![ALA's key mission areas: Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, and Literacy](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/text_with_image_fp/public/2024-04/Image%20w%20Text%20ala%20mission%20again_0.png.webp?itok=LXwHRCWY)
The ALA Mission
The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
Get Involved
Fight Censorship: Take Action Against Book Bans
Resource Quick Links
![book covers](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-04/Tab%20carnegie%20no%20border.jpg.webp?itok=beukf3Nm)
Books we recommend
The Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction
Booklist Editors' Choice: Adult Books
You May Also Be Interested In . . .
![5 students and teacher showing off their collages as part of the Great Stories Club](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-04/Tab%20Great%20Stories%20PPO.jpg.webp?itok=6m2f6qAR)
Programming Resources
The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning and connection in communities of all types.
Learn more about the ALA Public Programs Office
.
ALA's Programming Librarian website is a place for library professionals to share, learn, and be inspired to present excellent programming for their communities.
More Resources for Librarians
![illustration for News, Press, and Media](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-03/Tab%20container%20News.png.webp?itok=kXY9MxTS)
News and Press Center
For more than 140 years, the American Library Association has been the trusted voice for all libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all.
Contact the ALA Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations team to learn more about ALA positions and actions and get comprehensive insights into key issues facing libraries nationwide.
News and Press Resources
![ALA Connect logo featuring speech bubbles and the tagline "Engage. Learn. Grow."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-04/Tab%20ALA%20Connect.jpg.webp?itok=60ABzs4W)
ALA Connect
Discussion boards and shared libraries provide collaboration tools connecting more than 50,000 library professionals with a wide variety of interests and specialization is the place to share ideas and make new connections with library workers across the globe.
Complete your profile and grow your online professional network at ALA Connect!
Latest News
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion News
Awards, Grants, and Scholarships
![Winners display their books at the 2023 Youth Media Awards](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-04/Tab%20container%20youth%20media%20awards.jpg.webp?itok=ijxLQF7z)
ALA Awards
From captivating storytelling to groundbreaking research, the ALA Awards program showcases the best in literature and media.
Visit the Book and Media Awards home page
ALA Professional Recognition Awards honor individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the advancement of library science and services.
![A photo of a woman working in a library](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-04/Tab%20research%20grant.jpg.webp?itok=I4PicA_h)
ALA Grants
ALA Grants invest in the future of libraries and librarianship through the funding of programming, research, and professional development. Grants may be offered to support the planning and implementation of programs, to promote research in library and information sciences, to assist with conference and travel fees, and more.
Quick Links
![ALA Scholarship Program logo with university building](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.ala.org/sites/default/files/styles/tab_group_main_image_sm_300x170_fp/public/2024-04/Tab%20Scholarships.jpg.webp?itok=3BTdhmgM)
ALA Scholarships
The American Library Association and its units provide more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA-accredited program, or for a master's degree with a specialty in school librarianship that meets the ALA curriculum guidelines for a CAEP-accredited unit.
The scholarship process is open annually from September 1st - March 1st.
ALA Scholarships Links