For 150 years, the American Library Association (ALA) has stood as a guardian of knowledge, a champion of access, and a beacon for democracy. Founded in 1876 by visionary library workers who understood the transformative power of books and information, ALA has fostered a profession committed to collections, but also to communities, equity, and the promise of lifelong learning. Our history is filled with moments of courage, innovation, and advocacy that remind us how central libraries are to the fabric of American life.
Libraries have been, and remain, places of hope and possibility. They have carried books to soldiers in wartime, provided refuge and learning to children across every neighborhood, and adapted boldly in the face of societal and technological change. From hosting public lectures in the 19th century to offering digital literacy programs and community technology access today, libraries have continually evolved to meet the needs of their communities. They are spaces where every person, regardless of background, income, or circumstance, can encounter new ideas, challenge their assumptions, and engage with the world in informed, meaningful ways.
As we celebrate 150 years, we are called not only to reflect but to act. Our century-and-a-half legacy is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of librarians and library workers everywhere. It reminds us that the work we do connects people with information, defends the freedom to read, and advocates for open and meaningful access to opportunity. Our work is vital now more than ever. Libraries serve as both repositories of knowledge and as active participants in civic life, fostering understanding, dialogue, and empathy in communities of all sizes.
This anniversary is an invitation: to imagine the libraries of tomorrow, to advocate fiercely for open access to knowledge, and to invest in the infrastructure, both digital and human, that makes libraries a foundation of thriving communities. Each of us has a role in shaping this next chapter, whether through innovation in our services, mentorship within our profession, or action in support of intellectual freedom. By embracing both tradition and transformation, we ensure that libraries remain vibrant centers of learning, creativity, and connection.
Together, we can ensure that libraries continue to transform lives, strengthen democracy, and serve as the heart of communities for generations to come. For 150 years, ALA has illuminated the path. Now, let us step forward with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the power of libraries. Let us embrace this milestone as a call to action: to protect access, to nurture curiosity, and to celebrate the extraordinary impact of libraries and the people who make them possible. The story of ALA is not just a rich and deep history; it is a living mission. It belongs to every member, every library, and every community we serve. And together, we will write the next 150 years.
Sam Helmick (they/them) is the 2025-2026 president of the American Library Association.
