By Ahmad | Week 2 | Firday | 13 June 2025
During our visit to the American Library Association (ALA) Headquarters in Chicago, we had the opportunity to join a presentation and tour led by Michael Dowling, Director of the International Relations Office. It was eye-opening to see how this nonprofit powerhouse operates at the heart of the library world.
We toured the entire office every section, every team getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the ALA brings its mission to life. From publishing and grants to member services, advocacy, and public campaigns, each part of the organization plays a vital role in strengthening libraries across the U.S. and beyond.
The ALA office, home to around 200 dedicated staff members, is where advocacy, strategy, and innovation come together. One of the most inspiring takeaways was how the ALA champions everyone’s right to read. They fight to protect the public’s access to information and work to ensure everyone has meaningful, equitable access to knowledge and resources.
ALA’s work reaches far beyond U.S. borders, with members from over 90 countries. They provide guidance to governments, partner with the United Nations on national strategies, and offer advocacy tools to help libraries increase public involvement and amplify their voices. Looking ahead, ALA is preparing for its 150th anniversary in 2026, with a major conference planned that will celebrate its history while setting the stage for the future.
The organization offers special training, grants, and leadership development programs such as Emerging Leaders and succession planning to nurture the next generation of library professionals. Their accreditation program ensures that library schools maintain high standards, with over 16 schools currently ALA-accredited, strengthening both the profession’s credibility and the value of a library science degree. Beyond professional development, ALA actively promotes library services and librarianship by advocating for increased public awareness, funding, and support. Through nationwide campaigns, resources, and partnerships, ALA empowers libraries to innovate, expand their reach, and better serve diverse communities positioning libraries as essential centers for education, information access, and community engagement in today’s digital age.
Visiting ALA headquarters gave me a deeper appreciation for the people and work behind the scenes showing that libraries are so much more than buildings with books. They’re dynamic forces for education, equity, and civic engagement, powered by passionate advocates shaping a better future.