Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Becky Calzada

Libraries changed my life. As a Hispanic, first-generation high school and college graduate, born and raised in South Texas, every book I read and every library activity I participated in helped shape my understanding of the world. My state and national library associations furthered my library leadership journey by expanding my professional networks and growth through every committee appointment, conference, and connection with new and old colleagues. My associations changed my life.

We have been navigating rigorous, unyielding times, yet through it all, library workers have stepped up and answered the call to lead and serve. We remain resilient, dedicated, and hopeful in every microinteraction that occurs daily in the many vibrant library spaces across the country. In my own work and leadership, I am grounded in upholding ALA’s core values of access, equity, intellectual freedom and privacy, public good, and sustainability. These are not only aspirational ideals, they are also essential to the strength of our democracy, our global community, and the longevity of our profession.

As ALA president, I will focus on:

• championing ALA’s core values by advocating for inclusive policies, defending the right to read, and supporting fully funded, professionally staffed libraries in every community;
• strengthening how we communicate our value through powerful storytelling and recognition of contributions across all library types and stakeholder groups;
• promoting collaboration among divisions and round tables to build a unified, fiscally efficient, and strategically aligned Association;
• improving internal communication systems to ensure transparency, minimize information gaps, and provide members with a clear, unified experience;
• and executing ALA’s strategic plan by translating its objectives into meaningful, actionable progress.

One key priority includes effectively communicating our values to stakeholders. We must elevate the impactful stories and daily interactions happening across all library settings while also recognizing the unique contributions of Friends groups, trustees, students, retirees, international colleagues, and all who champion libraries.

When we amplify these moments, we inspire one another and build the broader public and political support essential to a strong profession and a thriving national association.

Promoting greater collaboration among divisions and round tables is also critical. Creating opportunities for leaders to share goals, successes, and challenges enables continuous improvement and can model fiscal efficiency and meaningful revenue contribution. Aligning our messaging can leverage a powerful collective voice for advocacy. Achieving this requires strong internal communication systems, transparent processes, and frequent updates to help reduce confusion and provide a seamless member experience.

Finally, I am deeply committed to advancing the goals outlined in ALA’s strategic plan. This includes supporting sustainability efforts, operationalizing equity and access at all levels, and investing in ongoing leadership development across the Association.

I am proud to stand in this election and respectfully ask for your vote.