Before joining ALA, she spent 15 years as executive director of the Virginia Library Association. Varga has been an ALA member for 20 years and has served on the ALA Policy Corps, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Summit steering committee, ALA Leadership Institute, and Chapter Relations Committee. She answered our 11 Questions to introduce herself … Continue reading 11 Questions: Lisa Varga
The full statement reads as follows: ALA, the largest library association in the world, and AFSCME, the largest union representing museum and library workers, are challenging the Trump administration’s gutting of IMLS—a nonpartisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding libraries and museums and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country. The … Continue reading ALA, AFSCME File Lawsuit against Trump Administration
McCauley received 5,483 votes. Her opponent, Lindsay Cronk, dean of libraries at Tulane University in New Orleans, received 2,665 votes. Upon learning the outcome of the election, McCauley provided the following statement: “I am honored to be elected president of the American Library Association for 2026–2027 and grateful to everyone who voted. I look forward … Continue reading McCauley Wins 2026–2027 ALA Presidency
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
The full statement reads as follows: Andrea Jamison, assistant professor of school librarianship at Illinois State University in Normal, has withdrawn her candidacy for ALA president-elect and Intellectual Freedom Round Table director-at-large. Her name will be removed from the election ballot, which will be sent to ALA members on Monday, March 10. Two candidates remain … Continue reading ALA Presidential Candidate Andrea Jamison Withdraws from Ballot
I seek the office of president to help us meet this moment and shape a future worthy of ALA’s legacy, its promise, and above all, the library workers who make it all possible. Libraries aren’t just essential—they’re transformational. Whether we’re safeguarding intellectual freedom, ensuring equitable access, or improving financial sustainability, the challenges we face require … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Lindsay Cronk
Now more than ever, ALA needs radical leadership—a president who will engage in meaningful dialogue with allies and critics alike, to emphasize how equitable library services and social justice are not anti-American. Andrew Carnegie once stated, “There is not such a cradle of democracy on earth as the free public library, this republic of letters, … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Andrea Jamison
We are living in a time of uncertainty: We have seen significant censorship attempts, librarians targeted, and adverse library legislation, while social and economic inequities persist. We have also seen remarkable services and programs created, curated, and offered by gifted library workers and partners across the US and internationally. We are community connectors, teachers, guides, … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Maria McCauley
The talent and hard work of our member leaders and the ALA staff of our 14 offices, eight divisions, and 19 round tables are critically important to delivering high-quality professional development, advocacy, publications, collaborations, accreditation, grants, and networking opportunities that our 48,000 members need and expect. Together our work is essential to protect the freedom to … Continue reading Meet the Candidate for ALA Treasurer: Larry Neal
ALA, as an organization, has survived and thrived for nearly 150 years—through wars, economic downturns, changing political environments, and pandemics. With each of these challenges, we rose to the occasion with strong leadership, consistent messaging, and a membership base that devoted its efforts to sharing stories about the important work of all libraries and how … Continue reading Rising to the Occasion
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
My hope for the future is that we live in peace among all that is living. I believe in the power of the human spirit, and I offer humble observance to those who left us this past year, the many loved ones who have walked on to another journey. May their journeys be honored by … Continue reading Our Winter Count
