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FOR OUR LIBRARIES. FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

Help protect libraries—and win your way to ALA Annual Conference 2026 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 library worker, book lover, or advocate for access and education, 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.

Become a Fundraiser
Support a Fundraiser

HOW IT WORKS

  1. Register to fundraise using ALA’s official peer fundraising platform.
  2. 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.)
  3. 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.
  4. The more you raise, the better your chances to win!

PRIZES

Grand Prize (1 winner)

  • 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.

First Prize (9 winners)

  • Free registration to ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026, June 25–29, Chicago.

Top 10 individual fundraisers win. In the event of a tie, winners will be selected via random drawing.

The For Our Libraries Fundraising Challenge starts June 27, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. Central time and ends December 31, 2025, at noon CT.

Open to U.S. residents age 18 and older. (ALA Board members, staff, and affiliated personnel are not eligible.) Official Rules (PDF)

A group of advocates in front of the U.S. Capitol holding signs that read "FUND LIBRARIES," "SHOW UP FOR E-RATE" and "DEFEND E-RATE"

ALA IN ACTION

The American Library Association is working every day to ensure that everyone—regardless of background or zip code—has access to information, ideas, and opportunity.

Here’s what your support helps make possible:

  • Lawsuits to protect federal library funding
  • Nationwide campaigns to fight book bans and defend the freedom to read
  • Emergency grants for libraries recovering from natural disasters
  • Public programs that promote diverse books, digital equity, and lifelong learning

Together, we’re building stronger libraries, stronger communities, and a stronger democracy.

WHAT IS THE SUPPORTERS OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PROGRAM?

Launched in 2025, the Supporters of the American Library Association program engages the public in defending libraries and the library workers who make them thrive. Through donations, advocacy, and community action, Supporters help power ALA’s efforts to protect the freedom to read, secure library funding, and expand equitable access to information.

Your fundraising helps grow this movement—bringing in new supporters and resources at a time when libraries need us most.

Become a Fundraiser
Support a Fundraiser

Have a question about the fundraising challenge or Supporters program? Contact us at cmo@ala.org.

join us to support america's libraries.

BECOME A SUPPORTER
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An initiative of

American Library Association • 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300 • Chicago, IL 60601