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American Library Association - Leading the way for literacy

Literacy has been a focus of the American Library Association (ALA) throughout its history. ALA's literacy-related activities include promoting reading across the lifespan, supporting equal access to library materials and services, providing literacy education and training for librarians and developing and disseminating easily replicable models for library literacy programs and services. The association has well-established channels for mobilizing library supporters and has been instrumental in encouraging federal funding for literacy efforts. The association also collaborates with national literacy organizations to promote and support the role of libraries in literacy.

To highlight just a few activities:

• 21st Century Literacy is one of five key action areas of the ALA. The goal is to ensure that all children and adults have the skills and resources they need to live, learn and work in an information society.

• Since June 2000, ALA's Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) has received more than $750,000 from Verizon to support www.BuildLiteracy.org. BuildLiteracy.org helps libraries build strong literacy services and programs through community collaboration, information sharing and technical assistance.

• Literacy in Libraries Across America (LILAA), a $1.3 million dollar initiative funded by the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, strengthened library-based adult literacy programs in 13 communities across the United States. Resources and products developed by the LILAA sites can be found at www.ala.org/literacy.

• In 2000 and 2001, ALA Editions published two books focusing on library-based adult literacy programs, "The Adult Literacy Assessment Tool Kit" and "Literacy and Libraries: Learning from Case Studies." These publications provide libraries with tools for improving literacy services. Both publications are products of Literacy in Libraries Across America (LILAA).

• In 1980, ALA founded the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL), which first brought the problem of adult functional illiteracy to the attention of the American public. In 2003, NCL became an independent not-for-profit organization, and Dale Lipschultz, OLOS Literacy Officer, was elected  president of the new organization.

• As a recognized national leader in the adult literacy field, ALA participates in high-level seminars and forums on literacy on a regular basis. In February 2000, representatives from ALA attended the National Literacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Summit participants crafted an action agenda, From the Margins to the Mainstream, to guide the adult literacy field through the next decade. ALA is committed to demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of libraries and literacy in relation to the agenda's three priority areas: quality, access and resources.

• In 1995, ALA received a Leadership Award from Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) for "its profound influence over and enduring support of the literacy movement." According to the citation, "ALA has encouraged libraries to provide direct support to community literacy programs through funding, space, staff and materials for tutors and students....And perhaps most meaningful of all, ALA has sustained the fight for intellectual freedom and access to information for all, regardless of race, religion, age, national origin, social or political views, or the ability to read or speak English with fluency."

• In 1999, ALA appointed its first Literacy Officer, housed in OLOS. The Literacy Officer focuses on strengthening ALA's capacity in adult literacy, supporting library-literacy programs and services, developing funded initiatives and collaborating with national partners.

• Pre-conferences, programs and seminars on adult literacy in libraries are offered at ALA's annual conferences.

• The association maintains an online discussion of library literacy activities. To subscribe, send an e-mail to dlipschu@ala.org. The list is archived at http://www.nifl.gov/library-lit

• The ALA Washington Office tracks and reports on federal legislation and policies related to literacy and libraries.

• ALA publishes posters and brochures to promote reading and literacy, as well as books and videos about how to set up and evaluate literacy programs. Many "A-list" celebrities - including Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford- donate their time and talent to help promote reading and libraries. These materials are distributed throughout the world. 

• ALA divisions, such as the Association for Library Trustees and Advocates and The Public Library Association, make annual awards to recognize outstanding library literacy efforts.