Transforming lives through literacy.
Advocating for literacy in Alabama since 1968.
The Alabama Literacy Association (ALA) is the local affiliate of the International Literacy Association. Our mission is to transform lives through literacy. Our mission is fulfilled through the work of our committees and local councils around the state.
ALA received its charter from the International Reading Association in May 1968. Two local councils received their charters from IRA prior to the creation of ARA: Metro-Mobile in 1959 and Birmingham Area in 1964.
We were formerly known as the Alabama Reading Association (ARA).
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
– Frederick Douglass