The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world.Founded in 1876, our mission is to share our vision of the importance of libraries, literacy and free access to information.ALA offers professional services and publications to members and nonmembers, including online news stories from American Libraries and analysis of crucial issues from our Washington Office. Our main office is located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast, right off of Michigan Ave, with satellite offices in Washington, DC, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.