What is the American Library Association (ALA)?
The American Library Association (ALA) is the largest association of libraries in the world. Established in 1876 in Philadelphia, the ALA is also the oldest association of its type in the US. Its goal is to promote libraries through several different programs and campaigns which reach a diverse group of people through a variety of outlets. The ALA seeks to improve the quality of libraries, promote the vocation of librarian, expand the base of people who use libraries, and protect access to libraries across the nation. Now headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the ALA lobbies at the federal and state levels for increased library funding and laws that support and facilitate the maintenance and growth of libraries in big cities, small towns and public schools.
What Is the American Library Association (ALA ) ?Answer: The American Library Association was established in 1876. It currently has in excess of 64,000 members, making it the oldest and the largest library association worldwide. Its members come from more than 115 countries. “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.” (ALA Web site) There are eleven divisions of the American Library Association. The three divisions that directly relate to children’s books are the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), and the Young Adult Library Services Association (
