American Library Association Annual Conference and Exhibition brings more than 14,000 to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Library workers gathered June 26-30 in Philadelphia amid continued threats to library funding and attacks on the freedom to read. The 2025 American Library Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition celebrated the profession and offered the chance for people to connect and support one another. The 14,250 participants included librarians and library staff, authors, publishers, educators and exhibitors in the largest library event in the world.

In attendance were 165 international members from all over the world. The conference also drew over 2,500 first-time attendees.

The opening session kicked off with Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer discussing the young adult edition of "True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between.”

The opening session also included recognition of a $25 million gift that supports ALA’s mission to support the library profession. ALA President Cindy Hohl introduced donor James W. Lewis on the main stage, as it was previously announced that he would bequeath $25 million to support needs-based scholarships for people seeking a master’s in library and information sciences. The donation marks the largest individual gift in the association’s nearly 150-year history.

Former Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden emerged on the main stage to a standing ovation and a packed ballroom where she appeared in conversation with author and Emmy winner Kwame Alexander. Other main stage highlights included speakers George Takei, Dr. Brené Brown and Geena Davis.

Popular topics for programs this year included AI, intellectual freedom, accessibility and mental health, with a broad range of other topics resonating with every type of library worker and every type of library.

Sam Helmick, Community & Access Services Coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, was inaugurated as the new ALA president on the last day of the conference. Helmick’s theme for their one-year presidency is “Our Stories Are Worth Sharing.”

Next year’s annual conference will celebrate ALA’s 150th anniversary, which will take place from June 25-29, 2026, in Chicago, ALA’s headquarters.

ABOUT 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 nearly 150 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.