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ALA was founded in Philadelphia in 1876 amid the patriotic spectacle of our nation’s centennial celebrations. But it’s Chicago, the Association’s home for more than a century, that will welcome the library community for a milestone 150th anniversary celebration at the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held June 25–29 at the McCormick Place Convention Center. This year’s speakers, programs, and gatherings strike a balance between the retrospective and the speculative, as library workers and advocates stake out a brighter, stronger, and more inclusive and accessible future for libraries of all types.
American Libraries feature, Summer 2026
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“Digital preservation exists to safeguard knowledge for the future. But as the volume of digital content continues to grow, so too does the need to better understand the environmental impact of the systems, storage, infrastructure, and workflows that support long-term preservation. That is why the release of the new Carbon Footprint Toolkit by the Digital Preservation Coalition marks an important moment for the digital preservation community. The toolkit has been designed to help organizations undertaking digital preservation understand, measure, and reduce the carbon footprint of their activities in a practical and proportionate way.”
CLOCKSS, May 20
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Leah Dudak writes: “Trauma rarely exists in isolation. It often intersects with other forms of stress, exhaustion, and harm that shape how we experience our jobs and relate to our communities. Some of these experiences may not qualify as trauma in a clinical sense but are still deeply impactful. Understanding the range of related terms can help us more accurately describe what we’re going through, validate our own and others’ experiences, and begin to imagine healthier, more supportive workplace cultures.”
Urban Librarians Unite, May 22
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Quintis Pinder writes: “While there is increasing recognition of the importance of diversity in higher education, Black men in librarianship often encounter significant structural barriers when it comes to advancing their careers, gaining representation, and stepping into leadership roles. It is hoped that this literature review will help academic libraries understand the unique and complex challenges faced by Black male librarians, while also promoting the implementation of intentional policies, mentorship programs, and equity-focused recruitment practices. These approaches are essential for building a more inclusive and representative academic library workforce.”
Urban Library Journal, vol. 32, no. 1, May
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Kealin McCabe writes: “One of the major issues that students encounter in their first year of university is the difference in academic expectations. Academic libraries and librarians are well positioned to address the transition through outreach initiatives that enhance university recruitment while preparing future students for academic life. An example is the high school outreach program at the University of Northern British Columbia’s library in Prince George, which introduces students to the research process through the acquisition of information literacy skills—skills that are necessary in the workplace as well as for success at university.”
Times Higher Education, May 18
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Winston Reed writes: “Libraries across Lafourche Parish could shut down next year unless another source of funding is secured after voters rejected two property tax renewals during the May 16 election, according to Library Director Laura Sanders. The failed millage renewals account for more than 90% of the Lafourche Parish (La.) Public Library system’s budget. Sanders said the system plans to ask voters to reconsider the measures during an election in December. In Lafayette Parish, voters also rejected a property tax renewal that provides roughly $9 million annually for the public library system, about 65% of its operating budget.”
WWL-TV (New Orleans), May 22; KPEL-FM (Lafayette), May 17
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ALA will hold its 2026 Virtual Membership Meeting June 17 at 3:30 p.m. Central. The Membership Meeting serves as a crucial platform for ALA members to actively engage in discussions surrounding key issues impacting libraries and librarianship. It’s also an opportunity for members to ask questions of ALA leadership (submit questions by June 15) or advocate for important causes by introducing resolutions, memorials, and tributes (see submission guidelines). Members must register by June 14 to receive voting credentials.
ALA Membership, May 19
