Conferences and Preconferences

PLA 2024 Conference
April 3–5, 2024
Columbus, OH

Registration is now open! PLA is headed to Columbus, OH, April 3–5, 2024, to host the premier event for public libraries—PLA Conference! In a profession that is constantly changing and adapting to new challenges, public library workers need the tools and resources to stay a step ahead. That's why PLA offers over 100 top-quality education sessions—curated by public libraries for public libraries—that foster innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.

PLA at 2024 ALA Annual Conference
June 27–July 2, 2024
San Diego, CA

Join us at the 2024 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27–July 2 in San Diego, for top-quality education and best practices; featured thought-leaders; and special programming for library professionals looking to further develop their libraries, communities, and careers.

Past Conferences and Preconferences

Links to past events are provided here because handouts and/or archived recordings may be available.

LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience
January 27–30, 2023
New Orleans, LA

LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience is back, and this time it’s happening in person in New Orleans, January 27–30, 2023! At ALA’s newest conference offering, the focus is on innovative learning. You’ll have access to more than 120 education sessions on a variety of topics presented in formats to match your individual learning style and objectives. Here are just a few of the sessions you can look forward to:

  • All Together Now: Changing Lives through Library Adult Education and Learning Resources
  • An Open Access Future: Leveraging Wikimedia for Increased Visibility
  • Building a Practical Toolkit for Censorship and Challenges at your Public Library
  • Career Navigators in Libraries: a Person-Centered Emerging Service Model
  • Finding Your Public Library Leadership Pathway
  • How to Start Conversations about Justice and Equity
  • Innovative Literacy Classes for New Americans
  • Leverage Federal Funds to Advance Digital Equity in Your Community
  • Not Your Typical Summer Camp: Engaging Teens in Responsible and Responsive Advocacy

Check out the full list of sessions on the LibLearnX website.

PLA at 2023 ALA Annual Conference
June 22–27, 2023
Chicago, IL

Below is a list of programs to be offered by PLA at the 2023 ALA Annual Conference, June 22–27 in Chicago.

PLA 2022 Conference
March 23–25, 2022
Portland, OR

Thanks to everyone who attended the PLA 2022 Conference, either in-person in Portland or virtually! We hope you’ve been energized by the top-rated programs and inspiring speakers both the in-person PLA 2022 Conference and PLA 2022 Virtual Conference had to offer. Take a look back at the highlight videos on the conference homepage, and order your PLA 2022 Conference memorabilia at the ALA Gift Shop! The next PLA Conference will be:

  • PLA 2024 Conference, April 3–5, 2024 in Columbus, OH

View the list of past PLA Conferences from 1983 to present.