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WELCOME TO APALA

APALA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing leadership opportunities through informed dialogue that addresses the needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander library workers and those who serve these communities.

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Featured Posts

President’s Message – Winter 2026
 

It’s been 60 years since the last New Year of the Fire Horse – and what a powerful symbol to carry into this moment. In Asian communities, the horse represents strength, freedom, loyalty, grace, determination, and endurance. According to my Chinese elders, this year’s alignment between the horse and the element of fire may bring burden, instability, and transformation – yet it also offers us a time to endure challenges, embrace change, and find balance and growth. As I reflect on everything our community has been through, this feels especially resonant.

Eileen K. Bosch – APALA President, 2025-2026

GET INVOLVED

APALA has many standing committees that cater to various interests. Our organization is a welcoming place for attaining valuable experience in committee participation and leadership.

Volunteer for a Committee ​

APALA members can be active in the Association by serving on the Executive Board, on committees or task forces, or by being appointed as representatives or liaisons to other ALA committees or assemblies. 

Become a Mentor/Mentee​

The APALA Mentoring Program provides professional and personal development, inspiration, and encouragement to new and future librarians through a supportive mentoring relationship.

Join or Renew Your Membership ​

Membership is open to all librarians and information specialists of Asian/Pacific descent and others who support the goals and purpose of APALA.

SUPPORT APALA AUTHORS

Make purchases through Bookshop.org to help support APALA as well as these authors.

9781538116951

Developing a Residency Program
A Practical Guide for Librarians 
by Lorelei Rutledge; Jay L. Colbert; Anastasia Chiu and Jason Alston

Asian American Librarians and Library Services: Activism, Collaborations, and Strategies by Janet Hyunju Clarke (Editor), Raymond Pun (Editor), Monnee Tong (Editor), Clara M. Chu (Foreword)

Asian American Librarians and Library Services: Activism, Collaborations, and Strategies
by Janet Hyunju Clarke, Raymond Pun, and Monnee Tong. Forward by Clara M. Chu

Asian American Matters: A New York Anthology Perfect by Asian American and Asian Research Institute - The City University of New York (Author), Moustafa Bayoumi (Contributor), Meena Alexander (Contributor), Judy Yung (Contributor), Betty Lee Sung (Contributor), Tarry Hum (Contributor), Erik Love (Contributor), Allan Punzalan Isaac (Contributor), Prema Kurien (Contributor), Peter Kwong (Contributor), Luis H. Francia (Contributor), Russell C. Leong (Editor)

Asian American Matters: A New York Anthology
by Asian American and Asian Research Institute – The City University of New York

Pushing the Margins: Women of Color and Intersectionality in LIS

Pushing the Margins: Women of Color and Intersectionality in LIS 
By Rose L Chou and Annie Pho