American Library Association (ALA) opens registration for its 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition and announces three legendary speakers

CHICAGO — Today, the American Library Association (ALA) opened registration for the ALA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition, to be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and surrounding hotels in Philadelphia, June 26-30, 2025.

ALA made its first announcement of speakers with three legendary voices who will share exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories from their books. Additional speakers will be announced soon.

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer - New York Times bestselling author, Governor Gretchen Whitmer will open ALA Annual with a discussion on the Young Adult edition of "True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between." An unconventionally honest and sharply funny novel, packed with remarkable insights for young people wishing to make a difference in the world.
  
• George Takei - New York Times bestselling author and pioneering actor George Takei. He will discuss his new book, "It Rhymes with Takei," a deeply personal memoir that shares the full story of his decision to come out as gay at the age of 68, and the way that moment transformed everything.
  
• Geena Davis - And closing ALA Annual is two-time Academy Award-winning actress and author, Geena Davis. She will present "The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page" to all the “too big” children—those with big personalities and big dreams—offering them reassurance that they can embrace their true selves and create their own space in the world.

One of the best things about ALA Annual Conference is the chance you have to connect with each other to engage in professional development sessions and activities, including the ALA President’s Program with ALA President Cindy Hohl; ALA division, chair, and round table sessions that will focus on the important topics and challenges that libraries face today; ALA leadership programs, EDIA programs, ALA Governance sessions, and more. The event will host 10 featured speakers, 190+ education programs, 700+ authors, and 650+ exhibitors.

• The Library Marketplace will feature exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services and titles; publishers that will host established and new authors on nine live stages; “Meet the Authors” and the “Autographing Area” allowing opportunities for attendees to chat with authors and have books signed; e-zine and makerspaces for creative projects; free advanced reading copies of books, The STEAM booths, and additional fun activities.
  
• The ALA JobLIST Placement and Career Development Center will offer career coaching, Mentoring on the Fly, an Open House and Job Fair, photography services, resume reviews, and career guidance workshops.
  
• Explore the Preliminary Schedule, with education programs, President & Chair programs, Ticketed Events, and exhibitors.
  
• The ALA 2025 Annual Conference host city of Philadelphia offers historical and exciting places to visit.

Get updates from the 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition and follow #ALAAC25. Follow us on social media at ALA BlueSky, ALA Facebook, ALALinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.

Media interested in registering for the session may contact the ALA Communications and Marketing Office at cmomedia@ala.org.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves 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.