AkLA and How You Can Support Libraries

I just returned from the AkLA 2026 conference—AkLA stands for the Alaska Library Association. Over one hundred librarians and library supporters met in Sitka for three days of sessions, networking, and reading nerdery!

Sitka is a beautiful town in Southeast Alaska-see my earlier posts about Sitka at these links:

https://www.lynnlovegreen.com/post/sitka-alaska

and  

https://www.lynnlovegreen.com/post/sitka-s-april-fool-prank.

The AkLA conference was in the Harrigan Centennial Hall, next door to the Sitka Public Library and looking out at the lovely Sitka Sound. Since it was herring season, we could watch fishing boats and humpback whales right outside the windows! The locals were wonderful hosts, and we enjoyed great food, bluegrass music, a walking tour, whale watching tour, and the Mt. Edgecumbe All Star Dancers in addition to the usual conference activities. I highly recommend this town!

Mt. Edgecumbe behind small boat harbor in Sitka, Alaska

Conference sessions covered interesting topics like “Hidden Gems in Alaska’s Digital Archives,” “3D Printing in the Library,” and “Engaging Readers: Increasing Access at Your Library.” We also had great keynote speakers including Sam Helmick from the ALA (American Library Association), and authors Tele Aadsen and Tessa Hulls. I also enjoyed the author talk by Tom Crestodina about his Working Boats series.

But the main reason I was there was to support libraries as an AkLA member, co-chair of the AkLA Advocacy Committee, and a member of Authors Against Book Bans.  Libraries have it tough right now. Working with limited funding and staff, our public and school library workers still manage to help their patrons find books and materials, offer free computer access, and run programs ranging from storytime to seed libraries to craft activities. But they are limited in what they can do compared to past years. Plus, the book banners have hit Alaska, too. We’re facing extreme book challenges and restrictions on how libraries can operate. If we’re going to ensure that everyone can access the books they want for themselves and their children, we need to act.   

Advocacy sign in meeting room, Sitka Sound in background

Want to help libraries and library workers? Here are some ideas:

Want to act as an individual? Here are two things you can do:

Next time you’re in your local library, thank the staff. If there’s a comment box, fill out a card telling them what you love about your library or what was positive about your last visit. It will make the staff’s day, and they can show the card as evidence of support.

Write a letter to the editor of a local paper, or to your local school board or city council saying that you support libraries and the freedom to read.

More of a group person? Check out these organizations:

See the Unite Against Book Bans website for information and free advocacy tools at

https://uniteagainstbookbans.org.

Join the American Library Association as an ally at the Supporter level at

https://www.ala.org/membership/personal-membership.

If you are an author or other kind of book creator, join Authors Against Book Bans at

https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com.

If you are an agent or other publishing professional, join Publishing Professionals Against Book Bans at   

https://www.publishingprofessionalsagainstbookbans.com.

More into politics? Try these:

If you’re in Alaska, learn about the Freedom to Read Bill, SB 238, and write your legislators to show your support. Check out the latest info on the bill at

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB%20238.

Learn about the federal book banning bill HR 7661 and tell your Congress representative and senators to vote against it.

Check out the bill’s full text and latest news on the bill at

 https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7661/text.

See EveryLibrary’s petition at

https://action.everylibrary.org/hr_7661.

Thanks for reading this—we can all take action to help our libraries!