ALA Executive Board Archives | American Libraries Magazine

ALA Announces Support for Libraries Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires

January 13, 2025

The full statement reads as follows: The American Library Association (ALA) extends our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by and to those who have lost everything during the Los Angeles area fires. We know that the Los Angeles Public Library’s Palisades Branch Library was destroyed, and we await word on others that … Continue reading ALA Announces Support for Libraries Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires →

ALA Vows to Defend Core Values

November 6, 2024

In response to the results of the 2024 US election, ALA vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats. “We know that many of our members are concerned that the election results portend attacks on libraries, library workers, and readers,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. “Whatever … Continue reading ALA Vows to Defend Core Values →

ALA Releases Statement on Helping Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene

October 3, 2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our hearts are with those whose lives have been profoundly impacted. We extend our deepest sympathies to individuals facing devastating loss and the challenges of recovery and rebuilding. We recognize the unwavering dedication of libraries to show up, to step in, and to serve their communities during this difficult … Continue reading ALA Releases Statement on Helping Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene →

Pun to Step Away from ALA Presidency

June 14, 2024

“Raymond Pun, in line for the American Library Association presidency, will not assume the role for health reasons. He was to take office as president-elect after ALA’s Annual Conference adjourns in early July, and he would have been president in 2025–2026. The 2024–2025 Executive Board will fill the vacancy within 30 days of taking office, … Continue reading Pun to Step Away from ALA Presidency →

ALA Cancels LibLearnX 2026

March 11, 2024

“After careful evaluation and analysis of financial and other critical factors, the American Library Association Executive Board has decided that LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience will not be held in 2026. As ALA looks ahead, efforts are under way to determine how best to present some of the most beloved celebratory events traditionally held at … Continue reading ALA Cancels LibLearnX 2026 →

Council II: Resolution to Condemn Destruction of Gaza Libraries Passes

By Megan Bennett | January 21, 2024

The Council II agenda was adopted (CD#8.2) and Drabinski addressed memorial resolutions honoring Hwa-Wei Lee (M-#1), George Needham (M-#2), Candy Morgan (M-#3) , Betty-Carol Sellen (M-#4), Adonna “Donna” C. Fleming (M-#5), and Donna Louise Gilton (M-#6). She also announced tribute resolutions recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Sustainability Round Table (T-#1) and honoring retiring Maryland … Continue reading Council II: Resolution to Condemn Destruction of Gaza Libraries Passes →

Council I: Discussion of Ceasefire Statement Postponed

By Megan Bennett | January 20, 2024

The Hybrid Council Meeting Rules (CD#5) and Council I agenda (CD#8.1) were adopted. The minutes from the June 2023 Annual Conference Membership and Council Meetings and the November 2023 Special Virtual Council Meeting (CD#2–#2.1) were also approved. ALA Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger reviewed Executive Board actions since the 2023 Annual Conference meetings (CD#15) and … Continue reading Council I: Discussion of Ceasefire Statement Postponed →

ALA Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger

ALA Names Leslie Burger as Interim Executive Director

November 15, 2023

Leslie Burger is the American Library Association’s (ALA) new interim executive director, the Association’s Executive Board announced November 15. Burger served as ALA president for the 2006–2007 term. She also served as executive director of Princeton (N.J.) Public Library (PPL) from 1999–2016. Currently, Burger is founding partner of Library Development Solutions, a library consulting service, … Continue reading ALA Names Leslie Burger as Interim Executive Director →

Executive Director Tracie D. Hall to Depart from ALA

October 5, 2023

ALA announced today that Tracie D. Hall will resign from her role as executive director following nearly four transformative years at the Association. Her last day will be Friday, October 6. During her tenure, Hall brought ALA greater public recognition, private funding, media visibility, and key partnerships. Upon her departure, she leaves behind a string … Continue reading Executive Director Tracie D. Hall to Depart from ALA →

ALA Announces Steps to Support LGBTQIA+ Library Workers

August 9, 2023

The American Library Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the values of equity and inclusivity within libraries nationwide. In response to recent concerns surrounding discriminatory practices faced by LGBTQIA+ library workers, ALA stands united in support of these dedicated professionals, advocating for a workplace free from prejudice and discrimination. Discrimination against library workers based … Continue reading ALA Announces Steps to Support LGBTQIA+ Library Workers →

ALA Responds to Montana State Library Commission’s Withdrawal of Membership

July 13, 2023

ALA is a non-partisan, nonprofit membership organization that develops, promotes, and improves library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. ALA has remained committed to this mission since its inception in 1876, serving people of all demographic backgrounds and ideologies and becoming … Continue reading ALA Responds to Montana State Library Commission’s Withdrawal of Membership →

Lappin and Schneider Appointed to ALA Executive Board

June 7, 2023

On June 7, the American Library Association (ALA) announced that Amy Lappin and Karen Schneider have been named to the ALA Executive Board. The full statement follows: Amy Lappin and Karen Schneider have been appointed by the ALA Executive Board to fill two newly created board seats. The vacant seats were formed upon adoption of … Continue reading Lappin and Schneider Appointed to ALA Executive Board →

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Christine Park writes: “In 1985, anthropologist James C. Scott published Weapons of the Weak: Everyday Forms of Peasant Resistance, illustrating the ‘prosaic but constant struggle’ of Malaysian villagers indirectly dissenting against the power holders. Since January of this year, there have been seemingly unending and concentrated attacks on [redacted] policies as the new administration has made it a cornerstone of its agenda to combat ‘wokeness’ in America. But it’s fitting to utilize the tools that we have, and not comply in advance. For example, instead of removing any mention of [redacted], we can use visual tools to highlight the absurd and pervasive assault on our First Amendment rights.”

RIPS Law Librarian Blog, Mar. 20
24h

Megan Nigh writes: “Getting books into your library is one half of the equation, but the other half is getting them into the hands of your teens. Handselling can be effective, but we can’t always be there for every teen looking for their next read. So how do we engage and entice teens to pick up a book? Check out some ideas [including special teen displays, on-shelf recommendations, and light-hearted gimmicks] that worked for us!”

Young Adult Library Services Association: The Hub, Mar. 21
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ALA sent a letter March 20 to Keith E. Sonderling, the new acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), warning him not to cut library programs required by federal law. The letter was sent in response to President Trump’s March 14 executive order, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” which calls for IMLS’s elimination. Outlining the Congressional mandate of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 2018, which was signed by President Trump, ALA urged Sonderling to follow provisions of the MLSA and avoid violating federal law. Additionally, the National Museum and Library Services Board sent Sonderling a letter outlining IMLS’s statutory obligations.

ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Mar. 20; Publishers Weekly, Mar. 24
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Peter McCabe and Anna Mehler Paperny write: “US authorities said March 21 they are closing Canadian access to a library straddling the Canada-US border. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is located between the towns of Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont. The library’s entrance is on the Vermont side. Previously, Canadian visitors were able to enter using the sidewalk and entrance on the American side. Under the new rules, Canadians would need to go through a formal border crossing before entering the library.” The Department of Homeland Security told Reuters the move was in response to drug trafficking, but provided no evidence of such activity.

Reuters, Mar. 21
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Megan Bennett writes and David Alvarado illustrates: “In 1979, Berkeley (Calif.) Public Library became one of the first libraries to start a tool lending program. Today, library patrons can choose from dozens of household options, from lawn mowers to miter saws, cold-press juicers to knife sharpeners. Public libraries continue to adopt this model. These Library of Things collections allow carbon footprint–conscious locals to buy less, monitor their usage of natural resources, appreciate nature, and create a more sustainable environment. Here’s an illustrated list of 21 popular tools promoting sustainability available in library collections across the US and Canada.”

American Libraries feature, Mar./Apr.
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Jodi Fortino writes: “Some Lee’s Summit (Mo.) School District Board of Education members said they’ve heard from parents concerned about what content their children can access in school libraries. Starting this month, parents can place their student on a restricted checkout status. Parents can call their school’s librarian and list up to 20 titles that their student won’t be able to check out. School librarians said they received 89 formal reconsideration requests in the 2022–2023 school year, but none of them came from parents whose children had checked out a book.” No requests were received in the 2023–2024 school year.

KCUR-FM (Kansas City, Mo.), Mar. 10
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Jeffrey Brainard writes: “The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Friday told staff members it has canceled subscriptions carried by its National Agricultural Library as part of a drive by President Donald Trump’s administration (and its Department of Government Efficiency) to cut federal spending. The move appears to drop nearly 400 of the library’s roughly 2,000 journals, including many prominent in various agricultural subfields—but curiously none from the world’s three largest scientific publishers, all of which are for-profit. Most of the affected publishers are university or nonprofit scientific society presses. USDA staff members depicted the move as hasty, indiscriminate slashing.”

Science, Mar. 17

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