Workers Move to Unionize
You’ve talked about being a library kid long before you ever worked at the library. How did you start to see it as a career path? It took a lot of failure. It took a lot of mistakes, a lot of careers not panning out. My dream job was to be in the military. Even … Continue reading Newsmaker: Mychal Threets
But in 2025, there were notable examples of voters, courts, and candidates across the country affirming the profession’s core values of intellectual freedom and inclusive access. Below we highlight five recent victories for libraries, library workers, and their communities. 1. California voters rein in city council overreach Huntington Beach, California, has become a flashpoint in … Continue reading 5 Library Wins Worth Celebrating
To help equip and energize advocates in an environment of heightened stakes, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy Office launched a webinar series as part of its Show Up for Our Libraries campaign. The sixth installment, “Turning Congressmembers into Library Champions,” brought together voices from the library side and the congressional side … Continue reading Finding Your Heroes on the Hill
ALA’s mission has guided my work from the beginning. Whether serving on the ALA Executive Board, chairing the Budget Analysis and Review Committee, supporting the Spectrum Scholar community, or leading state and divisional organizations, I have seen firsthand how ALA’s values of equity, diversity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility are lived out every day … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Tamika Barnes
We have been navigating rigorous, unyielding times, yet through it all, library workers have stepped up and answered the call to lead and serve. We remain resilient, dedicated, and hopeful in every microinteraction that occurs daily in the many vibrant library spaces across the country. In my own work and leadership, I am grounded in … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Becky Calzada
Traveling alone through Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), a woman wandered the concourse looking to pass the time. Then she spotted a sign for the Airport Library. When she arrived, she sat down, plugged in her devices, and picked up a historical biography she said she never would have chosen under normal circumstances. Before she … Continue reading Airport Libraries Take Off
400 Approximate number of libraries operated by the National Park Service (NPS). 3.5 million Number of materials housed in the NPS History Collection at the Harpers Ferry (W.Va.) Center for Media Services. The collection includes art, documents, photos, sound recordings, uniforms, and other objects. 25 Number of parks represented in the Open Parks Network, a collaboration … Continue reading By the Numbers: National Parks
