American Libraries magazine

Our Fall 2026 issue is now live, featuring the 2026 Library Design Showcase! Read the full issue at https://bit.ly/AL-fall26issue, or by article at https://bit.ly/AL-Fall26stories.

An #alaac26 panel discussed how librarians can become experts at recommending games as well as books. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/players-advisory/

Librarians discussed approaches to responding to inappropriate calls that may not meet formal definitions of sexual harassment at an #alaac26 session. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/the-creepy-caller-problem/

ALA members spoke about their pathways to Association leadership at the "Leading ALA into the Next 150 Years" #alaac26 session. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/leading-from-where-you-are/

Whether you use AI or not, it raises issues that libraries will need to help their users with. An #alaac26 panel provided tips. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/exercising-agency-with-ai/

Former First Lady Jill Biden spoke at #alaac26 about her family, career, and legacy of advocacy. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/balancing-it-all/

The #alaac26 session "Elders Deserve Social Justice Too" session discussed how libraries can help fight age-related discrimination. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/a-generation-defining-issue/

Beauty entrepreneurs can get a lot of benefit from the local library, as demonstrated by the #alaac26 session “Breaking Barriers, Building Brands: Supporting Beauty Entrepreneurs in Libraries”. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/library-programming-glow-up/

Pokémon clubs at libraries offer a way for children to gain reading, math, strategy, and social-emotional skills. An #alaac26 session shared more. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/catch-em-all/

At #alaac26, comedian Melissa Villaseñor spoke about creativity and helping children embrace their true selves—and speaking at her hometown library. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/creativity-that-lights-the-soul/

“We’re being told to accept things the way they are, take our dissent and bury it,” said civil rights scholar @kimberlecrenshaw.bsky.social at her #alaac26 presentation, but people should talk back to authoritarianism. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/talking-back-to-injustice/

“I do think that books have always been this kind of fortress in which we can save democracy,” declared novelist @minjinlee.bsky.social at her #alaac26 session. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/prices-paid-for-lessons-learned/

The #alaac26 closing session featured a panel of ALA leaders discussing the current state of intellectual freedom, where it’s headed, and how to connect it to our other freedoms and to democracy. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/joy-as-an-act-of-resistance/

ICYMI: Review the nuanced discussions of AI for libraries at the #alaac26 Top Tech Trends panel. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/coexisting-with-the-machine/

Librarians discussed responses to inappropriate calls that may not meet formal definitions of sexual harassment at an #alaac26 session: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/the-creepy-caller-problem/

Teens are interested in their futures, and Plano Public Library's Career Quest program helps them envision and plan. #alaac26 https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/beyond-career-day/

Librarians are experts at recommending books. An #alaac26 session demonstrated how those skills can be applied to finding perfect games as well. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/players-advisory/

“I’ve only seen this many librarians in my dreams!” she exclaimed. “The fact that there are 3,000 of you in the room really does feel like I’m dead!” Read more from Rachel Maddow's #alaac26 appearance. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/inheritance-as-nourishment/

“Regardless of whether you adopt AI or not, [you should] have guidelines.” An #alaac26 panel provided tips for navigating products and policies in the world of AI. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/exercising-agency-with-ai/

"This is something that’s going to affect all of us." An #alaac26 panel addressed how libraries can help fight age-related discrimination. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/a-generation-defining-issue/

“Leadership can look like renovation, reuse, reimagining—it can look like showing up.” ALA members spoke about their pathways to leadership in an #alaac26 session. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/leading-from-where-you-are/

The E-Rate provides critical support for public libraries and schools to provide broadband and Wi-Fi service. New ALA president Maria McCauley addresses the need to protect this program from threatened cuts. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/07/14/save-our-e-rate/

How can libraries help teens envision and plan their futures? Plano Public Library's Career Quest program, as explored in an #alaac26 session, provides one example. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/beyond-career-day/

2-time Newbery Medal Winner Lois Lowry reflected on some of her most renowned books at #alaac26. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/a-storied-career/

Learn about Brooklyn Public Library's support for beauty entrepreneurs, as shared at #alaac26. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/library-programming-glow-up/

The #alaac26 Top Tech Trends provided nuanced discussions of AI. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/coexisting-with-the-machine/

Here are 5 things to consider—and ask your vendors—before selecting an AI product. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/5-questions-to-ask-your-vendors-about-ai/

Learn how libraries are hosting workshops where users can create their own fairy houses. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/the-gnome-depot/

Libraries shared their experiences operating Pokémon clubs in the "Pokémon Club @ Your Library" #alaac26 session. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/catch-em-all/

Hone your readers' advisory skills with the books reviewed in our Librarian's Library column: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/confident-readers-advisory/

“I think it’s the most romantic thing I could say, but my life has been liberated by public education.” Read more from the #alaac26 session of novelist @minjinlee.bsky.social https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/prices-paid-for-lessons-learned/

"What happens when we go to the market and see only algae and cricket flour? How does that alter the emotional texture of Sunday lunch?" Read our interview with novelist Megha Majumdar. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/newsmaker-megha-majumdar/

“Our democracy is stronger and healthier thanks to our libraries. For me, library work is justice work.” Read more from the #alaac26 closing session. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/joy-as-an-act-of-resistance/

Library critics frequently resort to abusive language. Darcy Lipp-Acord examines patterns in this language and provides guidance on how to cope. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/fighting-words/

The new memoir from civil rights scholar @kimberlecrenshaw.bsky.social traces history and pushes back against authoritarianism. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/talking-back-to-injustice/

New OIF director Sarah Lamdan introduces herself in our 11 Questions feature: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/11-questions-sarah-lamdan/

New ALA President Maria McCauley discusses the need for E-Rate activism. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/07/14/save-our-e-rate/. Learn more at a July 16 webinar: https://www.shlb.org/events/the-future-of-e-rate-inside-the-fccs-proposal-and-how-to-make-your-voice-heard/register

Learn about the ALA's approach to socially responsible investing. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/05/11/principled-investments/

Review the activities at Council's three meetings at #alaac26. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/tag/ala-council/

“I say to my students all the time that we have to commit ourselves to the act of kindness,” declared former First Lady @DrBiden at #alaac26. Read more: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/balancing-it-all/

“I love making adults laugh, but when you make a kid crack up, that means you’re real funny, because they tell the truth.” Melissa Villaseñor delighted her #alaac26 audience. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/creativity-that-lights-the-soul/

“I think it’s important for readers to have things to wonder about”—read more from Lois Lowry's appearance at #alaac26. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/a-storied-career/

At #alaac26, Rachel Maddow looked to history for answers on rebuilding democracy. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/inheritance-as-nourishment/

Get ready for #LibraryCardSignUpMonth and #BannedBooksWeek at the Library Gift Shop. Save 20% on everything through July 3! https://www.librarygiftshop.org/

We created this guide to Chicago attractions for the 2023 Annual Conference, but it remains a good guide to tourist hotspots and lesser-known neighborhood gems. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2023/06/01/welcome-to-the-windy-city/

Our #ALAAC26 dining guide has outstanding recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with plant-based options and an overview of some historic bakeries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/city-of-big-appetites/

It's almost here! Prepare for #ALAAC26 with our Annual Conference preview, full of all the can't-miss speakers, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/2026-annual-conference-preview/

"While this is my first #ALAAC26 as executive director, I’m eager to meet many of you and make the most of those exciting, jam-packed days." https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/summer-connections/

Our Newsmaker, Megha Majumdar, will receive the Carnegie Medal at Annual this weekend: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/newsmaker-megha-majumdar/

"Decades from now, library workers will look back at the 2026 conference in Chicago as the point where the next century of service began." Gear up for #ALAAC26 with ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/06/01/sparking-a-new-era/