2025

The American Library Association (ALA) is more than just a professional organization for librarians—it is a vital force in the literary world, and a beacon of hope and opportunity for authors across every genre and background. With a rich history dating back to 1876, the ALA champions intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, and the transformative power of books and reading. For authors, the ALA represents a gateway to connection—not only with the thousands of libraries it supports nationwide but with the millions of readers those libraries serve.

Through its renowned annual conferences, awards programs like the Carnegie Medals, and powerful initiatives such as Banned Books Week, the ALA uplifts voices that challenge, inspire, and reflect the diverse realities of our world.

Authors who engage with the ALA find themselves part of a passionate movement that values truth, creativity, education, and social justice. Whether you write for children, teens, or adults; whether your words spark laughter, healing, or action—the ALA stands ready to amplify your voice.

It reminds us that libraries are not just buildings filled with books—they are sanctuaries for stories, and platforms where authors can reach hearts and minds, one reader at a time. To be embraced by the library community is to be reminded that writing is not a solitary act—it is an offering to the world.