Conferences & Events

ALA, its Divisions, Round Tables and Affiliates host many conferences, and in-person and online events to showcase cutting-edge developments in library advocacy, information literacy, and other areas of interest.
ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, Chicago, June 25-29, 2026, For Our Libraries. For 150 Years More.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition

Chicago  |  June 25 – June 29, 2026

As part of the American Library Association’s 150th Anniversary, ALA Annual 2026 will bring together thousands of library professionals to celebrate our collective achievements and chart a bold course for the future of libraries. Expect special anniversary programming, influential thought leaders, signature events, and forward-focused learning designed to strengthen your library and advance your career.

Join the once-in-a-generation event that will shape libraries for years to come. Register Today and SAVE with early rates.

 

ALA Division Conferences

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Conference

PLA 2026 Conference

Registration is now open for the highly anticipated PLA 2026 Conference, April 1–3, in Minneapolis Minnesota!

Minneapolis
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Library Celebration Days

ALA's offices and divisions sponsor various nationwide library promotions throughout the year, encouraging libraries to help raise public awareness of library issues.

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Criteria for Conference Site Selection

Learn more about ALA policies, criteria, and general considerations regarding conference site selection.

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Past and Future ALA Conferences

Details on upcoming ALA Annual conferences and archives of previous ALA conferences.

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August 2025
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2026 PLA Presidential Candidates Forum

March 12, 2026

Join this free virtual forum to get to know the candidates standing for president in the upcoming PLA election.

Advocacy
Administration & Leadership
Intellectual Freedom & Copyright
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
eLearning
Webinar
Online
Free
Core eCourses

Fundamentals of Acquisitions 2026 - Session 1.0

March 16, 2026

This six-week online course is a basic primer for library acquisitions concepts common to all library material formats.

Collection Management
Archives & Records Management
Cataloging
eLearning
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Any Library Can Create a Library of Things

March 18, 2026

Learn to build inclusive lending systems with tools for home, education, science, and more, to reflect your communities.

Collection Management
eLearning
Webinar
Online
Core eCourses

Fundamentals of Collection Assessment 2026 - Session 1.0

March 23, 2026

This course introduces the fundamental aspects of collection assessment in libraries. It is designed for those who are responsible for or interested in collection assessment in all types and sizes of libraries.

Collection Management
Archives & Records Management
Cataloging
eLearning
Core eCourses

Fundamentals of Preservation 2026 - Session 1.0

March 23, 2026

This 4-week online course introduces participants to the principles, policies and practices of preservation in libraries and archives.

Collection Management
Archives & Records Management
Cataloging
eLearning
Core Webinars

Best of Core Forum: Competency vs. Character: What makes a good leader

March 25, 2026

Leadership is essential at every level of an organization, as experienced library leaders reach retirement age, the next generation of leaders must be prepared to take the helm. Leadership is not confined to the administrative level of the organization, as a leader might be found in any role and any level in the organization. To ensure the next generation of library leaders are prepared, one needs to know what makes an effective leader. Research indicates that the qualities of an effective leader are evolving from a focus on professional competencies to an emphasis on the character traits of the individual. A balance of competencies and character are needed for effective leadership. This presentation will explore how leadership qualifications have evolved over time and what defines an effective leader today.

Administration & Leadership
eLearning