The American Library Association (ALA) is a U.S. based nonprofit organization. The ALA promotes libraries and library education, is the oldest and largest library association in the world, and has branches specializing in services to children and school libraries. The ALA sponsors annual awards which highlight notable new authors and illustrators.
The Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) is a division of the ALA and is the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. ALSC supports creative programming, best practices, continuing education, and professional connections for librarians.