ALA Store -- Expert Guide to Saving
ALA Store: American Library Association's Official Resource Shop
The ALA Store is the official retail outlet of the American Library Association, offering professional library management resources, Banned Books Week merchandise, library advocacy materials, professional development publications, library science books, and ALA Graphics products including READ posters. The store serves librarians, library educators, students in library science programs, and literacy advocates.
ALA's Role in Intellectual Freedom and Banned Books
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, founded in 1876. Through its Office for Intellectual Freedom, the ALA tracks book challenges and bans and publishes the annual Banned Books Week event each September. The ALA Store's Banned Books Week merchandise -- tote bags, t-shirts, and bookmarks -- supports this advocacy mission and provides tangible expressions of support for intellectual freedom.
Professional Resources for Librarians and Library Educators
The ALA Store offers specialized publications for library professionals including reference management texts, cataloging and classification resources, library administration guides, and children's library programming materials. These resources -- written by and for library science professionals -- provide practical guidance that graduate library science curricula and general management texts don't address.
ALA Editions: Books for Library and Information Science
ALA Editions is the ALA's publishing imprint producing practical books on library management, collection development, digital literacy, programming, and the intersection of technology with library services. Titles like 'The Accidental Library Manager' and collections development guides represent essential reference resources for working librarians, particularly in small and rural libraries with limited access to professional development opportunities.
Library Advocacy Materials and Their Importance
The ALA Store provides materials supporting National Library Week, Library Card Sign-Up Month (September), and Banned Books Week advocacy campaigns. Libraries and library supporters use these materials for community outreach, patron engagement, and political advocacy with local government funding bodies. Effective advocacy materials directly support library funding in an era where public library budgets face consistent pressure.
Using SaveSpire for Educational and Library Resource Discounts
SaveSpire aggregates promotional codes for educational publishers, professional association stores, and book retailers. Before purchasing from the ALA Store, checking SaveSpire for available discount codes can reduce the cost of professional resources and advocacy materials.
Supporting Libraries as a Community Patron
Purchasing from the ALA Store supports the organization's advocacy, education, and intellectual freedom missions. Library patrons who cannot donate directly to their local library can support the broader library ecosystem by purchasing ALA Store merchandise that funds association activities defending public library access and resources.
Q: What is the ALA's READ poster campaign?
READ posters are one of the ALA's most recognized advocacy campaigns, featuring celebrities, athletes, and community figures photographed holding their favorite books. The campaign promotes reading and library use. READ poster kits for libraries allow creating custom READ graphics featuring local community members.
Q: Does the ALA Store offer discounts to library students?
ALA offers student membership at significantly reduced rates, which may provide access to member pricing at the ALA Store. Confirming current student membership benefits and discount availability is worthwhile for library science students purchasing professional resources.