American Library Association

10/19/2026

Your library community may not be asking "which AI tool should we use?" They might be asking "should we trust it at all?"

In this PLA webinar, "Listening First When Your Community Is Skeptical of AI," you'll learn how to find out what patrons need, what concerns they have, and what has to be true before they'll trust a library AI tool. Join us Wed., 10/21 at 1pm CT. https://bit.ly/4hYsEjv

10/18/2026

⏲️ Heads up! Applications for the 2027 PLA Leadership Academy close Mon., Oct. 19 at 11:59pm CT. Are you ready to grow into a leadership role at your library?

Apply Now: https://bit.ly/4y33BRU

10/16/2026

ALA President Dr. Maria McCauley recently joined the 10 Steps Campaign team to talk about the power of libraries - and the power of organizing around the freedom to read and learn! Head to YouTube to watch the full conversation featuring Dr. McCauley, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Cameron Samuels, and Stacey Abrams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq3EGsG7cxI

10/16/2026

ALA stands behind E-Rate and the libraries and communities it powers nationwide with broadband discounts. We are extremely disappointed in yesterday's ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals invalidating the FCC's structure for administering broadband programs like E-Rate. Stay tuned for more analysis and next steps from ALA and our partners:

A U.S. federal appeals court said on Thursday the Federal Communications Commission exceeded its authority in setting up a telecoms subsidy program in the late ​1990s used to widen access to communications for millions of Americans.

10/16/2026

It often starts with a patron’s simple question.

Librarians play a central role in helping people navigate information, evaluate sources, and find answers they can trust. That includes health information, something many people come to the library looking for every day. Maybe they need more information about a diagnosis, a medication, or something they came across online. Perhaps they’re helping a family member with a medical issue or trying to better understand their own health. These are everyday interactions in libraries. And "The Public Librarian’s Guide to Answering Health Questions" is about helping you approach them with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of your role.

You do not need a medical background to provide excellent health information service — just the right frameworks, tools, and reassurance to apply your core skills in a health context. Learn more about this guide: https://alastore.ala.org/PLhealthQs.

The Public Librarian’s Guide to Answering Health Questions Bobbi L. Newman Carolyn Martin (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) Add to cart ALA Member $44.99 Price $49.99 Item Number 979-8-89255-256-1 Published 2026 Publisher ALA Editions Pages 140 Width 6" Height 9" Format Softcover Primary t...

10/15/2026

Are you looking for new games, activities, and play-based resources for your library? We're excited to announce that ALA Demo Day: Games & Play will bring vendors and their products directly to you in a new one-day virtual event.

🔎It's an easy and convenient way to discover gaming options, engage with other library professionals, and find new solutions for your community. The live event is FREE to attend, but registration is required.

Sign up now! https://bit.ly/3WpXfOg

10/15/2026

What a night! We kicked off the traveling exhibition, “Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire,” at the Chicago Public Library with an extraordinary panel of Pulitzer Prizes winners: Percival Everett, Daniel Kraus, Amanda Vaill, and Jon Cherry, moderated by Pulitzer board member Jelani Cobb.

The exhibition will travel to 20 public libraries across the country, including another kickoff celebration at the Dallas Public Library next week with Pulitzer winners Barbara Kingsolver and Gabriela Frank.

Check out ALA.org/Pulitzer to see if the exhibit is coming to a town near you.

10/15/2026

📊 The 2026 Public Library Technology Survey is open!

How is your library using technology to serve your community? From Wi-Fi and digital literacy programs to AI and emerging technologies, the Public Library Association (PLA) wants to hear from you!

Your responses help us better understand technology infrastructure & practices in public libraries. Participate & enter to win free group registration for a PLA webinar OR a discounted Benchmark subscription for your library! https://bit.ly/3tbLInh

10/14/2026

NEW: ALA submitted comments to the FCC defending the federal E-Rate program's discounts for broadband services at libraries. We have fought for digital connectivity at the library for more than 30 years - we're not backing down now. Read our comments: https://www.ala.org/news/2026/10/ala-showcases-outsized-impact-library-broadband-fcc

Tell the FCC and Congress to : ala.org/erate

10/14/2026

Fall is the perfect time to read some hare-raising tales, and no one knows this better than Jasper Rabbit! Get your library and readers into the spooky spirit with this 'Creepy Tales' READ poster. Also available as a bookmark!

ALA members receive 10% off! Shop here: https://bit.ly/4dCbQt8