She answered our 11 Questions to introduce herself to ALA members. Coffee, tea, other? Coffee in the morning, but sometimes a cup of chamomile lavender tea in the evening. What’s the first website or app you check in the morning? The New York Times’ Games app. I play Wordle, The Mini Crossword, Connections, Strands, and … Continue reading 11 Questions: Kerri Price
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
September is an exciting time to welcome people into the library as we celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and observe Banned Books Week, this year scheduled September 22–28. Since 1982, Banned Books Week has been a critical national program aimed at helping everyone see that all stories belong in libraries. October brings TeenTober literacy and … Continue reading We All Belong
Helmick is replacing Raymond Pun, academic and research librarian at Alder Graduate School of Education in Redwood City, California, who stepped down from the member-elected position in June because of health reasons. The ALA Executive Board recommended Helmick, and they received ALA Council’s confirmation on July 23, following a process outlined in the ALA Bylaws. … Continue reading Sam Helmick Selected as ALA President-Elect
As we look ahead to meet the information needs of our membership, it is important that we stand united to remember why we work in this trusted profession. We have some big goals ahead with the hiring of the next ALA executive director, celebrating the Association’s 150th anniversary, creating a strategic plan to elevate the role … Continue reading A Good Way for ALA
The second day of Council at Annual involved committee reports and a wide-ranging discussion about the future of the Association.
“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
Pun received 5,611 votes, while his opponent Sam Helmick, community and access services coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, received 2,778 votes. Upon learning the outcome of the election, Pun said, “Thank you to each and every member who voted and became part of the ALA community to make our profession and Association stronger together. I … Continue reading Pun Wins 2025–2026 ALA Presidency
“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
At an academic library conference in Edison, New Jersey, I discovered that a Taylor ham and a pork roll are somehow both the same and different. In Morgantown, West Virginia, I learned that a pepperoni roll is indeed a delicacy, and I was grateful to be stuffed full of them at an event. And at … Continue reading Food for Thought
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
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
