President Trump Abruptly Fires Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden
On Thursday night, President Trump abruptly fired Dr. Carla Hayden from her post as Librarian of Congress, a position she has held since her appointment in 2016.
Federal Court Halts Dismantling of Institute of Museum and Library Services
The library world experienced a victory yesterday when the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order to block President Trump’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency dedicated to the nation’s libraries and museums.
Ten Ways to Show Up for Libraries
It’s Take Action for Libraries Day! Observed on the Thursday of National Library Week each year, Take Action for Libraries Day rallies people across the U.S. to speak out and show their support for libraries. Because now more than ever, libraries need us. Here are 10 easy ways you can act, from calling Congress to advocate for library funding to spreading the word on social media and more.
ALA Sues Trump to Protect Libraries
The American Library Association (ALA) is suing to protect libraries. ALA is joining forces with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, the largest union representing museum and library workers, to challenge the Trump administration’s gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The lawsuit asks the court to block the dismantling of IMLS as directed by a Trump executive order.
ALA Warns New IMLS Acting Director Not to Cut Legally Mandated Programs for Libraries and Museums
The American Library Association urged the new acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Keith Sonderling, to be mindful of the legal obligations that Congress has imposed on the agency.
What Does the Institute of Museum and Library Services Do, and How Will Its Elimination Affect You?
Some of the many programs that may be affected by the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services include: early literacy development; summer reading programs for kids; high-speed internet access; employment assistance for job seekers; braille and talking books for people with visual impairments; staff training, recruitment, and professional development; preservation, maintenance, and digitization of collections; and so much more.
Trump Administration Calls for Elimination of Federal Agency that Funds Libraries
The Trump Administration has called for the elimination of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only federal agency that provides funds for America’s libraries.
ALA Vows to Defend Intellectual Freedom and Access to Information Against Political Threats
In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the American Library Association has vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats. What are the core values?
Obama Celebrates Banned Books Week on Instagram
Barack Obama posted a special message on Instagram September 24 to commemorate Banned Books Week.
Presidential Libraries Issue Statement on Fragile State of U.S. Democracy
Thirteen presidential libraries released a statement on September 7 over concerns for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization. The libraries, ranging from those celebrating the presidencies of Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama, have called for a recommitment to our bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs. It’s the first time these libraries have joined to make such a public declaration.