Catholic Library Association

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Catholic Library Association (CLA) is an international group for Catholic librarians. It provides professional development through education, networking, publications, scholarships, and other services. CLA helps share ideas, offers guidance on ethics in librarianship, and provides fellowships for people who seek, serve, preserve, and share the word in all its forms.

CLA has hosted biannual conventions and conferences to honor award recipients and hear speakers. It began in 1921 as part of the National Catholic Educational Association, led by Rev. Paul J. Foik of the University of Notre Dame. It became independent in 1929, with Francis E. Fitzgerald as the first president (1929–1931). The association celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1971 in Cincinnati. The centennial in 2021 highlighted milestones such as Catholic Book Week, collaboration with the Catholic Research Resources Alliance, and conference speakers. CLA is affiliated with the American Library Association.