Kansas Library Association

An update from the American Library Association about HR 7661.

"ALA continues to urge advocates to call their members of Congress at the Capitol switchboard (202.224.3121) and ask them to oppose H.R. 7661 and, instead, to support the Right to Read Act (H.R.6440 / S. 3365), which would provide much-needed funding to schools to ensure school libraries are well-resourced and well-staffed."

'Dangerous' bill inviting government censorship passes House committee The American Library Association condemns the March 17, 2026, passage of H.R. 7661 by the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Calling all library school students: apply now for the 2026 KLAEF Scholarship!

The KLA Educational Foundation (KLAEF) is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship of $2,000. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a current member of the Kansas Library Association
• Must be enrolled as a graduate library school student or a student pursuing a library media specialist endorsement as part of a graduate degree program
• Must be at least enrolled in the second semester of the program
• Must be a student in good academic standing, i.e. not on probation

Be sure to review the guidelines before completing and submitting the application! Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: https://kslibassoc.org/KLAEF-Grants-&-Scholarships

Thank you to everyone who joined us (despite winter road conditions!) in Topeka for KLA Legislative Day!

Around 40 attendees spent a busy morning meeting with legislators and sharing positive stories about how libraries impact their communities. The group also heard from Representative Adam Smith and Representative Pam Curtis in the State Library of Kansas.

Couldn't make it? No worries! It's never too late to share your libraries' stories with your legislators!

A new season of Kansas library interviews kicks off next week with Kingman Carnegie Library director Leilani Wilson!

Like many public libraries across the state, Kingman offers strong, community-centered programming—painting classes, a mobile and bookable story time, adult book clubs, and more.

Join us next Tuesday to watch the interview live, or catch the recording later on YouTube. A recording link will be sent to everyone who registers.

🗓️ Tuesday, January 20
🕜 1:30–2:00 PM
🔗 Registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/KSTifEtMRkqu-DIVYF_yzg