Hohl inaugurated 2024-2025 ALA president

SAN DIEGO - Cindy Hohl, director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, was inaugurated ALA President for 2024-2025 on Tuesday, July 2, at the ALA Annual Conference in San Diego.

During the inauguration, Hohl unveiled her presidential theme, “A Good Way for ALA” which will focus on four main pillars of librarianship: intellectual freedom, literacy, learning and leadership.

“We are always stronger together, and we are poised to move forward in a good way, leaving no one to stand alone. Librarians are trusted professionals, and we will continue to stay the course,” Hohl said.

Hohl’s presidential initiatives will include:

• Four Summits: The summits will focus on Intellectual Freedom, Leadership, Literacy, and Image/Customer Experience to highlight areas for members to be supported throughout the current challenges and changing environment of libraries.
• We All Belong Library Tour: This virtual and in person tour will focus on public, academic, school, special and tribal libraries in urban and rural areas throughout the country highlighting the work of librarians and library workers in these communities while creating bridges within the association.
• A Good Way for ALA Webinars: A series of webinars will be held with speakers in the areas of indigenous knowledge, leadership, literacy and lifelong learning and belonging with Spectrum Scholar Alumni.
• Read to Lead Book Club: ALA leaders will facilitate book discussions on leadership titles and share how they apply that context to their work.
• All Nations Libguide: A comprehensive library guide will focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and antiracism practices in libraries highlighting welcoming spaces, belonging for all and sustainability for future generations of library staff and users.

During her term, Hohl plans to lead the creation of an informational toolkit to address Missing, Murdered, Indigenous Women and People in the United States using data, health information and a practical guide for communities when they need information to conduct searches or to share information outside of the community.

Through digital campaigns, Hohl also plans to elevate National Library Workers Day and Unite Against Book Bans and advance advocacy and member retention efforts.

“There has never been a better time to serve our communities within the roles of librarianship and we stand united in our mission to ensure equal access to information for all,” said Hohl.

Hohl is past president of the American Indian Library Association and is an active member of other ALA affiliates, including the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, Black Caucus of ALA, Chinese American Librarians Association and REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. As a member of the Missouri Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee, their work was recognized with the Robert B. Downs Award for upholding Intellectual Freedom in Missouri Libraries.

Hohl holds a Bachelor of Science in Organization Management and Leadership from Friends University, a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University.

ABOUT AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.