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FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association
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Booklist Reader: ‘Before, During, and After: The American Revolution’

May 6, 2026

As young readers confront the meaning of America’s 250th birthday this year, it’s important to allow them to see the wider picture beyond the familiar roster of “founding fathers” that fill the pages of history textbooks. ALA’s Booklist has selected 16 books that offer a rich variety of perspectives on the decades leading up to the American Revolution, the important events of America’s fight for independence, and the early days of the new nation as it wrestled with what life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness mean in practice.

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How I Library episode 32 with Wayne Wiegand

HOW I LIBRARY EPISODE 32: ALA and Library History with Historian Wayne Wiegand

In a special episode of our “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with library historian and author Wayne Wiegand about the beginnings of the American Library Association as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

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FOR BOOKS & BEYOND

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What Libraries Do

Libraries are more than books. From teaching critical literacy skills to protecting your rights, today’s libraries are dynamic and essential community hubs.

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For Book Lovers

Library users are passionate readers, and we’ve got resources for all varieties of book lovers.

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School Libraries

Schools with a strong school library program ensure their students have the best chance to succeed.

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Fight Censorship

Libraries and schools are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to remove books from their shelves.

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Drawn to the Library, National LIbrary Week, April 6-12, 2025. Colorful comicbook-style illustration of young people at the library reading together, drawing, sewing, and asking the librarian a question.

National Library Week

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Celebrate National Library Week, April 6 – 12, 2025.

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Get Involved

Libraries are the heart of every community, but not everyone realizes their impact. Get involved to ensure libraries thrive for all.

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Grace Lin wants YOU to support the American Library Association.

Grace Lin, the lauded author and illustrator—and winner of a Newbery Honor, a Caldecott Honor, and a Children’s Literature Legacy Award—thinks libraries are places of wonder and magic for people of all ages. That’s why she proudly supports the American Library Association.

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Show the world that you love libraries with official merchandise from the American Library Association’s Library Gift Shop! Purchases support ALA’s work advocating for libraries and library workers.

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