ALA finances Archives | American Libraries Magazine

Council III: Treasurer Presents Fiscal Report, Deficit Closure Plans

By Megan Bennett | June 29, 2026

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) … Continue reading Council III: Treasurer Presents Fiscal Report, Deficit Closure Plans →

Principled Investments

By Brett Bonfield | May 11, 2026

ESG investing refers to the practice of incorporating environmental impact, social issues, and corporate governance into investing decisions. A series of United Nations–sponsored reports popularized the term in 2004, although some earlier investment funds practiced socially responsible investing. Some that remain popular and influential include: Calvert’s social investment fund, launched in 1982; TIAA’s CREF Social … Continue reading Principled Investments →

Making Sense of Endowment Distributions

By Brett Bonfield | February 9, 2026

What investments should I choose (e.g., stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds)? Which financial services company fits my needs (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TIAA, Vanguard)? How much will I take out of my account each year as a distribution? That last decision is significant, because it affects how long the money will last and continue … Continue reading Making Sense of Endowment Distributions →

Bold Changes

By Larry Neal | January 2, 2026

I am thankful for the work of my predecessors Peter Hepburn and Maggie Farrell, and of Dina Tsourdinis, ALA’s chief financial officer, and her team to get our financial house in order. That means everything from timely reporting to clean audits to properly recording grants to an updated operating agreement. Unfortunately, ALA’s financial picture, while … Continue reading Bold Changes →

Reinvigorating ALA

By Dan Montgomery | January 2, 2026

As I write this, still in my early weeks at the Association, I’ve been asked often about my own priorities for ALA. Well, my primary goal is this: to support us in achieving the vision outlined in the ALA Forward initiative. This includes ensuring ALA’s financial stability, fostering membership trust and growth, and bolstering advocacy. … Continue reading Reinvigorating ALA →

ALA Announces Staffing Reductions

October 21, 2025

ALA has announced a series of difficult but necessary workforce changes as part of its ongoing ALA Forward initiative—a comprehensive effort to align the organization’s structure and programs with its strategic priorities, sustainability, and mission impact. “These decisions were not made lightly,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “They represent difficult choices made with deep care … Continue reading ALA Announces Staffing Reductions →

An Introduction to the Endowment

By Brett Bonfield | October 17, 2025

ALA’s endowment is a major component of the Association’s finances, contributing millions of dollars each year to the budget to support ALA activities. It’s also one of the least visible aspects of Association operations, and investment activity can be complicated and intimidating to examine. The trustees value transparency and collaboration. In an effort to uphold … Continue reading An Introduction to the Endowment →

Neal Elected 2025–2028 ALA Treasurer

April 7, 2025

The American Library Association (ALA) announced on April 7 that Larry Neal, library director of Clinton-Macomb Public Library (CMPL) in Michigan, has been elected treasurer of ALA for 2025–2028. Neal received 7,312 votes in the uncontested election. He will step into his role as treasurer at the close of ALA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held … Continue reading Neal Elected 2025–2028 ALA Treasurer →

Moving Forward on Finances

By Peter Hepburn | January 2, 2025

For one, I’m proud of finishing the work started under my predecessor, Maggie Farrell, on the financial piece of the American Library Association (ALA) Operating Agreement, which governs the relationship between ALA and its membership divisions. I’m also pleased with the progress made in improving communication within the Association on finances. I am not, however, … Continue reading Moving Forward on Finances →

A Time of Transition

By Peter Hepburn | January 2, 2024

I’ve shifted from lightweight outfits to the heavier sweaters of the season. Autumn is, after all, a time of transition—which is something our Association is currently experiencing. Transition can be unsettling, yes, but it is also an opportunity to step back, take stock, and lay the foundation for what will follow. As we work with … Continue reading A Time of Transition →

ALA Finances on Track

By Peter Hepburn | January 3, 2023

As the new calendar year begins, I am carrying that optimism forward. We are approximately one-third of the way through the American Library Association’s (ALA) fiscal year, which runs from September 1, 2022, to August 31. The most uncertain days of the pandemic seem to be behind us. Like many of our libraries and, indeed, many … Continue reading ALA Finances on Track →

Hepburn Elected ALA Treasurer

April 13, 2022

Hepburn received 8,947 votes in the uncontested election. Hepburn will step into his role as treasurer at the close of the 2022 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. Upon learning the outcome of the election, Hepburn said, “What an incredible honor to be able to serve our association in this capacity and to … Continue reading Hepburn Elected ALA Treasurer →

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