The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking website and podcast contributions from ALA members as it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026.
We want stories from members that reflect their experiences with ALA, its legacy, and its history to be featured here at ala150.org and for an ALA oral-history audio series that will be broadcast on ALA’s How I Library podcast. These should be stories about the people, policies, and pivotal moments that shaped the Association, its core values (Access, Equity, Intellectual Freedom and Privacy, Public Good, Sustainability), and our country’s libraries.
These can be personal memories and/or researched stories that reflect the following themes:
- Pivotal people and moments in ALA history—past, present, or future
- Policy and impact: What has changed for libraries or communities
- Member milestones: How ALA shaped your work and vice versa
- Lessons learned: A reckoning with constructive next steps for ALA and its future
Or perhaps you’d like to share something but aren’t quite sure where to begin. Consider these prompts to kickstart some ideas about your time at ALA and/or ALA’s past, present, and future.
- What happened? Why did it matter? What changed?
- Who was affected and how do we know?
- What should future ALA members remember or do differently?
You’ve got your idea. Great! Now what?
Please email a brief story pitch (approximately one paragraph in length) detailing your idea, whether its for ala150.org or the podcast, sources (if applicable), and any other pertinent information to Phil Morehart (pmorehart@ala.org) at the American Library Association.
Will you acknowledge receiving my story idea?
Story ideas will be acknowledged upon receipt.
When will I hear if my idea is accepted?
Confirmation or rejection of story idea and next steps, if applicable, will follow in 1-2 weeks.
What is the website and podcast’s style? What are you looking for in regards to tone?
Informal, but informative. Your stories must be inviting, engaging, and readable/listenable, with all statements backed by responsible research, if applicable. The Chicago Manual of Style (15th ed.) supplemented by specific ALA style will be used in editing articles for publication on the website.
How much editing should I expect?
On accepted website stories, ALA will retain the right to make editorial revisions, deletions, or additions that in their opinion support the article’s focus. Editors will make every possible effort to review copy with the author prior to publication, especially regarding any proposed substantive changes.
For the podcast, How I Library producer/host Phil Morehart will work with submitters to craft an engaging audio segment.
How long should my ala150 story be?
Stories should be 600–1,500 words in length and will be published on the website’s blog during the course of ALA’s 150th celebration year.
Would you like images to accompany the story?
Yes! If possible, please submit large photos and/or artwork (at 72 dpi) to accompany each story.
Thanks! We look forward to hearing from you!
