The giving season is upon us. For those with book and library lovers (and anyone who champions the freedom to read) in their lives, it can be an especially fun time of the year. What’s more satisfying than giving books and book-adjacent gifts?
This year, the options are plentiful.
From the New York Times and The New York Public Library to Everyday Reading and Book Riot, bookish gift lists abound, ensuring that you can find something special for even the most discerning of bibliophiles.
Of course, we’re biased towards the gift list that our friends at American Libraries (AL) release each year. AL’s annual “Holiday Gift Guide for Librarians and Book Lovers” is always packed with interesting, specially curated curios from across the web, from “Welcome to ‘Book Club’” foil-stamped cocktail napkins by Pretty Alright Goods to the American Library Association’s (ALA) “Censorship Is So 1984” shirt (available in Men’s and Women’s sizes) which references George Orwell’s cautionary tale “1984,” about the dangers of totalitarianism and the restriction of free expression. (You can find even more gifts that spotlight the freedom to read and the fight against book bans at ALA’s Library Gift Shop). The gifts range from a few bucks to the higher end of the cost spectrum, guaranteeing something for everyone.
In our opinion, though, the ultimate gift to give this year (to loved ones or oneself) is a Supporter Membership to the American Library Association.
Membership to ALA isn’t relegated to just library workers—anyone can join!
For as low at $10 a month, you can help libraries thrive. Even with funding cuts, increasing attempts to ban and restrict books, and growing pressure on library staff, libraries remain trusted places of learning and connection. Your generosity helps make that possible.
You can give a one-time donation or become a monthly donor—we’ve even made it easy to give in honor of someone else.
The best part? Monthly donors receive the added bonus of an exclusive “For Our Libraries” tote bag, invitations to virtual author events, and a monthly online subscription to Booklist Reader with book reviews, read-alikes, top 10 lists, author interviews, and more. One-time donations of $100 or more include the tote bag only.
An ALA Supporter membership, a cool tote bag, a Booklist Reader membership, and helping libraries across the country? It’s the ultimate gift! It’s not too late! Sign us up!
How you can support libraries
With library funding being gutted and censorship on the rise, supporting libraries is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for a way to help, we urge you to become a Supporter of the American Library Association by donating.
At the American Library Association, we are here to protect libraries — today and for generations to come. What does your donation do? It helps a neighbor gain skills to start a business. It helps a child discover themselves through books and programs. And it helps keep libraries strong, open, and free for everyone.
Don’t just take it from us! Look who else supports ALA! Join Geena and Grace and become an ALA Supporter today.
Become a Supporter
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