Write for Public Libraries Magazine

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Public Libraries, published six times a year, is the official publication of the Public Library Association. ALA’s only journal devoted exclusively to public libraries, Public Libraries magazine offers important industry news, PLA/ALA updates, and columns and feature articles that offer strategies and ideas that can make a difference in your career.

Get Started

Submissions to Public Libraries are invited and encouraged. If you’re interested in writing a feature article, a shorter opinion piece, reviewing books, or sending press releases, please query the editor, Kathleen Hughes, [email protected] to discuss your idea and deadlines. It is ideal to contact us far in advance of the issue you are interested in writing for. Upcoming editorial themes and deadlines are listed below. For more information about writing for Public Libraries, please read our editorial guidelines. If you have more questions, contact the editor, Kathleen Hughes, [email protected].

Review Process

Manuscripts are evaluated by persons knowledgeable about the topic of the work and the Feature Editor. The evaluation process generally takes between 4–6 weeks.

How to Submit

All manuscripts and supplemental materials should be submitted to the editor, Kathleen Hughes, [email protected].

Call for Submissions – Public Libraries Magazine 2026

The Public Libraries editorial team invites contributions for the 2026 volume of the magazine, the official publication of the Public Library Association. Each issue focuses on a timely theme shaping the work of public libraries. We are especially interested in feature articles that share innovative practices, lessons learned, and insights that can benefit colleagues across the field.  Below you’ll find the 2026 editorial calendar with themes, query, and copy deadlines. The lists under each theme are examples of possible article topics, they are meant to spark ideas.

Issue Theme Due Dates
January/February 2026

Civic Literacy

  • Teaching Civic Literacy in the Library: Programs helping patrons understand democracy, government processes, and voting.
  • Fighting Misinformation: How librarians are teaching media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking.
  • Libraries as Neutral Conveners: Hosting difficult conversations while maintaining trust.
  • Youth Engagement: Preparing teens and young adults for civic participation.
  • Library Tools for Spotting Misinformation.

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, [email protected], about submitting an article for this issue by: September 22, 2025.

Submit completed article by: October 10, 2025.
March/April 2026

PLA Conference

This issue spotlights the PLA 2026 Conference in Minneapolis. It will feature in-depth coverage of programs, speakers, and events, and is not open for outside contributions.

  
May/June 2026

AI & Public Libraries

  • Case studies of libraries piloting AI-powered tools (chatbots for reference, cataloging automation, translation services).
  • Staff Upskilling: Preparing librarians to work alongside AI and emerging tech.

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, [email protected], by: January 13, 2026.

Submit completed article by: February 13, 2026.
July/August 2026

Equity, Access & Inclusion

  • Designing Inclusive Spaces: Physical and digital accessibility initiatives.
  • Language Equity: Serving multilingual communities with translation, bilingual programming, and hiring practices.
  • Equity in Collection Development.
  • The Library Workforce: Recruiting and retaining a diverse staff.
  • Rural Equity: Addressing geographic inequities in library service delivery.

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, [email protected], by: March 24, 2026.

Submit completed article by: April 24, 2026.
September/October 2026

Community Partnerships & Engagement

  • Unlikely Partnerships: Libraries teaming up with nontraditional partners (hospitals, parks, food banks).
  • Measuring Impact.
  • Engaging Hard-to-Reach Groups: Strategies for building trust with marginalized communities.
  • Partnership Failures: Lessons from collaborations that didn’t work out.
  • Top Tips for Starting Partnerships from Scratch.

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, [email protected], by: May 18, 2026.

Submit completed article by: June 18, 2026.
November/December 2026

Innovation on a Budget

  • Creative Low-Cost Programming: High-impact programs that stretch minimal dollars.
  • Microgrants & Mini-Funding: How libraries use small pots of money to innovate.
  • Sustainable Innovation: Reusing materials, leveraging volunteers, and resource-sharing.
  • Vendor Collaborations: Partnerships that provide resources or tech at low/no cost.
  • Adapting Big Ideas for Small and Rural Libraries.

Query editor Kathleen Hughes, [email protected], by: July 20, 2026.

Submit completed article by: August 20, 2026.

Outside of articles focused on the themes, manuscripts are considered on a rolling basis in the order in which they are received. Upon acceptance and author notification, articles are slotted into the production schedule for the next available issue.