PLA Now Seeking Proposals for PLA 2026 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has opened the Call for Proposals for educational sessions to be presented at its next biennial conference, to be held April 1–3, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. PLA Conference is the largest public library event in the world, where thousands of public library workers, advocates, and vendors come together for an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and be seen. The proposal submission deadline is May 5.

“Public libraries anchor our communities and improve their quality of life with vital services being delivered by passionate, mission-driven library workers,” said PLA President Michael Lambert, “and we’re excited to help give library staff even more resources to do so at next year’s conference. The 2026 PLA Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota will uplift the deep and diverse knowledge showcased in public libraries today. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with your peers and grow your professional knowledge so that our communities can continue to thrive.”

The three-day event will be jam-packed with over 100 educational sessions, awe-inspiring speakers, bestselling authors, networking opportunities, and an exhibits hall with vendors offering the best library products and solutions.

Passionate library professionals, advocates, and thought leaders are invited to participate in PLA’s renowned conference programming. The conference’s educational sessions are all curated by and for public library workers. PLA is looking for program submissions that address timely, relevant topics impacting the evolving landscape of public libraries, focused on new ideas, diverse perspectives, and actionable, scalable solutions for libraries of all shapes and sizes. All participating speakers will be expected to register for and attend the conference.

In-person programs will be delivered in Minneapolis and can be 60-minute Panel, Peer Sharing, or Case Study educational sessions; or 120-minute Deep Dive educational sessions. Virtual programs will be delivered from the speaker’s home or office, available exclusively to the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference audience, and can be 60-minute Panel or Case Study educational sessions.

PLA welcomes proposals and speakers representing a wide range of diversity, with a commitment to representation of groups that have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, economic background, and age.

Prospective presenters are strongly encouraged to preview the form and review our proposal recommendations before submitting a proposal. The proposal submission portal will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 5, 2025.

The PLA 2026 Conference Program Subcommittee will review all submitted proposals and select conference sessions based on relevance to the profession and general interest to conference attendees. Further information regarding the proposal form, selection criteria, requirements, and instructions can be found online.

ABOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

ABOUT 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.