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Library Design Showcase submissions open

Submissions Open for Library Design Showcase

January 2, 2026

We are looking for examples of innovative library architecture that address patrons’ needs in unique and effective ways. We are especially interested in submissions from libraries that are approaching design with sustainability, accessibility, and smaller budgets in mind. Partial renovations, projects under $1 million, and school libraries are encouraged to apply. To be eligible, projects … Continue reading Submissions Open for Library Design Showcase →

Collage of gaming paraphernalia, including video game controllers, a smart phone, and the box and disk from Zork I

State of Play

November 3, 2025

In honor of International Games Month, held every November, these stories center games and gaming as community-building, teaching, and self-improvement tools. Learn how libraries are developing tabletop role-playing games and using new adaptive technologies to make videogames more accessible for all. Check out the 2025 Platinum Play, or “Platy,” Hall of Fame inductees—games honored by … Continue reading State of Play →

Danielle Costello, librarian at Louisiana State University, explains game jams for creating tabletop roleplaying games at the American Library Association’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago.

Jam Forever

By Carrie Smith | November 3, 2025

While game jams—accelerated game creation events—started as a way to develop videogames, they’re also useful for creating tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). The best-known TTRPGs, like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu, include rule books that can run to hundreds of pages and have steep price tags, but there are a host of smaller, … Continue reading Jam Forever →

2025 Platy Hall of Fame Inductees

November 3, 2025

The 2025 inductees are: Car Wars 2–8 players 30 minutes and up Ages 10+ Now in its sixth edition, the tabletop combat simulation game Car Wars has a simple premise: Each player has a heavily armed and customized vehicle, and the last one standing is the winner. The game has a rich history of add-ons … Continue reading 2025 Platy Hall of Fame Inductees →

Abstract illustration of a person watering a tree that's coming out of a head.

Professional Development Is a Wellness Program

By Donald W. Crankshaw | November 3, 2025

Wellness and well-being The terms wellness and well-being are often used interchangeably. However, well-being includes social, spiritual, and other dimensions that go beyond standard definitions of wellness. Wellness programs promote healthy lifestyles and disease mitigation or prevention. They concentrate on physical and mental health through programs that promote exercise, improved eating habits, smoking cessation, and … Continue reading Professional Development Is a Wellness Program →

Sean Sherman with the cover of his book, Turtle Island

Newsmaker: Sean Sherman

By Terra Dankowski | November 3, 2025

His new cookbook, Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America (November, Clarkson Potter), written with Kate Nelson and Kristin Donnelly, takes a region-by-region approach to Native ingredients, history, and cooking. Sherman spoke with American Libraries about this extensive collection, his early influences, and his love for libraries. Sample a recipe … Continue reading Newsmaker: Sean Sherman →

2025 ALA Award Winners

September 2, 2025

Award recipients were honored at a June 29 ceremony and reception during ALA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia. This selection represents only some of those recognized in 2025. For a complete list of winners, visit ala.org/awards. Scholastic Library Publishing Award Clare Graham As director of the Malvern–Hot Spring County (Ark.) Library, Graham acts … Continue reading 2025 ALA Award Winners →

Community Archives, Collective Power

By Reanna Esmail | June 2, 2025

Archivists decide which histories are told and which are not, as well as who has access to these resources. The books on this list address problematic archival histories, practices, and structures, while also reimagining the archive as a potential site for community-building. Disputed Archival Heritage Edited by James Lowry Building on his 2017 edited volume … Continue reading Community Archives, Collective Power →

2025 LibLearnX Preview

By Alison Marcotte | January 2, 2025

LibLearnX 2025, dedicated to the learning experience of library workers, will bring together authors, thought leaders, and subject matter experts at the Phoenix Convention Center for educational programs, awards, celebrations, and networking opportunities. This year’s programmatic theme is “Reimagine, Refocus, Reset: Charting a Path for the Future.” LibLearnX will not be held in 2026, while … Continue reading 2025 LibLearnX Preview →

2024 Year in Review

By American Libraries staff | January 2, 2025

New values for challenging times On January 21, ALA Council approved five new Core Values • access • equity • intellectual freedom and privacy • the public good • sustainability Council cochairs Erin Berman and Sara Dallas explained the reasons for the changes: “This is a crucial moment for our profession, as our library community … Continue reading 2024 Year in Review →

Illustration of three people holding hands in the air and wearing shirts with the word Libraries in a heart shape.

Into the Future

By American Libraries staff | January 2, 2025

“I don’t know of another institution that has the capability to make such a diverse set of people feel dignified and welcome when they walk in the door,” Klinenberg told attendees at the outset of United for Libraries Virtual, a three-day virtual conference hosted by United for Libraries (UFL) July 30–August 1, 2024. Klinenberg’s latest … Continue reading Into the Future →

Illustration of a pencil and editing marks on yellow paper

Words Matter

By Aaron Bock and Rachel Newlin | January 2, 2025

Harmful-content statements help libraries focus on describing materials in a way that is respectful and informed by their communities. At STDL, our statement focuses on empathy, transparency, and goal-setting for the future. It is a tool for ongoing accountability, making a priority of work that is often given too little attention. The statement should be … Continue reading Words Matter →

Latest Library Links

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Martin Austermuhle writes: “Ebooks—both the digital and audio versions—are more expensive than their physical counterparts. It’s a fiscal challenge public libraries across the country are facing. A bill being considered by the D.C. Council would broadly restrict DC Public Library from buying ebooks from publishers that charge excessive prices or attach conditions on their use. The bill includes a provision saying it would only take effect if 10 other states with a combined population of 50 million people pass similar measures. Connecticut already has, and variations have been debated in New Jersey and Massachusetts.”

The 51st, Jan. 15; Library Futures, May 20, 2025; Readers First, June 2, 2025; Massachusetts Sen. Paul Feeney, Nov. 14, 2025
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Todd Bishop writes: “The Microsoft Library in Redmond, Washington, has long been a quiet anachronism in the middle of the high-tech campus, a place where authors gave talks and employees checked out old-fashioned paper books, including titles recommended by CEO Satya Nadella and other execs. That chapter of the company’s history is now closing. The Verge [paywalled] broke the news January 15 that Microsoft’s traditional library is going away as part of what Microsoft described internally as a shift to a ‘modern, AI-powered learning experience.’”

GeekWire, Jan. 15; The Verge, Jan. 15
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Laurie Robinson writes: “A new national resource is available to help libraries prepare for major community emergencies—including pandemics, natural disasters, and societal crises—before they hit. Centering Community: Library Staff Responding to Crisis—A Field Guide, developed through the University of Maryland’s Ready NOW project, provides practical strategies and examples to help libraries support their communities before, during, and after disruptions of varying scale. The Field Guide introduces a set of nonsequential, iterative practices that libraries can revisit over time.”

University of Maryland College of Information, Jan. 14
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Daniel Pfeiffer writes: “Pew publishes two social media reports at the end of every year, one on American adults, and the other on American youth. The results aren’t altogether surprising, but they offer some guidance on social media strategy for library outreach, advocacy, and promotion for the coming year. Below are the findings that stood out to me: Facebook is still kicking, video platforms reign supreme, and Reddit and LinkedIn may be worth a try.”

Choice 360: LibTech Insights, Jan. 14
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Lisa Shin writes: “As someone who grew up being scared to present in front of an audience, even in front of family during holiday karaoke time, I never thought I would turn into an ambivert of sorts. Alone time is much appreciated; however, there is this heartwarming feeling that is so unique to meeting and connecting with people with similar interests, passions, and experiences. As I slowly wade into the winter semester of my first year as an academic librarian, I wanted to share some anecdotes in hopes of helping out a fellow introvert!”

ACRLog, Jan. 17
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Haley Cole and Tylar Kerstetter write: “Libraries are institutions that excel at both formal and informal learning. Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPG) lend themselves to supporting learning in a variety of ways. They can help with basic math skills, spatial awareness and tactics, how to properly use an index or appendix to efficiently find information, and even communication or conflict resolution. TTRPG players are often practicing soft skills, self-regulation, empathy, and problem solving while roleplaying. If you’re interested in integrating TTRPGs into your library or classroom, there are a number of resources out there to support you.”

ALA Games and Gaming Round Table, Jan. 19
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The ALA Presidential Candidates Virtual Forum offers an opportunity to learn about ALA presidential candidates Becky Calzada and Tamika Barnes and their visions for ALA. The forum will take place at 2 p.m. Central on February 9. Register to attend the forum. You may also submit a question in advance. Following the forum, ALA members will have the chance to participate in a virtual meet-and-greet with each candidate. The event will also be recorded and shared on ALA’s YouTube channel. Learn more about the candidates.

ALA Governance Office

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