Got a few dollars lying around? Or maybe a few million?
The American Library Association announced Wednesday its 150th anniversary fundraising campaign—“For Our Libraries. For 150 Years More.”—with a $60 million campaign goal.
The fundraising goal is the most ambitious philanthropic initiative in the organization’s history, reflecting a long-term investment in libraries, library workers, and the core tenets that guide them: equitable access to information, intellectual freedom, and literacy of all kinds.
Gifts to the campaign are being directed toward programs and services supporting America’s libraries, including: support for scholarships for library science degree programs; advocacy on behalf of libraries at the federal level; training library workers to help address digital divides in their communities; bolstering resources to help library workers navigate legal issues around censorship; and more.
“In this sesquicentennial year, we recommit to the principles that have guided us for 150 years: courage, collaboration, access, and an unyielding faith in the power of stories to change lives,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “For Our Libraries, For 150 Years More is an investment in library workers, equitable access to information, intellectual freedom and lifelong literacy in every community.”
Donate to Support Libraries
Outside of the federal government, ALA is the nation’s largest grant maker supporting U.S. libraries and library workers. In April, ALA announced it had awarded $3.5 million to 300 small and rural libraries to fund accessibility projects to better serve people with disabilities.
“An investment in libraries is an investment in helping our communities learn, connect and thrive,” said ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery. “And especially in this moment as we celebrate 150 years of the ALA and 250 years of our nation, it’s fitting to commit to supporting our libraries, so essential to our democracy. I heartily encourage all individuals who can, private foundations, and corporate partners to help us sustain America’s libraries and the careers of those who work in them. It’s not only a deep investment in the future of libraries and knowledge, but in our freedoms. Join us.”
The 150th anniversary campaign runs through December 31, 2027. You can donate to the campaign at ALA150.org.
