55 Moments That Redefined Librarianship

May 1, 2026

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


A Seat at the Table

A Seat at the Table

May 1, 2026

Robert Wedgeworth Wedgeworth served as ALA’s first Black executive director (1972–1985). In virtually all my professional ­positions, I was the only Black person. I never had problems as a result, because almost everybody accepted that I had to be exceptional in order to be in the position I was in. Earlier, as an undergraduate in … Continue reading A Seat at the Table



Rebirth and Reaffirmation

May 1, 2026

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



2027-2028 ALA President Tamika Barnes

Barnes Wins 2027–2028 ALA Presidency

April 6, 2026

Barnes received 3,827 votes, while her opponent, Becky Calzada, district library coordinator at Leander (Tex.) Independent School District, received 2,742 votes. Upon learning the outcome of the election, Barnes provided the following statement: “I am deeply honored by the trust ALA members have placed in me,” Barnes said. “Throughout this campaign, I have listened to members … Continue reading Barnes Wins 2027–2028 ALA Presidency


Tamika Barnes

Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Tamika Barnes

March 2, 2026

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



Sam Helmick

Your Library Story

January 2, 2026

Stories have extraordinary power to connect people across cultures, ages, and experiences. By curating diverse narratives, libraries promote inclusion and understanding. Librarians are natural storytellers, yet many of us stay behind the scenes. Perhaps it’s humility. Perhaps it’s the belief that the work speaks for itself. But in a world filled with noise, your steady, … Continue reading Your Library Story


Bold Changes

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

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