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 library worker helps a patron at the reference desk of Detroit Public Library, circa 1976. From the ALA Archives.

The Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights

Phil Morehart August 3, 2026

During the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2026 Annual Conference in Chicago, ALA Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption and recognition of the Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights, a landmark framework affirming the dignity, safety and professional rights of library workers across all sectors.

Linderfelt

Mr. Linderfelt’s Trouble, Part One: ALA’s Lost President

Cara Bertram July 22, 2026

In 1892, Klas August Linderfelt, the first librarian of Milwaukee Public Library (MLP), was arrested for embezzling $4,000. The arrest came as a shock to the library profession. Not only was Linderfelt the head of MLP, but he was also the president of both the American Library Association and the Wisconsin Library Association. And that’s just the beginning of this wild tale.

dList home page

The Future of Librarians: dLIST, a Story the Commons Keeps

Anita Coleman July 17, 2026

The history of the Digital Library of Information Science and Technology (dList), the library field’s first open access disciplinary repository for Library and Information Science scholarship, shows what happens when a profession’s stated values and its institutional choices diverge at a technological inflection point.

REFORMA members outside of the White House, June 25, 2019.

REFORMA and ALA: 55 Years of History

REFORMA July 8, 2026

ALA maintains partnerships with external organizations through its affiliates program. One of those is REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. For more than 50 years, the two associations have been partners in the goal of providing better library services to Latino communities.

The cover of Books Challenged or Banned in 2001-2002 list by Robert P. Doyle.

For the Cornerstones of Our Communities: ALA and the Freedom to Read

Lisa Varga July 1, 2026

Shortly after ALA was founded, it became clear that libraries needed a voice in government. ALA’s intertwined Public Policy and Advocacy Office and Office for Intellectual Freedom are that presence, ensuring that libraries and library professionals receive the support that allow them to succeed at providing equitable access to information for all.