Thousands of library professionals gather for education and inspiration at American Library Association’s LibLearnX conference in Baltimore

Event empowers participants to continue working to make libraries strong and vital, in the midst of book-banning threats and controversies

CHICAGO (Jan. 29, 2024) — Thousands of library professionals gathered Jan. 19 to 22 in Baltimore for the American Library Association’s second annual LibLearnX: The Library Learning  Experience (LLX). As libraries and librarians continue to face waves of censorship and an intense political climate, the conference provided an opportunity for library professionals to come together for collaborative and engaging education, networking, support and celebrations.

The 2,006 LLX participants, including 112 digital experience attendees, were inspired and motivated by the hands-on educational opportunities, gaining knowledge and skills that will empower them in their work to ensure libraries remain strong and vital parts of their communities. Education sessions and featured speakers addressed the future of libraries, the role of library workers and essential timely topics such as Artificial Intelligence, intellectual freedom and sustainability.

The I Love My Librarian Awards provided an exciting  LLX kickoff on Jan. 19. Ten exceptional librarians, chosen from 1,400 nominations submitted by library patrons nationwide, were honored for their expertise, dedication and service to their communities. The awards ceremony highlighted the inspiring stories of the honorees, demonstrating the positive impact librarians have on those they serve. The honorees each received a $5,000 cash prize, as well as complimentary LLX registration and travel stipend to attend the event in Baltimore.

LLX also featured the presentation of the 2024 Youth Media Awards. More than 20 awards were given to outstanding books, videos and other materials for children and teens, including the prestigious Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards.

The conference had a strong emphasis on the importance of self-care for librarians and on the good and important work they do. ALA President Emily Drabinski led a panel, titled “It’s All Happening at the Library,” that explored the ways libraries serve as community connectors. The closing LLX session featured top librarians sharing their leadership  journeys and the keys to their “purpose-driven” successful careers.

The conference also featured the popular LLX Marketplace, a vast exhibit space with many opportunities for networking and learning about the latest titles, products, tools and services for libraries. Participants left the bustling Marketplace with resources, practical knowledge and inspiration.

“I was thrilled to see members of the library community come together in Baltimore for learning and celebration,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “Whether it was the inspiring stories from the I Love My Librarian Award winners or gathering knowledge from the education sessions, attendees forged meaningful connections that will serve them well as they return to make a difference in their communities.”

Drabinski added that the ALA thanks the generous sponsors and exhibitors that helped make LLX such a rich experience, including Gale for its generous support of ALA Gives Back alongside event partners Enoch Pratt Free Library, Living Classrooms, and Visit Baltimore; Astra Publishing House/Minerva, Candlewick Press, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan Children’s Group, Random House Children’s Books and Simon & Schuster for their support of our fabulous lineup of LLX Author Speakers; Virco for their generous donation of rockers for the ShopTalk Areas and to all of their local promotional partners for helping make this conference successful.

The ALA is now preparing for its 2024 Annual Conference, the world’s largest and most comprehensive library event, which will be held June 27 to July 2 in San Diego, California. Registration opens Feb. 20. And plans are already underway for LLX 2025, which will be held next Jan. 24 to 27 in Phoenix, Arizona.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.