ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
LightNews LightNews
banner
librarypolicy.bsky.social
ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
@librarypolicy.bsky.social
2.9K followers 90 following 470 posts
Updates from the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Public Policy & Advocacy team in D.C. #LibrariesStrong #BuildLibraries #FundLibraries #eBooksForAll #ForOurLibraries

Become a library advocate: ala.org/takeaction
Posts Replies Media Videos
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Come join us in Washington this February for National Library Legislative Day! Registration and logistics below - don't miss out, registration is limited.

More ⤵️ (ala.org/advocacy/nlld)
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 6h
Registration for National Library Legislative Day is open! Join us in Washington, DC, Feb 24-25, to hone your advocacy skills, make your voice heard in Congress, and meet dozens of other library professionals committed to advocacy!

Attendance is limited; register now: ala.org/advocacy/nlld
ALA & COSLA: National Library Legislative Day, Washington, DC. Join us in Washington, DC to make our voices heard for libraries! National Library Legislative Day, Feb 25-25, 2027. Attendance is limited! Register: ala.org/nlld. ALA American Library Association, COSLA Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
November 2, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Registration for National Library Legislative Day is open! Join us in Washington, DC, Feb 24-25, to hone your advocacy skills, make your voice heard in Congress, and meet dozens of other library professionals committed to advocacy!

Attendance is limited; register now: ala.org/advocacy/nlld
ALA & COSLA: National Library Legislative Day, Washington, DC. Join us in Washington, DC to make our voices heard for libraries! National Library Legislative Day, Feb 25-25, 2027. Attendance is limited! Register: ala.org/nlld. ALA American Library Association, COSLA Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
November 2, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
In 1945, ALA purchased the Cyrus Hall McCormick Mansion at 50 E. Huron St. in Chicago as its new headquarters. However, by 1955, ALA was investigating other options, and by 1960, was ready to not only move out of the mansion but also tear it down.

Read more...if you dare: https://bit.ly/4yL5DFy
Black and white archival photo of the exterior of ALA's McCormick Mansion at 50 East Huron Street in Chicago. Caption at the top asks the question, "An inconvenient office space or a mansion overrun by ghosts?" American Library Association logo
October 28, 2026 at 9:08 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Tomorrow: Join ALA's Lisa Varga and the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries for "The Future of Higher Education: Why Library Advocacy Can’t Wait"!

Tune in at 2pm ET to hear about upcoming legislative priorities and policies impacting academic libraries: www.aserl.org/event/the-fu...
ASERL. The future of higher education: why library advocacy can't wait. Thu, Oct 29, 2026, 2pm-3pm EDT. [Photos of Lisa Varga, ALA, and Anne Osterman, George Mason University]
October 28, 2026 at 6:56 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Libraries have been gearing up for election season all year, with programming and resources to help their patrons get #ReaderVoterReady!

Still need some last minute inspiration? Check out our Ready Voter Ready resources for event ideas and more: ala.org/advocacy/initiatives/reader-voter-ready
Reader voter ready. ALA American Library Association.
October 26, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
With three days of insights, keynotes, exhibitors, and conversations with fellow library leaders at Core Forum, you’ll find the inspiration, practical ideas, and next steps to move your library forward.

CORE Forum is approaching fast! Register now. https://coreforum.org/

#CoreForum
Don’t Miss These Leadership & Management Sessions When Things Fall Apart: Learning from Management Failures This session creates an honest, structured space to examine what happens when leadership decisions falter: communication breakdowns, opaque processes, and stalled initiatives. Modern Middle Leadership: Redefining How to Lead at the Most Crucial Level The discussion examines two essential concepts: how leaders can support staff in embracing change even without direct decision-making authority, and how they can identify and elevate staff expertise to build collective ownership confidence, and psychological safety in the workplace. Logos: CORE Forum – November 18-20 – Louisville, Kentucky ALA - American Library Association #CoreForum #LibraryConference #Libraries #LibrariesTransform Don’t Miss These Preservation Sessions Stewards in the Storm: Preservation, Preparedness, and Community Memory in Libraries This session will explore the vital role that librarians play in disaster preparedness, emphasizing how preserving communities’ experiences and ensuring the sustainability of information and knowledge are vital for disaster response. Yonder in the Graveyard Walk: Preservation and Connection in Louisville’s Historic Black Cemeteries Learn how hosting a “Black Cemeteries of [Your City]” event can forge new bonds of connection and preservation amongst information professionals, volunteers, educators, students, and family historians. Logos: CORE Forum – November 18-20 – Louisville, Kentucky ALA - American Library Association #CoreForum #LibraryConference #Libraries #LibrariesTransform Don’t Miss These Buildings & Operations Sessions Designing for Discovery: Creating Interactive and Engaging Library Spaces for Kids & Teens Examine how elements like flexible layouts, interactive features, embedded technology, sensory considerations, and age-appropriate zoning can foster meaningful experiences. Safe by Design: Moving Beyond Technology to Create Safer Libraries A truly safe library begins with intentional, well-designed spaces. Through real-world examples, practical strategies, and case studies, participants will learn how good design can quietly protect both people and collections—without relying solely on surveillance or barriers. Logos: CORE Forum – November 18-20 – Louisville, Kentucky ALA - American Library Association #CoreForum #LibraryConference #Libraries #LibrariesTransform Don’t Miss These Access & Equity Sessions Librarian, Architect, and Community: A Cross-Stakeholder Conversation Accessing a Community-Engaged Public Library Project Workshops were held. Surveys were conducted. Voices were heard. But five years later, a critical question remains: Did the building deliver on its promise of access and equity? Rather than presenting a single narrative, this session stages a candid dialogue across roles and perspectives. Designing for Inclusion: Creating Sensory Spaces for Neurodiverse Library Users Discover how a private, four-year institution’s academic library collaborated with campus partners and students with disabilities to create a dedicated sensory space—an intentionally calming environment that supports emotional regulation, focus, and well-being. Logos: CORE Forum – November 18-20 – Louisville, Kentucky ALA - American Library Association #CoreForum #LibraryConference #Libraries #LibrariesTransform
October 22, 2026 at 11:32 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program powers school literacy initiatives across the country. The Administration's decision to slash the number of grants awarded through IAL flies in the face of Congress's intent and the Administration's own stated goal of supporting literacy. More ⤵️
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 13d
The Dept's recent decisions have cut the number of awarded grants & reduced the potential impact of the funding. ALA agrees w the Senators: Federal funding should be spent as Congress intended, to benefit the communities it was designed to support. More: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
AOctober 13, 2026 To: The Honorable Linda McMahon Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 Secretary McMahon: This administration has chosen—brazenly and repeatedly—to prioritize its own backwards agenda over the needs of students, families, and communities across the United States. The Department of Education’s (Department) extensive “frontloading” of grants is just the latest example. By “frontloading” grants—paying out many years of a multi-year grant in one lump sum instead of funding a larger number of grants right now—your Department is dramatically reducing the number of students and schools that are helped by federal funding. This policy defies congressional intent and effectively cuts investment in communities across the country: the Department could have funded well over 1,000 more grants by committing funds for use without delay. The Department should immediately reverse this deeply misguided and unacceptable approach to implementation of federal appropriations, including funds provided in the FY2026 appropriations law
October 22, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
📣 Special announcement for small and rural libraries:

ALA's United for Libraries division and Penguin Random House are teaming up for a 3rd year to support Friends groups serving small and rural libraries with project grants!

Applications open Dec. 8. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hdubzv
Special Announcement: United for Libraries and Penguin Random House are issuing a third round of $500 and $1000 grants to Friends groups of small and rural libraries. National Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2026. An initiative of United for Libraries. Logos for Penguin Random House and United for Libraries.
October 20, 2026 at 6:10 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Happy #NationalFriendsOfLibrariesWeek! This week, we're celebrating the library friends, trustees, & boards who help libraries thrive.

Friends of the library are also advocates for the library. From fighting for E-Rate to standing up for intellectual freedom, friends of libraries are vital!
Booksales, Donations, Advocacy, Fundraising, Volunteering, Community Partnerships, Special events, Membership drives, Support, Celebrations, Resources, Promotion, Collaboration, Library Love: Thank the Friends. National Friends of Libraries Week. Oct 18-24, 2026. An initiative of United for Libraries.
October 21, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
ALA is grateful to Senators Patty Murray (WA) & Tammy Baldwin (WI) for their advocacy for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program, a Dept of Education program supporting literacy in schools, including in school libraries, in a recent letter to the agency:
www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldw...
Murray, Baldwin Call on Education Department to Abandon its Latest Tactic to Cut Grant Funding to Communities - Senator Patty Murray
By significantly increasing the “frontloading” of grants, the Trump admin is preventing over $600 million from reaching schools and students this year Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-...
www.murray.senate.gov
October 20, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
The Dept's recent decisions have cut the number of awarded grants & reduced the potential impact of the funding. ALA agrees w the Senators: Federal funding should be spent as Congress intended, to benefit the communities it was designed to support. More: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
AOctober 13, 2026 To: The Honorable Linda McMahon Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 Secretary McMahon: This administration has chosen—brazenly and repeatedly—to prioritize its own backwards agenda over the needs of students, families, and communities across the United States. The Department of Education’s (Department) extensive “frontloading” of grants is just the latest example. By “frontloading” grants—paying out many years of a multi-year grant in one lump sum instead of funding a larger number of grants right now—your Department is dramatically reducing the number of students and schools that are helped by federal funding. This policy defies congressional intent and effectively cuts investment in communities across the country: the Department could have funded well over 1,000 more grants by committing funds for use without delay. The Department should immediately reverse this deeply misguided and unacceptable approach to implementation of federal appropriations, including funds provided in the FY2026 appropriations law
October 20, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Happy #NationalFriendsOfLibrariesWeek! 🎉

This week we celebrate the volunteers who support their libraries in all kinds of ways—from fundraising to advocacy to spreading the word about the great things the library offers.

Learn more about becoming a library friend: https://bit.ly/4nau4Xd
A list of words in colorful font: "Booksales. Donations. Advocacy. Fundraising. Volunteering. Community. Partnerships. Special Events. Membership Drives. Support. Celebrations. Resources. Promotion. Collaboration. Library Love." Thank the Friends. National Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2026. An initiative of United for Libraries.
October 19, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Registration for National Library Legislative Day is open! Join us in Washington, DC, Feb 24-25, to make your voice heard for libraries. Meet other library professionals, gain new advocacy skills, & speak with your elected officials.

Attendance is limited; register now: ala.org/advocacy/nlld
ALA & COSLA: National Library Legislative Day, Washington, DC. Join us in Washington, DC to make our voices heard for libraries! National Library Legislative Day, Feb 25-25, 2027. Attendance is limited! Register: ala.org/nlld. ALA American Library Association, COSLA Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
October 19, 2026 at 7:25 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
November's elections are almost here! Coast to coast and beyond, libraries are helping their communities get registered, informed, and ready to vote.

Looking for new resources for your library? Check out our #ReaderVoterReady materials for inspiration and tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/ini...
Reader Voter Ready. ALA American Library Association.
October 16, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
ALA stands behind E-Rate and the libraries and communities it powers nationwide with broadband discounts.

We are extremely disappointed in yesterday's ruling by the 5th Circuit invalidating the FCC's structure for administering broadband programs like E-Rate: www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
US appeals court invalidates federal $9 billion telecom subsidy fund
A U.S. federal appeals court said on Thursday the Federal Communications Commission exceeded its authority in setting up a telecoms subsidy program in the late ​1990s used to widen access to communica...
www.reuters.com
October 16, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Stay tuned for more analysis and next steps from ALA and our partners. We've fought for E-Rate and the communities it connects since the program's inception. We're not backing down.

Learn more about our advocacy for E-Rate: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
E-Rate and Universal Service
E-Rate is the popular name for a far-sighted extension of Universal Service, as authorized by Congress in the Telecommunications Act of 1996
www.ala.org
October 16, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
NEW: ALA submitted comments to the FCC defending the E-Rate program's discounts for broadband at libraries.
We have fought for digital connectivity at the library for over 30 years. We're not backing down now. More: https://www.ala.org/news/2026/10/ala-showcases-outsized-impact-library-broadband-fcc
Show up for E-Rate. ALA American Library Association
October 14, 2026 at 6:53 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Have questions about ALA's archive? Head over to @ala-archives.bsky.social for #AskAnArchivistDay2026! We're always grateful for the incredible work the archives team does to preserve and manage the records and history of our Association and the field.
ala-archives.bsky.social American Library Association Archives @ala-archives.bsky.social · 19d
We are launching our account on Ask An Archivist Day! Feel free to send us all your questions about archives, the ALA Archives collections, or the history of librarianship ❤️ #AskAnArchivist #AskAnArchivistDay2026
Ask an archivist day banner
October 14, 2026 at 7:19 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Last week we were thrilled to celebrate former colleague Alan Inouye, a central pillar of ALA's advocacy during his time on our team!
At the @publicknowledge.bsky.social IP3 awards, Alan was honored w/ the Intellectual Property award for his dedication to copyright advocacy & access. Congrats, Alan!
ALA staff and Alan Inouye posing together at the IP3 awards. Alan holds a crystal trophy in the center of the group. Alan Inouye at a lectern at the IP3 Awards, in front of a step-and-repeat with the Public Knowledge organizational logo.
October 13, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Are you ready to join us in Washington, DC? Registration for National Library Legislative Day is now open! This is your chance to speak directly to your elected officials in Washington. Join us in DC from Feb 24-25!

Attendance is limited; register now to secure a spot: www.ala.org/news/2026/10...
Join us in Washington, DC, to make our voices heard for libraries! National Library Legislative Day, February 24-25, 2027. Attendance is limited! Register: ala.org/nlld. ALA & COSLA, National Library Legislative Day. ALA American Library Association; COSLA Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.
October 13, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Library advocates from across the country will join us to urge Congress to support libraries and our communities.

This is an opportunity to practice your advocacy skills, make a tangible impact, & connect with an amazing group of dedicated library professionals. Learn more & register: ala.org/nlld
National Library Legislative Day
Join ALA in Washington to advocate for libraries on Capitol Hill: Feb 2027
ala.org
October 13, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
This #BannedBooksWeek, we're also celebrating National Voter Education Week! Voters count on America’s Libraries to prepare for elections and get #ReaderVoterReady. Learn more and find resources for your library: ala.org/readervoterready
America's Libraries help you cast your ballot with confidence! 1: Register to vote. 2: Get to know your ballot. 3: Make a plan to vote. 4: Understand the process. 5: Share with friends and family. NationalVoterEducationWeek.org. Reader Voter Ready, ALA American Library Association. National Voter Education Week.
October 9, 2026 at 11:52 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Last week, our team was thrilled to welcome students from the Fleischaker-Greene First Amendment Reporting Class @ Western Kentucky University to our office in DC! Students & their professor Walker Rutledge from WKU joined us to discuss censorship, libraries, & the importance of the first amendment.
Lisa Varga of ALA posing with seven students from Western Kentucky University in ALA's Washington Office, with professor Walker Rutledge at right.
October 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Don't miss ALA Pres. Maria McCauley on the Project Censored Show! Tune in: https://www.projectcensored.org/banned-books-week-2026-let-books-be/

And to celebrate #BannedBooksWeek, Project Censored has a new round-up of news, tools, & more: https://www.projectcensored.org/make-america-read-again/
Banned Books Week 2026 - Let Books Be
Explore the history of Banned Books Week with ALA President Dr. Maria McCauley, discussing book challenges, libraries, and the right to read.
www.projectcensored.org
October 9, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
ALA tracks attempts to ban or censor books in libraries and schools by compiling reports from library workers and media coverage to identify censorship trends and the books challenged most frequently.

Here are the Top 11 Most Challenged Books from 2025. Learn more: ala.org/top10.

#BannedBooksWeek
October 8, 2026 at 10:13 PM