American Library Association Leadership: The Presidency of Helmick
The American Library Association (ALA), the primary professional organization for librarians in the United States, has undergone a significant leadership transition. Following the resignation of Raymond Pun in June 2024, the ALA Council appointed Helmick as president-elect on July 23, 2024, in accordance with the organization's bylaws. Helmick officially assumed the role of ALA president in July 2025.
This appointment followed the April 2024 election for the 2025-2026 presidential term, in which Raymond Pun had received 5,611 votes compared to Helmick's 2,778 votes.
Key Facts
- Presidential Term: Helmick began serving as ALA president in July 2025.
- Previous Roles: Served on the ALA Executive Board and as chair-elect of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table and the Freedom to Read Foundation.
- Presidential Theme: "Our stories are worth sharing."
- Political Affiliation: Identified as a Republican.
- Core Focus: Emphasizing community involvement and the transformative power of libraries.
Professional Background and Advocacy
Before ascending to the presidency, Helmick established a strong foundation in intellectual freedom—the right of every individual to seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. This was evidenced by their leadership roles within the Freedom to Read Foundation and the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.
In a guest column for The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA) titled "Choice Requires Access," published in March 2026, Helmick addressed the balance between parental authority and professional expertise, arguing that libraries can support both without compromising the quality of professional service.
Contributions to American Libraries Journal
As president, Helmick has been a frequent contributor to American Libraries, the official journal of the association. Their writings focus on sustainability, advocacy, and the importance of storytelling in a modern context.
| Publication Date | Article Title |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | "Why We Show Up" |
| September 2025 | "Sustainability at Our Core" |
| November 2025 | "The Pulse of Our Profession: Chapter advocacy is vital to the library’s lifeline" |
| January 2026 | "Your Library Story: In a World Filled with Noise, Storytelling Stands Out" |
| March/April 2026 | "Good for Business: Cultivating strong networks and deepening community trust" |
| May 2026 | "ALA at 150: A Celebration of Knowledge, Courage, and Community" |
Public Engagement and Political Context
Helmick has utilized various platforms to communicate the value of libraries. In an interview on the podcast The State of Belief with Paul Raushenbush, Helmick highlighted the transformative power of libraries and the necessity of community involvement, centering the discussion around the theme "Our stories are worth sharing."
Regarding political dynamics, Helmick has been identified as a Republican, a fact noted by the Sioux City Journal in February 2024. In August 2025, while discussing the Trump administration's efforts to withhold certain federal funding, Helmick told Reuters, "as a Republican myself, I would love to hear more from my team on this."
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Helmick become the president of the ALA?
Helmick was named president-elect by the ALA Council on July 23, 2024, following the resignation of Raymond Pun in June 2024. Helmick then began the term as president in July 2025.
What is the central theme of Helmick's presidency?
The central theme of Helmick's presidency is "Our stories are worth sharing," which emphasizes the transformative power of libraries and the importance of community engagement.
What is Helmick's stance on parental authority in libraries?
In a March 2026 column, Helmick stated that libraries can affirm parental authority without diminishing the professional expertise of library staff.
What previous ALA leadership roles did Helmick hold?
Helmick served on the ALA Executive Board and was the chair-elect of both the Freedom to Read Foundation and the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.
How many votes did Helmick receive in the April 2024 election?
During the April 2024 election for the 2025-2026 presidency, Helmick received 2,778 votes.