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librarypolicy.bsky.social
ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
@librarypolicy.bsky.social
2.7K followers 88 following 310 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
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librarypolicy.bsky.social
Libraries all across the country are helping patrons get online and learn how to thrive there. Cochise County Libraries are using federal support to make it happen: www.kgun9.com/news/communi...

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Cochise County libraries offer free digital literacy training to bridge the technology gap
Cochise County residents can now access free digital literacy training through their local libraries, helping bridge the digital divide as more daily tasks move online.
www.kgun9.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
New: In coalition with 16 leading education organizations, ALA sent a letter today to Senators urging them to recognize the value of technology for learning and to better define screen time.

Read more about the letter: www.ala.org/news/2026/01...
ALA American Library Association
January 15, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Join us tomorrow for the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance & Sunrise Celebration.
Thurs, Jan. 15 | 10 AM CT | Live on YouTube
Liz Theoharis & Noam Sandweiss-Back will deliver joint keynote. Call to Action from Amanda Jones.

Watch live or on demand.
www.ala.org/news/2026/01...
An illustrated profile view of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s head. Various beams of orange can be seen encompassing him from above, signifying rays of sunshine. 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance & Sunrise Celebration. January 15, 2026. 10:00 am CT
January 14, 2026 at 11:09 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
It's been a big year for library policy and advocacy!

Alan Inouye, former leader of ALA's Public Policy & Advocacy Office, shared some of 2025's advocacy highlights with Library Journal.

Read more from Alan to get the latest on library policy: www.libraryjournal.com/story/a-most...
A Most Unlikely Year: Library Policy in 2025
A look at federal library policy in 2025, and work to be done in the coming year.
www.libraryjournal.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:21 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Libraries had a big day on Capitol Hill.

First, thank you Rep Adelita Grijalva for meeting with ALA!

We were proud to present her with a vintage Read poster featuring her father, library champion Rep Raúl Grijalva, pictured with her daughter. We couldn't think of a better way to welcome her to DC!
Pictured, from left: ALA's Kevin Maher, ALA's Lisa Varga, ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, ALA's Megan Janicki, ALA's Emily Durkin, and ALA's Shawnda Hines, posing together in Rep. Grijalva's office with a framed picture of the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva posing in a Read poster.
January 13, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Library historian Wayne A. Wiegand writes about the first "Congress of Librarians" and the beginning of the American Library Association: https://bit.ly/4bvULDy.

Originally published in @amlibraries.bsky.social.

#ALA150 #ForOurLibraries
Photo of a card with calligraphy writing. Text on card reads "LIBRARIANS' CONVENTION. The Librarians of the City of Philadelphia request the pleasure of your company, on Friday Evening, Oct. 6, 1876, between the hours of 8 and 11, at the rooms of the Historical Society, No. 820 Spruce St. Please present this card at the door." Text in graphic reads "Present at the Creation: 'For the purpose of promoting the library interests of the country, and of increasing reciprocity of intelligence and goodwill among librarians and all interested in library economy and bibliographic studies, the undersigned form themselves in a body to be known as the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.'" ALA150. American Library Association
January 13, 2026 at 5:07 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
A new national study by the federal government demonstrates what many library workers and communities already know: libraries need funding for facility upgrades.

Read more about the new study, commissioned in part due to ALA's advocacy: publiclibrariesonline.org/2026/01/majo...
Major National Study Examines the Condition of Public Library Buildings. By Gavin Baker, Dep Director, Public Policy & Development, American Library Association, on Jan 12, 2026. [A photo of a library building]
January 13, 2026 at 3:43 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
We're sticking to our new year's resolution: taking action to #FundLibraries. Tell your members of Congress to support library funding in this year's federal budget!

Show up #ForOurLibraries and take action. Because funding libraries = funding communities: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Fund Libraries - Tell Congress to invest in libraries. American Library Association
January 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Join us for Coretta Scott King Book Award Literature Week
🗓️ Jan 19–23, 2026

Celebrate Black voices, stories, and literary excellence.
🔗 Register at bit.ly/csk-lit-week-26

#CSKLiteratureWeek #CSKBART #CorettaScottKing #BlackAuthors
Schedule for Coretta Scott King Book Awards Literature Week: Thursday, January 15: MLK Jr. Sunrise Celebration (on-demand after January 15. Monday, January 19" Community Commemorative Service hosted by The King Center, 10:00 am, ET. Tuesday, January 20: The Life of Coretta Scott King with Dr. Queen Zabriskie, 12:00 pm ET. Wednesday, January, 21: Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffrey Boston Weatherford, 12:00 pm ET. THursday, January 22: James Ransome, 12:00 pm Et. Friday, January 23: Lesa Cline Ransome, 12:00 pm Et.
January 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Uncertainty in future federal funding puts library budgets at risk. Oklahoma libraries are worried about future cuts: journalrecord.com/2026/01/09/o...

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries in next year's budget and give libraries the stability they need to plan: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Oklahoma libraries plan for possible federal funding cuts | The Journal Record
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries requests contingency funding to maintain services amid uncertainty over future federal grants.
journalrecord.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
From managing stress and burnout to "Branch Tap-Ins," a new approach to strengthening team connection, these sessions are about showing up for one another. #ALAVirtual26

Be sure to join us live on Zoom Events on February 10, 2026.

Register now! https://www.ala.org/virtual-event
Image Managing Stress, Building Strength: Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Challenging Times Photos of Presenters: Amanda Darby, Shannan Hicks, Madeline Jarvis, Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, and Bobbi L. Newman February 10, 2026 11:00 am–11:45 am CST Illustration of a clover leaf Sustaining Wellbeing Sponsor: Library of Congress: Federal Credit Union Proudly Serving America’s Library Community Claim Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association Image Photo of Presenter Darcy Lipp-Acord Sticks and Stones: Coping with the Abusive Language of Library Critics February 10, 2026 12:45pm–1:30pm CST Illustration of a clover leaf Sustaining Wellbeing Sponsor: Library of Congress: Federal Credit Union Proudly Serving America’s Library Community Claim Your Spot Now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association Image Photos of Presenters: Taina Evans, Lameane Isaac, and Sharon Palmer When to Tap-In and Tap-Out: Nurturing Resilience and Renewing Bonds in Library Teams February 10, 2026 2:15pm-3:00pm CST Illustration of a clover leaf Sustaining Wellbeing Sponsor: Library of Congress: Federal Credit Union Proudly Serving America’s Library Community Claim your spot now! Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association
January 8, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
2026 marks ALA’s 150th anniversary, a milestone that invites us to imagine the libraries of tomorrow and to invest in the infrastructure that makes libraries a foundation of thriving communities.

Celebrate, connect, and reflect with us all year at ALA150.org. #ForOurLibraries
January 8, 2026 at 6:54 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Oklahoma's Pioneer Library System is using IMLS funding to support new community health programming in libraries across the system: www.newcastlepacer.com/article/3766...

Tell Congress to support more library innovation. Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Grant money going toward programs promoting community health: ‘Get moving’
Opis polskiej wersji
www.newcastlepacer.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Happy 150 years, ALA! We're so excited for a year of looking back at where we've been so we can chart the future of ALA and the field.

Read President Helmick's essay on the anniversary year below ⤵️
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 13d
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.

Read ALA President Sam Helmick's full essay: ala150.org/for-150-years. #ForOurLibraries
Black and white photo of children attending the New York Public Library Story Hour. Text reads "FOR OUR LIBRARIES. FOR 150 YEARS." ALA150: American Library Association
January 7, 2026 at 10:03 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Charleston County libraries are expanding their popular free produce program thanks to a federal grant from IMLS! More community members will have access to fresh food: www.live5news.com/2025/12/10/c...

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries nationwide: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Charleston County libraries expand free produce program with federal grant
Charleston County libraries have been defying expectations and have distributed 182,000 pounds of free fresh food to people in the Lowcountry; now, they are growing that effort.
www.live5news.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:09 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Despite big challenges, libraries nationwide are providing information & resources to their communities every day. In Rhode Island, they're flourishing: www.warwickonline.com/townnews/mus...

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries and help all communities flourish: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Libraries flourish despite federal obstacles in 2025
Due to Trump's Executive Order 14238, 2025 proved tough for libraries with threats to the federal agency managing library funding. The District Court eventually rescinded these cuts.
www.warwickonline.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
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.

Read ALA President Sam Helmick's full essay: ala150.org/for-150-years. #ForOurLibraries
Black and white photo of children attending the New York Public Library Story Hour. Text reads "FOR OUR LIBRARIES. FOR 150 YEARS." ALA150: American Library Association
January 5, 2026 at 10:55 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
2025 was a big year for copyright - the US Copyright Office was busy! They processed hundreds of thousands of registrations and grappled with the biggest issues facing re-users and copyright owners.

Read Copyright Register Shira Perlmutter's 2025 Year in Review: blogs.loc.gov/copyright/20...
Year in Review: The U.S. Copyright Office | Copyright
By Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office As the year draws to a close, I am pleased to recognize an impressive slate of accomplishments at the U.S. Copyrig...
blogs.loc.gov
January 6, 2026 at 3:03 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
More funding for libraries = more resources for the community.

Pennsylvania libraries are getting a much-needed boost in state funding this fiscal year: keystonenewsroom.com/2025/12/22/p...

Congress must step up, too. Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Pennsylvania libraries receive $5 million to expand services
Pennsylvania public libraries are receiving a long-awaited boost in state funding to expand programs, digital access and resources.
keystonenewsroom.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:46 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Looking for a good way to kick-start your New Year? Take action to #FundLibraries: Tell your members of Congress to support library funding in this year's federal budget!

There's no better way to get the year started than by showing up #ForOurLibraries: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
Fund Libraries: Tell Congress to invest in libraries. American Library Association.
January 5, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
From drafting clear policies to rallying champions and protecting academic freedom for library workers, these Intellectual Freedom sessions provide the grounding you need to navigate your library's challenges with confidence.

#ALAVirtual26 Claim your spot now! https://www.ala.org/virtual-event
Image: Photos of Cathi Fuhrman and Erin Jones From Principles to Practice: Building Censorship Resistant Library Policies Tuesday, February 10 11:00am – 11:45am CST Claim your spot now! Torch and Open Book Illustration Preserving Intellectual Freedom Sponsor: Sourcebooks Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association Image: Photos of Becky Calzada, Leila Green Little, Ashley Hope Pérez, and Eric Stroshane Seeking Support in the Midst of a Challenge Tuesday, February 10 12:45pm – 1:30pm CST Claim your spot now! Torch and Open Book Illustration Preserving Intellectual Freedom Sponsor: Sourcebooks Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association   Image: Photo of Danya Leebaw Academic Freedom for Library Workers: Why it Matters and How to Defend it Tuesday, February 10 2:15pm – 3:00pm CST Claim your spot now! Torch and Open Book Illustration Preserving Intellectual Freedom Sponsor: Sourcebooks Recharging in Challenging Times An ALA Virtual Event Feb. 10, 2026 FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association
January 2, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Happy New Year to all our members, partners, and supporters! Your commitment, creativity, and care continue to make libraries places of connection, learning, belonging, and joy.

Wishing you joy and many moments to celebrate in the year ahead.
May you find JOY in the year ahead
January 1, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Combining evocative artwork and stirring stories, the Booklist editors’ choice graphic novels for adults and youth showcase this year’s best of the format in a wide variety of genres, topics, and tones.

Check them out here: https://bit.ly/3N1Es7j
Collage of graphic novel covers. Text at bottom reads "Booklist Editors' Choice 2025: Graphic Novels"
December 31, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
ALA provides more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information science. ALA scholarships cover an array of focuses and groups, from children’s and youth librarianship to government documents and support staff.

Apply by March 1! https://bit.ly/4s8U2hy
Graduation cap on top of a short stack of books. Text reads "Scholarship applications open through March 1" American Library Association logo
December 29, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
amlibraryassoc.bsky.social
“Much like libraries safeguard written knowledge, we safeguard the living traditions of oral storytelling.” - Tama Lunceford, interim president of the Storytelling Resource Place, a repository of books and materials related to storytelling performance.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4p2QieF
Photo of a "sunbrella" - a bare-spoked umbrella festooned with ribbons and bells - above a sign for the Storytelling Resource Place in Jonesborough, TN
December 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM