150 YEARS STRONG

Explore ALA and Library History with Wayne Wiegand

In 1876, 103 librarians gathered in Philadelphia to create a new association for librarians. One hundred and fifty years later, the American Library Association (ALA) has endured to help shape both the library profession and American history.

In a special episode of ALA’s “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with library historian and author Wayne Wiegand about the beginnings of ALA as the Association celebrates its 150th anniversary.

How I Library podcast with Wayne Wiegand

In the first in a series of four bonus “How I Library” episodes on ALA history which will be released throughout the year, Morehart and Wiegand explore the rich, fascinating early years of ALA and its complicated founders, ALA’s impact on librarianship, the role of ALA and librarians during WWI, and much more.

“How I Library” is available for download or streaming on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or listen below.

150 YEARS STRONG

THE OFFICIAL ANNIVERSARY BLOG

A Seat at the Table feature graphic

A Seat at the Table: Reflections from Eight ALA Trailblazers

American Libraries May 14, 2026

For 150 years, the American Library Association has shaped the landscape of libraries and the profession itself—but its leadership has often reflected the racial and gender biases of society at large. American Libraries spoke with eight barrier-busting Association leaders about their struggles, triumphs, breakdowns, and breakthroughs. The stories and lessons they share reveal how diversity fuels and transforms the power of libraries everywhere.

The School of Economy at Columbia College in New York City, class of 1888. Photo: ALA Archives

55 Moments That Redefined Librarianship

American Libraries May 12, 2026

As the American Library Association (ALA) celebrates 150 years, we’re drawing inspiration from key events since its 1876 founding: from the first conventions and library schools, through wartime and the fight for civil rights, to seismic technological advancements and the existential threats of the current moment. 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.

Keynote speaker and author Phoebe Eng signing books

Shared Visions: The National Conference on Asian/Pacific American Librarians

Cara Bertram May 5, 2026

In 2001, the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association and the Chinese American Librarians Association partnered to host the first and only National Conference on Asian/Pacific American Librarians. The theme, Shared Visions: Heritages, Scholarship, Progress, was chosen “with a sincere commitment to representing the rich diversity of East, South and Southeast Asian and Pacific American ethnicities, cultures and communities.”

The Wellesley Half-Dozen

Jane Rodgers Siegel May 1, 2026

Although women had been employed in libraries previously, the six young women hired by Melvil Dewey in 1883 to work at Columbia College library captured the imagination of 20th-century library historians as groundbreaking fore-mothers of female employment and/or the beginnings of low-paid exploitation of women in the library workforce, but never as six young individuals at the beginning of six full lives.

Lucille Cole Thomas

The History of School Library Month

Phil Morehart April 29, 2026

April is School Library Month, when school librarians across the U.S. are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning. For more than 40 years, School Library Month has highlighted the vital role school libraries play in the lives and education of our nation’s youth. It has a fascinating history.

Washington County Free Library's bookmobile

Books on Wheels

Cara Bertram April 22, 2026

In 1904, the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown, Maryland, outfitted a wagon with bookshelves to serve as a mobile library unit to reach people who could not normally make it to the library. The idea soon spread to other parts of the country.