AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TO HOST 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) will host its 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition June 25-29 at McCormick Place in Chicago, bringing together thousands of librarians, library workers, authors, publishers, educators, exhibitors, advocates and industry leaders for the largest library event in the world.

Held during ALA's 150th anniversary year, the conference will celebrate a century and a half of library leadership, advocacy and innovation while exploring the future of libraries and the communities they serve. Attendees from around the globe will gather for five days of professional development, networking, governance meetings, author events, exhibits and discussions on the most pressing issues facing libraries today.

More than 15,000 attendees are expected to participate in the five-day event, which will feature more than 200 education programs, more than 600 exhibitors, including 130 first-time exhibitors, and approximately 700 authors, alongside many networking opportunities and special events.

Featured speakers announced to-date include:

• Rachel Maddow, Emmy Award-winning television host, political commentator and bestselling author, will headline the Opening General Session. 
• Dr. Jill Biden, educator, military family advocate, former First Lady of the United States and featured guest for the ALA President's Program, will join attendees for a special conversation.

Additional featured speakers include Billy Porter, the Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actor, singer, director, producer and author;  Lois Lowry, the beloved Newbery Medal-winning author of classics including The Giver and Number the Stars; Melissa Villaseñor, comedian, actress, musician and former Saturday Night Live cast member; Min Jin Lee, the acclaimed author of Pachinko and Free Food for Millionaires; George M. Johnson, bestselling author, activist and journalist; and Kimberlé Crenshaw, pioneering scholar, writer and civil rights advocate known for her work on critical race theory and intersectionality. LeVar Burton, actor, writer, TV game host, and literacy advocate, is the United for Libraries President’s Program Featured Speaker. 

One of the most valuable aspects of the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition is the opportunity to connect with peers and engage in dynamic professional development sessions and activities. Highlights include the ALA President’s Program with ALA President Sam Helmick, as well as division, chair and round table sessions addressing key issues and challenges facing libraries today. Attendees can also participate in ALA leadership programs, EDIA initiatives, governance sessions, and more.

• 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 Podcast Recording Booth and additional fun activities. 
• ALA150: A Celebration For Our Libraries will be hosted on Saturday evening to recognize the ALA anniversary. A special ALA150 exhibit will showcase highlights from the association's archives and newly launched online timeline, celebrating 150 years of library leadership, advocacy and impact while inviting attendees to explore the profession's past and future.
• The 2026 I Love My Librarian Award honorees will be celebrated at a ceremony on Friday evening. The award invites library users nationwide to recognize librarians who make a meaningful difference in their communities. Each year, up to 10 outstanding public, school, college, community college, or university librarians receive a $5,000 award and national recognition for their service.
• 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 Conference Scheduler, with education programs, President & Chair programs, Ticketed Events, and exhibitors.

"As we celebrate ALA's 150th anniversary, the Annual Conference & Exhibition offers an opportunity to reflect on our history while charting a course for the future," said ALA President Sam Helmick. "Libraries continue to be essential institutions that strengthen communities, expand access to knowledge and support lifelong learning. We look forward to welcoming library workers and supporters from around the world to Chicago for this milestone event."

Registration is open at alaannual.org.

Get updates from the 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition and follow #ALAAC26. Follow us on social media at ALA BlueSky, ALA Facebook, ALALinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.

Media interested in covering the conference 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 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, visitwww.ala.org.