Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Celebrate 150 Years of ALA: Our Top Picks for ALA Annual 2026

ALA Annual returns to Chicago to celebrate a milestone and shape the future of libraries. Are you going? See our top program picks.

Beyond the Red Carpet: How Local "Celebrities" Revitalized a Literacy Classic in Bienville Parish

For National Library Week, Bienville Parish Library celebrated everyday community members by making them the stars of their own READ™ poster.

Upping Your Game: Best Practices of Expert Programming Librarians

What does excellence in library programming look like? Find how-to articles summarizing best practices of seasoned programming librarians.

Getting Started with Program Evaluation

Real, meaningful evaluation isn’t just a survey you tack on at the end of a program. It’s an integral piece of your planning process, right from the start. Once you learn to recognize the elements of evaluation and use them with intentionality, you’ll be able to continually grow the impact of your programs and your ability to tell their story.

Dec 8, 2025

Time Travel in a Trunk: Engaging Learners with Historical Artifacts

How can librarians and educators bridge the gap between the past and present? The answer lies in Historical Artifact Footlockers — a dynamic, hands-on tool that brings the thrill of historical investigation directly into the library.

Dec 5, 2025

Know Your People

By knowing their people, empowering staff and building strong partnerships, the Gail Borden Public Library turns every exhibit into a shared experience of learning and connection.

Dec 2, 2025

Cents-sational Reads to Teach Young People About Money

This new guide helps libraries build financial education collections and offers an assortment of programming ideas to transform learning about money into memorable experiences.

Dec 1, 2025

Apply Now: LTCEG

The seventh annual community engagement grant will support two library projects under the concept of "Libraries as a Lifeline: Building Belonging for All.”

Dec 1, 2025

Apply Now: Peggy Barber Tribute Grant

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant will provide $2,500 to three libraries to support programming related to strengthening community ties through libraries as third spaces.

Nov 4, 2025

Programs on Human Migration

Experience "airplane" travel, create a family tree and hear migration stories from community members. These programs explore the question: Where do we come from?

Nov 3, 2025

Call for Advisors: Aging Together

ALA is seeking nine librarian advisors to support a new project to evaluate and summarize the state of older adult programming in libraries and offer recommendations.

Oct 29, 2025

Apply Now: Digital Pathways

12 public libraries will be selected to receive a resource package and hands-on support to strengthen their online health literacy offerings. Apply by January 7, 2026.

Oct 8, 2025

Resilient Communities: Advancing Sustainability

This new initiative is designed to equip 100 public library workers with the knowledge and tools to lead on sustainability. Apply by November 14.

Oct 7, 2025

Personal Finance Programming and Information Services Survey

ALA and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation are interested in providing future training and grant opportunities to support the role of public libraries as providers of personal finance programming. Survey results will help plan these future offerings.

Sep 25, 2025

New & Free Webinars for Programming Librarians

Looking for some quick professional development? Here are four recent and upcoming webinars perfect for programming librarians.

Sep 24, 2025

First Amendment Academy

How well do you really know your First Amendment rights? The Freedom Forum's First Amendment Academy is a free, engaging resource for libraries to share with patrons.