American Library Association

Happy Dolly Day!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library initiative, inspired by her father's inability to read or write, has put hundreds of millions of free books into the hands of children and was considered by her to be one of her greatest achievements.

Today, we hope you'll to your local library and continue her legacy supporting children's literacy. You can also support ALA's work advancing literacy of all kinds by donating at https://bit.ly/4xPCOYn

Image: Dolly Parton graces the cover of ALA's Booklist with art from her 1977 album 'Here You Come Again.'

Library Card Sign-up Month 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 took Bennett’s words seriously and responded: “We accept your challenge.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4y2Ww3v

Save your spot and save on Core Forum registration.
Register before October 4th and lock in your early-bird savings. Then get ready to join us as we share the best of ideas, connect with fellow library leaders, and discover new opportunities.

✅ Don't wait. Sign up today! https://coreforum.org/

Tiny scientists, big ideas! ALA and Cummins Inc. are inviting public libraries to apply for A Year of STEM, 12 months of curated STEM program kits designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in early childhood learners.

Twenty-five selected public libraries will receive a $5,000 programming stipend, four curated STEM kits delivered quarterly, a programming guide, and more. Everything needed to spark big (and fun!) learning moments for curious kids.

Applications are open now through October 28 at ALA.org/STEM

Seeking a new job or career change?

Be more than just another résumé and engage in private, one-on-one text, audio, or video-based conversations with hiring employers at the ALA JobLIST 2026 Virtual Career Fair, tomorrow, September 23, starting at 11am CT. Whether you're a recent graduate or in the late stages of your career, this free event is for you!

Learn more and register: https://www.ala.org/career-fair

"When it comes to building resilient and equitable communities, libraries are natural leaders," ALA President Maria McCauley writes in her Fall column for American Libraries Magazine. "We provide places where neighbors meet, learn, and support one another; where sustainability education becomes action; and where residents can find year-round climate refuge. When communities are resilient, they are better able to overcome barriers."

Read President McCauley's full column:

A Sense of Purpose | American Libraries Magazine Libraries provide places where neighbors meet, learn, and support one another and where residents can find year-round climate refuge.

Library Card Sign-up Month is the perfect time to check out your library's 'Library of Things.' From musical instruments to prom dresses to ghost hunting kits, who knows what you'll discover?

Sign up for a library card today!

https://nyti.ms/4iCSavk

Come for the Books, Stay for the Power Tools (Gift Article) Libraries across the country are lending American Girl dolls, original artwork, musical instruments and ghost-hunting kits to help patrons save money and share resources.

Now shipping! Helping library workers keep pace with changing technologies and rapidly evolving cultural expectations amidst tumultuous times, this book outlines practical strategies for leading a library upskilling or staff development program on limited resources. https://bit.ly/4vUgMUq

Upskilling for Library Workers: A Guide for Future-Ready Professionals Upskilling for Library Workers: A Guide for Future-Ready Professionals Ann Medaille (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) Add to cart ALA Member $44.99 Price $49.99 Item Number 979-8-89255-333-9 Published 2026 Publisher ALA Editions Pages 184 Width 6" Height 9" Format Softcover Primary tabs You....

Applications for the Public Library Association (PLA)'s Leadership Academy are open!

If you're a mid-career public library worker looking to advance, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and prepare for the next stage of your career. Join PLA for four days of immersive workshops, 1:1 coaching, and leadership development in Chicago, March 15–19, 2027.

Applications close Oct. 19. Apply now: https://bit.ly/4y33BRU

Presenting the honorary chairs for Banned Books Week 2026! This year's event will be led by four amazing advocates:

- Bess Kalb, author of the bestselling Buffalo Fluffalo series and Emmy-nominated comedy writer

- Tony Weaver, Jr., author of the acclaimed graphic novel Weirdo and inspirational educator

- Youth honorary chairs Marshall Romero and Azeemah Sadiq, dedicated student advocates from Texas

Join us Oct. 4-10, 2026 to protect the freedom to read! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eCozwz