{"id":5485,"date":"2025-07-10T11:36:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T15:36:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adbiblio.com\/blog\/?p=5485"},"modified":"2025-07-11T10:35:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:35:01","slug":"five-takeaways-from-ala-and-how-adbiblio-fits-into-the-mix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adbiblio.com\/blog\/five-takeaways-from-ala-and-how-adbiblio-fits-into-the-mix\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Takeaways from ALA 2025\u2014and How AdBiblio Fits into the Mix"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I\u2019m still recovering from the whirlwind that was ALA in Philly\u2014and by recovering, I mean trying to make room for the stack of books I hauled home. Between chatting with librarians in long ARC lines, getting inspired by authors, and soaking up all the book buzz, it was a few jam-packed, bookish days. And while the fight for the freedom to read was front and center, the energy felt hopeful\u2014like everyone was ready to roll up their sleeves and keep fighting. Here are five big takeaways\u2014and how AdBiblio fits right into the mix!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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1. Banned Books and the Fight for the Freedom to Read<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Censorship was once again the hot topic this year\u2014described more than once as an \u201cexistential crisis\u201d for libraries. But the determination and fire from librarians was incredible. They\u2019re “on the front lines,” and they\u2019re not backing down (librarians never fail to inspire me!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALA also revealed the 2025 Banned Books Week theme: \u201cCensorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.\u201d <\/strong>And we\u2019re definitely on board. We\u2019re proud to help spread the word about challenged books and the freedom to read. Whether you\u2019re promoting a banned title, a curated reading list, or a campaign focused on intellectual freedom, we know how to reach progressive parents, librarians, educators, and book buyers who care. We\u2019ve already got campaigns lined up to launch when Banned Books Week starts on October 5!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Cookbooks: A Surprise Library MVP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cookbooks were everywhere<\/em>\u2014I\u2019ve personally never seen so many giveaways or so much interest. I even chatted with a librarian who hosts a monthly cookbook club where everyone makes a recipe and brings it to share. Their latest pick? Baking Across America <\/em>by B. Dylan Hollis\u2014who was at ALA and drew an absolutely wild crowd for his signing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also learned (to my surprise!) that cookbooks are one of the most borrowed types of books in libraries. Between culinary literacy programs and food-centered book clubs, it\u2019s clear that cookbooks are continuing to thrive. If you\u2019re promoting a cookbook, here are a few unique ways we can reach food lovers\u2014beyond just the typical cookbook shoppers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n