Question: 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 (YALSA).
On the ALA Web site, you'll find information about censorship and challenged books, the children's book awards and the young adult book awards under the auspices of the ALA, notable children's books lists, and much more.
