Dear APALA members,
The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Executive Board is proud to endorse Dr. Ray Pun in the American Library Association’s 2025-2026 Presidential election.
Dr. Ray Pun (he/him) is the Academic and Research Librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education, a teacher residency program in California. He has been a life member of APALA since 2012 and served on numerous APALA committees and task forces, including the role of Member-at-Large and APALA President (2021-2022). As President, Pun collaborated with APALA and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) to develop the IMLS funded Path to Leadership Forum identifying barriers and opportunities impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander library workers. He worked to establish the APALA Career Center and secured support from Springer Nature to sustain APALA initiatives, including the Talk Story Program with the American Indian Library Association (AILA).
Since 2010, he has served in committees and in leadership roles across ALA, including the Presidential Advisory Committees for Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada (APALA Past President and Past Executive Director) and Loida Garcia-Febo, ACRL and ALSC, International Relations Round Table (IRRT), and ALA Council. He is an engaged and committed leader, and his involvement with ALA and its affiliated organizations make him a well-versed and informed leader.
APALA values his strong relationship building among APALA and numerous organizations and communities including CALA, BCALA, REFORMA, AILA, and others. Through his collaborations, Pun elevates and advocates for library workers facing unprecedented challenges, strengthening connections and engagement with ALA chapters, affiliates, and the international community. We believe his track record of leading multiple national organizations, commitment to EDI and mentorship, and true passion for libraries makes Pun an exceptional candidate with an outstanding record of service.
APALA members are encouraged to:
- Learn more about Pun on his campaign website.
- Explore how to vote in the ALA Elections, which runs for ALA members from March 11-April 3, 2024.
- Review APALA’s Election Endorsement Policy.