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amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
American Library Association
@amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
32K followers 380 following 630 posts
Empowering and advocating for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. 🌎’s largest library association.
Find us at https://ala.org.
We follow the ALA Code of Conduct: https://www.ala.org/user-guidelines
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Nov 15
HI HELLO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY.
A vintage black and white photo taken during an American Library Association World War One book drive. A librarian in an suit with an ankle-length skirt speaks into a megaphone while standing atop an immense stack of books.
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
News: ALA welcomes the reintroduction of the Prison Libraries Act, legislation that would create a new federal grant program to support library services for incarcerated people.

Learn more about the bill and its proposed funding measures: www.ala.org/news/2026/01...
ALA American Library Association
January 27, 2026 at 7:43 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
We are honored to announce the 2026 #ALA_Carnegie winners:

🥇#Nonfiction: Yiyun Li, THINGS IN NATURE MERLY GROW

🥇#Fiction: Megha Majumdar, A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF

Congratulations to our winners and publishers, @macmillanlib.bsky.social and @prhlibrary.bsky.social🎉

Read more: https://bit.ly/46gpBfU
January 27, 2026 at 6:10 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
"Hundreds arrived amid a record-breaking cold snap and upwards of 10 inches of snow to celebrate all things youth literature. The energy was high and excitement hard to contain..."

Thanks for joining us at the 2026 Youth Media Awards!
January 27, 2026 at 2:45 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Dear young readers,

Sorry not sorry for all the extra reading, but you aren't going to want to miss any of these winning YMA titles. Check out the full list and max out your library holds.

Sincerely, ALA

ilovelibraries.org/article/2026...

#ALAyma
📚💙
Collage of ALA Youth Media Award honorees. ALA Youth Media Awards: The top books and digital media for children and young adults. The 2026 ALA Youth Media Award honorees—featuring the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Printz, and more—have been announced Check out the books young readers will be talking about all year
January 26, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Reposted by American Library Association
carolhinz.bsky.social
So much gratitude to all the #ALAyma committees for all of your work over the past year! ❤️
January 26, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by American Library Association
jilltataraworld.bsky.social
Huge congrats to all the #ALAyma winners! I so needed this day of BOOK JOY! 💖🥹
January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by American Library Association
tiffreads.bsky.social
Snow day on #alayma day?! Woohoo! Changed into loungewear from PJs, have the livestream on my tv, laptop for ordering books, and phone for social! Let’s go! #librarylife #snowday
January 26, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by American Library Association
eijasumner.bsky.social
Arguably the best morning of the year! Happy #ALAYMA morning!
January 26, 2026 at 3:56 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
#ALAYMA announcements are starting now! Watch live: ala.unikron.com
A filled banquet room at the Youth Media Awards
January 26, 2026 at 3:59 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Who is excited for tomorrow's #ALAyma announcements?
ilovelibraries.bsky.social ilovelibraries.bsky.social @ilovelibraries.bsky.social · 2d
The annual announcement of the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards is the biggest event of the year in the world of children’s publishing. Join us Monday, January 26, at 10:00 AM CT for the livestream.
📺at ala.unikron.com or on the ALA Facebook page.
ilovelibraries.org/article/join...
ALA Youth Media Awards
January 25, 2026 at 9:01 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Almost time.
Join us Monday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. CT for the 2026 ALA Youth Media Awards.
Live from Chicago. Medals revealed in real time.
Watch at ala.unikron.com or on the ALA Facebook page.
#ALAyma
📚💙
January 25, 2026 at 4:51 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
The Caldecott Medal, established in 1937, is of one of the most prestigious children’s book awards in the world. But the idea was first presented as a hasty idea in a letter. Read more about its origins: https://bit.ly/4bh6mX4

Watch the 2026 Youth Media Awards on Mon, 1/26, 10am CT: ala.unikron.com
Composite of two images. On left, a letter from Frederic G. Melcher, and on the right a photo of Melcher holding a book. Text below reads: "The Caldecott Medal: ‘A Hasty Idea Thrown Out.’ In a letter less than ten sentences long, Frederic G. Melcher, who established the Newbery Medal in 1921, created a preliminary sketch for what would become the Randolph Caldecott Medal. His “hasty idea” became one of ALA’s most enduring and prestigious book awards. ALA150, American Library Association
January 24, 2026 at 8:09 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
At the New Books in Library Science podcast, Amanda Nichols Hess discusses how academic librarians can consider critical librarianship, pedagogy, and information literacy instruction in tandem with transformative learning theory: https://newbooksnetwork.com/information-literacy-and-critical-thinking
Amanda Nichols Hess, "Information Literacy and Critical Thinking: Using Perspective Transformation to Break Information Bubbles" (ALA, 2025) - New Books Network
Higher education is about transformation: research shows that the most well-prepared graduates are those who have experienced changes in how they think about and experience the world around them. Combined with flexible information-seeking and evaluation...
newbooksnetwork.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:45 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
📣FREE RESOURCE ALERT🎉 @ala-booklist.bsky.social January issue will be free and open to everybody for the entire month! Spotlighting readers' advisory, book discussions, and early reading it has everything you need to prepare for 2026! Train staff, teach students, and read now: bit.ly/452A0vp
Booklist Digital Edition
Booklist Digital Edition - Booklist Digital Edition January 2026
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 9:53 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
We’re just over two weeks out from the Recharging in Challenging Times ALA Virtual Event—a special day of reflection, learning, and conversation with colleagues from across the field. Don't wait any longer. Claim your spot now and be part of the experience! www.ala.org/virtual-event
Image: Photo of Opening Keynote Emely Rumble. 9 sessions across 3 content tracks: Preserving Intellectual Freedom, Strengthening Leadership, and Sustaining Wellbeing. Six Facilitator-Led Conversations. Closing Keynote to be announced soon! - Claim your spot-Register Now! Recharging in Challenging Times - An ALA Virtual Event - Feb. 10, 2026 - FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association
January 22, 2026 at 9:01 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
The Newbery Medal's popularity has captured the public's attention for the past century, but there have also been a few daring publicity stunts. Read more: https://bit.ly/3NA6t6e.

Find out the next Newbery winner on Monday, 1/26, at 10am during the Youth Media Awards! Stream live: ala.unikron.com
Two side-by-side black and white photos. Left: Effie Power with Newbery medal, Los Angeles, 1930. Right: Rachel Field and Milton J. Ferguson. Ferguson announced to Field that “Hitty” was chosen to receive the Newbery Medal. Los Angeles Conference, 1930. Text below reads: "Celebrating the Newbery: ‘Publicity of the Best Kind.’ While the Newbery Medal’s popularity has easily captured the public’s attention over the last century, there have been some more daring ideas to promote the award—from planes flying side-by-side to Misty the Horse." ALA150, American Library Association
January 22, 2026 at 6:53 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
New: Yesterday the Administration filed notice to appeal a recent decision in federal court which halted actions to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

IMLS grants are still in place while the court hears the appeal. The appeals process will take time. 1/2
Show up for our libraries. ALA American Library Association.
January 20, 2026 at 8:25 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Join @amlibraries.bsky.social for the next AL Live, “Pathways and Specialties: Choosing the right LIS program" on Tues., Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Register for FREE at bit.ly/4pFB13R.
Sponsored by Old Dominion University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Washington.
American Libraries Live. Pathways and Specialties: Chosing the right LIS Program. February 3, 2pm ET, Sponsored by Old Dominion University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Washington.
January 20, 2026 at 6:20 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Now held virtually, one fixture of ALA’s former Midwinter Meeting—and later LibLearnX conference—was the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observation and Sunrise Celebration, which started in 2000.

Read about its history and watch the 2026 virtual celebration: https://bit.ly/4jGKxSO

#ALA150
Photo: Keynote speaker E.J. Josey speaking at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observation and Sunrise Celebration at the 2000 ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Antonio. Text below reads: "'The Spiritual High Point': The Dr. MLK Holiday Observation and Sunrise Celebration: First held in 2000, the event celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King, featuring a keynote speaker, representatives from National Associations of Librarians of Color, the ALA President, and the singing of 'We Shall Overcome.' ALA150, American Library Association
January 19, 2026 at 5:11 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
The kidlit event of the year is almost here. Join us Monday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. CT for the 2026 ALA Youth Media Awards, including the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Printz, and so many more. Watch at ala.unikron.com or on the ALA Facebook page.

#ALAyma
#ALA150
#ForOurLibraries
📚💙
2026 ALA Youth Media Awards live from Chicago! ALA150, American Library Association, Monday, January 26, 10:00 AM CT. ala.unikron.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:03 AM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Happy #FLASHBACKFRIDAY! You may remember the ALA seal logo, which was originally adopted in 1926. But did you know it was inspired by ALA's Library War Service program? It's now available on new merch at
LibraryGiftShop.org!

Celebrate this piece of library history. Shop at
https://bit.ly/45hhcIS
ALA logo from 1926 against a white background. Text includes "FLASHBACK FRIDAY" "Adopted in 1926, the ALA seal logo was inspired by ALA’s Library War Service program, which brought books to American soldiers in WWI. Evolving over time, the seal logo was officially phased out beginning in 2010. Now, it's available on merchandise at LibraryGiftShop.org! Celebrate ALA’s 150th birthday and show off a piece of library history with this vintage design." White background with ALA merch featuring the 1926 logo. Text reads "VINTAGE ALA LOGO MERCH" "LibraryGiftShop.org" A paper clipping describing ALA's Library War Service Program with caption "During World War I the ALA furnished collections of books to seamen on merchant ships and provided free libraries for seamen at major ports." A pamphlet of an ALA conference in 1926 featuring the ALA vintage logo with caption "The conference program from the annual meeting of the ALA at Philadelphia, in October 4-9, 1926. Featuring the vintage ALA logo." ALA 150th logo featured at bottom right of graphic.
January 16, 2026 at 10:10 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
For 25 years, @wearealsc.bsky.social's Sibert Medal has been awarded to the authors and illustrators of the most distinguished non-fiction informational books published in the U.S. in English. The award is announced during the ALA Youth Media Awards.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZcGUe2
Close-up black and white photo of two book covers with Robert F. Sibert seals. On the left is the Sibert medal, and on the right is the Sibert Honor Book medal. Text below reads: "Twenty-Five Years of the Sibert Medal: For 25 years, the Robert F. Sibert International Book Medal has been awarded annually to the authors and illustrators of the most distinguished non-fiction informational books published in the United States in English." ALA150, American Library Association
January 16, 2026 at 8:53 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Dig deeper with peers to gain fresh perspectives and practical approaches in these facilitator-led conversations building on the Strengthening Leadership sessions. #ALAVirtual26

Secure your spot today. https://www.ala.org/virtual-event
Image: Empathy in Action Presenter Photo: Christina Fuller-Gregory Tuesday, February 10 11:50am–12:20pm CST Illustration of a 3 people around a table that resembles a gear Strengthening Leadership Facilitated Conversation Sponsor: Hoopla Secure Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. Image: What is Your Management Philosophy? Presenter Photos: Kate Hall and Kathy Parker Tuesday, February 10 1:35pm–2:05pm CST Illustration of a 3 people around a table that resembles a gear Strengthening Leadership Facilitated Conversation Sponsor: Hoopla Secure Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES.
January 16, 2026 at 1:39 AM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Build on the takeaways from the Preserving Intellectual Freedom sessions in these facilitator-led conversations. Join your community to explore solutions and take home actionable tools and approaches. #ALAVirtual26

Secure your spot today. www.ala.org/virtual-event
Image: Intellectual Freedom Policy Q&A Presenter Photo: Eric Stroshane Tuesday, February 10 11:50am–12:20pm CST Illustration of a book and torch Preserving Intellectual Freedom Sponsor: Sourcebooks Facilitated Conversation Secure Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association Image: Developing a Response Plan Presenter Photos: Sarah Lamdan and Eric Stroshane Tuesday, February 10 1:35pm–2:05pm CST Illustration of a book and torch Preserving Intellectual Freedom Facilitated Conversation Sponsor: Sourcebooks Secure Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association
January 15, 2026 at 11:54 PM
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
In these facilitator-led conversations, you will further explore the insights discovered in the Sustaining Wellbeing sessions. Connect with peers who get your day-to-day and walk away with practical tools and strategies. #ALAVirtual26

Secure your spot today. www.ala.org/virtual-event
Image: Carrying the Work Without Carrying the Weight Presenter Photo: Leah T. Dudak Tuesday, February 10 11:50am - 12:20pm CST Illustration of a clover leaf Sustaining Wellbeing Facilitated Conversation Sponsor: Library of Congress: Federal Credit Union Proudly Serving America’s Library Community Secure Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association Image: Reclaiming Balance: Countering the Six Root Causes of Burnout Presenter Photo: Bobbi L. Newman Tuesday, February 10 1:35pm – 2:05pm CST Illustration of a clover leaf Sustaining Wellbeing Facilitated Conversation Sponsor: Library of Congress: Federal Credit Union Proudly Serving America’s Library Community Secure Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association
January 15, 2026 at 10:14 PM