Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially proclaimed October 6, 2026, American Library Association Day in Chicago. The proclamation recognizes ALA’s impact on libraries in the city and nationwide.
While ALA works at the national level, the Association has called Chicago home since 1909, when it was offered free space within the Chicago Public Library.
ALA has deep connections with Chicago. William F. Poole, the first Head Librarian of Chicago Public Library and first librarian of the Newberry Library, was a founding member and the second president of ALA. The ALA Board of Education for Librarianship helped coordinate the establishment of the first graduate library school in the U.S. at the University of Chicago. And since 1893, ALA has held its annual conference in Chicago 16 times – more than any other city – including the 1976 Centennial and 2026 sesquicentennial celebrations.
Johnson encouraged all residents to celebrate the day by visiting their local library, exploring its many resources, and thanking library workers for their service to our communities.
Read the full proclamation below, or download the PDF.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Chicago has been home to the headquarters of the American Library Association (ALA) since 1909, beginning with free space offered by the Chicago Public Library; and
WHEREAS, William F. Poole, the first Head Librarian of the Chicago Public Library and first librarian of the Newberry Library, was a founding member and the second president of the American Library Association; and
WHEREAS, the ALA Board of Education for Librarianship helped coordinate the establishment of the first graduate library school in the United States at the University of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, for 150 years, ALA has empowered and advocated for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all; and
WHEREAS, ALA champions literacy and assists libraries in helping children and adults develop the ability to read and utilize information resources, understanding that literacy is essential in a global information society; and
WHEREAS, ALA advocates for federal funding and initiatives that strengthen libraries as essential community institutions, expanding access to information, educational resources, and services for people of all ages, ethnicities, income levels, abilities, and circumstances; and
WHEREAS, ALA advances and defends intellectual freedom and supports libraries by protecting the right of individuals to read, explore, learn, seek information, the right to speak freely and make informed decisions; and
WHEREAS, ALA supports libraries of all types in strengthening their communities by providing tools, resources, and leadership that help libraries expand their roles as trusted community hubs and local change agents; and
WHEREAS, ALA provides resources to support college, community college, and university libraries in developing information-literate learners who can discover, access, and use information effectively for academic success, research, and lifelong learning;
WHEREAS, the American Library Association recognizes school libraries and librarians as essential to education, fostering critical thinking, information literacy, and a love of learning while providing students with inclusive environments, valuable resources, and the skills needed to become confident and lifelong learners; and
WHEREAS, ALA’s federal advocacy has had a direct positive impact on libraries in Chicago and nationwide through the passage of landmark legislation, including the Library Services Act to provide federal funds for libraries, the Pratt-Smoot Act to provide library services for the blind, the Depository Library Act to expand access to government information, and the Copyright Act to permit libraries and archives to copy materials for preservation and replacement; and
WHEREAS, since 1893, the American Library Association has held its annual conference in Chicago 16 times—more than any other city—including the 1976 Centennial and 2026 sesquicentennial celebrations; and
WHEREAS, we commend Chicago’s libraries and library professionals for their continued commitment to learning, discovery, and strengthening communities across our city:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2026, as AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION DAY IN CHICAGO, and encourage all residents to celebrate by visiting their local library, exploring its many resources, and thanking library workers for their service to our communities.
Dated this 6th day of October 2026.
