Help protect libraries and win your way to the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2026 Annual Conference next June in Chicago!
From July through December, we’re calling on our biggest library advocates—the people who use, defend, and power them every day—to raise funds For Our Libraries. Whether you’re a book lover, free speech fighter, advocate for access and education, or library worker, this is your moment to make a difference.
Libraries are facing unprecedented challenges, from politically motivated censorship to devastating budget cuts and threats to federal funding. But we know that when communities speak up, we win.
Every dollar raised supports ALA’s fight for the future of libraries—keeping books, knowledge, and opportunity within reach for all. And to recognize your impact, the top 10 fundraisers will win free registration to ALA Annual 2026, with an all-expenses-paid trip for our grand prize winner.
What can you win?
One (1) grand prize winner will receive:
- Free registration to attend the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 25–29, 2026, in Chicago.
- Complimentary hotel accommodation for up to five nights at an ALA Conference partner hotel.
- $1,500 stipend for travel, meals, and related expenses.
Nine (9) first prize winners will receive:
- Free registration to ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026, June 25–29, Chicago.
How can you participate?
It’s easy.
- Register to fundraise using ALA’s official peer fundraising platform.
- Personalize your fundraising page and share the link with your community. (Tip: Check out this article for help setting up and editing your fundraising page.)
- Share why libraries and the American Library Association are important to you and encourage your community to become Supporters. Use the For Our Libraries Fundraising Toolkit to get started.
- The more you raise, the better your chances to win!
The top 10 individual fundraisers win. In the event of a tie, winners will be selected via random drawing.
The For Our Libraries Fundraising Challenge ends December 31, 2025, at noon CT. It’s open to U.S. residents age 18 and older. (ALA Board members, staff, and affiliated personnel are not eligible.) The official rules have full details.
Good luck!
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