About ALA & Our Mission
Our Vision:
Libraries thrive so everyone can succeed.
Our Core Values
Equity and Access
Equity and access ensure that all community members can freely use library resources and services by dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive environments that support learning, growth, and empowerment for everyone.
Intellectual Freedom
Intellectual freedom is a basic right in a democratic society and a core value of the library profession. Intellectual freedom empowers individuals to form their own ideas and opinions through free and open inquiry.
Sustainability
Sustainability means making choices that are environmentally responsible, economically sound, and socially equitable to ensure library resources and services remain effective now and into the future.
Public Good
The public good is rooted in improving society and safeguarding access to education, literacy, and intellectual freedom. Libraries play a fundamental role in democracy by supporting an informed, connected, and empowered citizenry.
What We Champion
The association works to increase public awareness of the value of libraries and librarians, to promote state and national legislation beneficial to libraries and library users, and to supply resources and support to local library advocates.
Diversity is reflected in the association's commitment to recruiting people of color and people with disabilities to the profession, and to the promotion and development of library collections and services for all people.
The association provides opportunities for the professional development and education of all library staff members and trustees. It promotes continuous, lifelong learning for all people through library and information services of every type.
The Association advocates for funding and policies that support libraries as great democratic institutions, providing the full range of information resources to people of every age, income level, location, ethnicity, or physical ability.
The Association advances and defends intellectual freedom, a cornerstone of both democratic society and the library profession, by protecting the right of individuals to read, seek information, and speak freely under the First Amendment.
The ALA assists and promotes libraries in helping children and adults develop the ability to read and utilize information resources -understanding that literacy is essential in a global information society.
ALA’s new Strategic Plan is a bold, forward-looking roadmap designed to strengthen our organization, expand opportunities, help prioritize our work, and ensure our continued leadership in the library field.
ALA supports libraries in strengthening their communities by providing tools, resources, and leadership that help libraries expand their roles as trusted community hubs and local change agents.
ALA is shaped by its members and committed to an experience that is welcoming, inclusive, and responsive. By elevating member voices and supporting active participation, the association builds a strong, connected professional community.
How We Work Together
ALA Governance
ALA’s governance structure ensures that members shape the direction, policies, and priorities of the Association through transparent, representative decision-making. Elected leaders and governing bodies work together to guide ALA’s mission and uphold its core values.
Divisions
ALA divisions bring together members who share professional interests, library types, or areas of expertise to advance specialized work within the Association. Through divisions, members collaborate, lead initiatives, and support the evolving needs of the profession.
Round Tables
Round tables provide flexible, interest-based communities where members can explore emerging issues, identities, and areas of shared passion. They offer space for connection, advocacy, and experimentation across traditional organizational boundaries.
Committees and Volunteer Opportunities
Committees and volunteer opportunities allow members to contribute their expertise, shape initiatives, and participate directly in ALA’s work. Through service and collaboration, members help move ideas forward and strengthen the Association.
Offices
ALA offices support the Association’s mission by advancing strategic initiatives, programs, and services that benefit members and libraries nationwide. Staff work in partnership with member leaders to turn shared goals into action.
Affiliates
ALA affiliates are independent organizations that share common goals and values with the Association. These partnerships expand collaboration, amplify impact, and strengthen connections across the library ecosystem.
ALA Chapters
ALA chapters connect members at the state and regional levels, supporting local leadership, professional development, and advocacy. Chapters strengthen the Association by grounding national priorities in local communities.
Other Groups & Organizations
ALA collaborates with related groups and organizations to advance shared goals beyond the Association itself. These relationships broaden perspectives, foster collaboration, and extend ALA’s impact across education, culture, and civic life.
How You Can Help
ALA membership is open to individuals, organizations, non-profits, and businesses interested in working together to change the world for the better through libraries and librarians.
Your contribution supports new librarian development, cultural programming, advocacy efforts, and more.
ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.
ALA History
During the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, 103 librarians (90 men and 13 women) responded to a call for a "Convention of Librarians" to be held October 4-6 at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The aim of the Association, in that resolution, was "to enable librarians to do their present work more easily and at less expense." Attendees came from as far west as Chicago and from England.
Image: Girls deliver donated books to the New York Public Library as part of the American Library Association’s 1918 campaign to supply WWI soldiers with reading materials.[National Archives and Records]
