Discover the people, policies, and pivotal moments that shaped the ALA and the libraries we all rely on. Our anniversary blog is your behind-the-scenes look at the legacy we’re honoring and the future we’re building, with regular stories on how we’re celebrating.
Why I’m Supporting ALA’s 150th Anniversary: A Personal Reflection
Overdrive founder and CEO Steve Potash details his lifelong love and support of libraries and his role in celebrating ALA’s 150th anniversary this year, including the announcement of a $500,000 donation challenge.
15 Years of Fear: ALA and the Patriot Act
October 26, 2001, marked the beginning of a 15-year-long struggle for the privacy rights of library users as a result of the USA PATRIOT Act being signed into law by President Bush. Prompted by the possibility of government agents ordering libraries to turn over patron information, ALA’s Washington Office created the “Guidelines for Librarians on the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act: What to do before, during and after a ‘knock at the door?’” which provided guidance on consulting legal counsel and reviewing policies.
Librarians Go on a Road Trip! The 1926 Foreign Delegate Post-Conference Excursion
In early October 1926, almost 60 librarians from 25 countries gathered in Atlantic City and Philadelphia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Library Association along with more than 2,000 American librarians. By all accounts, the conference was a great success. But the best part of this all-expenses-paid trip to the U.S. didn’t happen during the actual meeting: When the conference ended, about 30 international delegates went on a multi-state excursion, visiting 12 cities in the span of two weeks.
Celebrating ALA’s Birthday in Conversation with Dr. Betty Turock
In a special episode of the “How I Library” podcast commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Library Association, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with one of the key figures in the history of the Association and librarianship, Dr. Betty Turock.
Chicago Proclaims October 6 “American Library Association Day”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proclaimed October 6, ALA’s anniversary, as American Library Association Day in Chicago.
ALA’s Anniversary Meets a Critical Moment for the Right to Read
The overlap of Banned Books Week and ALA’s official 150th anniversary offers a timely opportunity to reflect on ALA’s longstanding role in defending intellectual freedom and protecting Americans’ right to read.
150 Years of Advocacy for Libraries
Advocacy for libraries has been at the heart of the American Library Association’s (ALA) mission for 150 years. A new publication by ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy office highlights milestones and key accomplishments from ALA’s history. The resulting laws and initiatives have made an indelible impact on America’s libraries and the people they serve.
Libraries During the Great Depression
During the Great Depression, the WPA—with help from the ALA Library Extension Board—supported public libraries by sponsoring bookmobiles and providing workers for demonstration projects that extended library services to rural communities.
Things You Didn’t Know About ALA History, 1876–1900
American Libraries highlights little-known moments from ALA’s first 25 years of existence.
A Library Card for Every Child
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a national campaign to emphasize the importance of library cards to a child’s education and to combat illiteracy. The campaign first started in 1987 as a response to then Secretary of Education, William Bennett, who stated: “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.”
ALA’s 150 in United States’ 250: Democracy in the Making
ALA’s work at 150 is inextricably intertwined with the work of advancing the United States of America’s 250 and libraries across the globe. We are a vital part of democracy in the making.
Harry Clemons: The ALA in Siberia
During World War I, most ALA-operated libraries were stationed in U.S.-based military camps. However, a small number of librarians were sent overseas to help distribute books and run libraries. Harry Clemons was one such librarian.
Since ALA headquarters moved in 2020 to its present location at Chicago’s 225 North Michigan Avenue, ALA Librarian Colleen Barbus has presided over a completely reimagined in-house library.