Alabama Library Association

09/02/2026

In a September 1 article published by 1819 News, John Wahl condemned libraries for having YA books deemed inappropriate by APLS based on their appearance in catalog keyword searches for “transgender” and “gender identity.” The APLS code requires that books deemed inappropriate be “weeded or relocated to the adult section,” yet the physical locations of books were ignored in this bad faith inspection of library catalogs. Libraries who have moved their YA books into Adult Sections were still targeted by this article and the list of inappropriate books apparently obtained from Amy Minton.
John Wahl, as Chair of the APLS Executive Board, neglected his duty to check the veracity of these claims before endorsing them and casting aspersions on libraries who are already in compliance with the rules his body has set––even though they aren’t required to be compliant before September 30.
These books were targeted for being deemed unfit for children by the APLS, but Minton and Wahl continue to threaten libraries when the books are now shelved with the adult collection.

08/27/2026

📚 Alabama Library Professionals — Your Voice Matters!

The Alabama Library Association (ALLA) wants to hear from YOU! We’re conducting the 2026 Membership & Professional Needs Assessment to better understand the needs, priorities, and experiences of Alabama’s library professionals.

💡 What matters most to you?
📖 What professional development would be most valuable?
📣 How can ALLA better support advocacy, communication, and member services?

Your feedback will directly help shape ALLA’s strategic planning and priorities for the future. This is your opportunity to help influence how ALLA serves Alabama’s library community!

👉 Take a few minutes to complete the survey and make your voice heard: https://tinyurl.com/4m5w9yba

Please share this post with your Alabama library colleagues! 💙📚

08/25/2026

With over 264 MILLION books gifted to children since the inception of her Imagination Library, we believe that Dolly Parton will forever be remembered as a major advocate for books and reading. You will be missed!

08/08/2026

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 📝 We’re looking for a few articles on the topic of AI in Libraries and would love to hear from anyone interested in contributing! Submissions will remain open until we’ve filled the available spots. For more information, contact Dr. Laura Pitts at [email protected]

08/05/2026

Alabama Library Association wants to hear directly from you! Your ideas, experiences, and feedback are essential in helping us better meet the needs of our members and the library community.
Join us for a facilitated discussion where you'll have the opportunity to share what ALLA is doing well, where we can improve, and what programs, services, resources, and advocacy efforts would be most valuable to you. Whether you're a current member, former member, or someone who has never been a member, your perspective matters.
This is more than a listening session—it's an opportunity to help shape the future of ALLA. We hope you'll join the conversation and help us build a stronger, more responsive association for everyone.
Register here:
https://www.allanet.org/listening-sessions
Help us tailor these events by answering a few questions:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/WpypnMTBvv

07/24/2026

ACTION ALERT ⚠️ There are two companion bills (Senate Bill 4925 and House Bill 7661) that are focused on controlling materials in public schools. Both SB 4925 and HB 7661 have been understood by freedom to read advocates as attacks on civil rights and on the representation and existence of LGBTQ+ individuals. Click on the EveryLibrary post to access their petition and other ways to make your voice heard!

If passed, the Federal Government will gain control of your local school libraries.

07/14/2026

What a great resource for our school librarians! Have you got your copy yet?

A wonderful, simple guide to all things school librarian, this book is small but mighty! Madigan wrote this professional text to help with new and experienced librarians, answering questions that are often found on social media. It is arranged in alphabetical order by keyword and rooted in AASL and ALA best practices, the volume gives quick and easy info about all manner of tasks from reading promotion ideas, displays, evaluation, yearly plans and on and on. A wonderful resource that you will pick up and reference and earmark for sure!

07/04/2026

“Having the freedom to read and the freedom to choose is one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me.” - Judy Blume

07/02/2026

FREE WEBINAR ALERT 🚨You are invited to learn all about scholarly publishing in the field of library and information science (LIS)! This series of sessions will demystify academic publishing for librarians by covering various aspects of the publishing and research process. Academic librarians at all stages of their careers, as well as MLIS students, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Scan the QR code or click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/3d97yw2k All sessions will be recorded and sent out to those who have registered.
This Summer Webinar series is co-sponsored by the Alabama Library Association (ALLA) Scholarly Communications Roundtable (SCRT), the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL) Continuing Education Committee hosted by the University of South Alabama Libraries.
For more information, email Tracy M. Cole / ALLA SCRT Moderator at [email protected]

06/30/2026

The ALLA Public Relations Committee wants to hear from you! If you have news about upcoming continuing education opportunities, professional achievements within your library, innovative programs or activities, awards for professionals and paraprofessional, presentations at conventions or conferences, publications, or other accomplishments that would interest our library community, please send them our way. Your contributions help us celebrate the outstanding work of Alabama librarians and keep our members informed and inspired. Email us at [email protected]