For immediate release | September 14, 2026
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey
Applications are now open for the 2027 PLA Leadership Academy.
CHICAGO—Applications are now open for the Public Library Association’s 2027 Leadership Academy, an intensive professional development experience designed to help midcareer public library professionals strengthen their leadership skills, build connections with peers, and prepare for the next stage of their careers.
The dynamic event includes four days of interactive education and networking that is followed by ongoing coaching and peer support. Since the program's inception, six academies have been held, and 169 library professionals have completed the program. A majority of graduates have seen job growth or career advancement since completing the program.
Guided by experienced coaches, participants from public libraries around the country will attend immersive workshops and engage in meaningful networking, personal reflection, and special events to chart their purpose-filled next chapter. Applications, including letters of recommendation, are due October 19, 2026.
“PLA is dedicated to building and supporting resilient library leaders ready to navigate change and foster diverse teams,” said PLA President and Cuyahoga County Public Library CEO Jamar O. Rahming. “Now more than ever, our libraries and communities need professionals equipped to lead with courage, purpose, and authenticity. The PLA Leadership Academy provides a unique opportunity for library directors and CEOs to invest in our midcareer professionals, so they are empowered to strengthen our teams, meet diverse challenges, and sustain positive movement into the future."
The Leadership Academy is open to current PLA members employed at public libraries who have at least five years of public library experience, a record of increasing responsibility, and a demonstrated commitment to the field. View the full eligibility requirements and application details here.
“To this day, the PLA Leadership Academy remains one of the most informative and impactful experiences in my professional development,” said Deb Sica, County Librarian for Alameda (Calif.) County Library, a 2017 alum and past ALA Councilor. “It is a time to think long-term about your impact and your guiding north star as a leader in our field. Opportunities like this are rare, so seize the chance!”
The $6,000 program fee includes 4 nights’ accommodation at The Warwick Allerton hotel, most meals, Clifton StrengthsFinder leadership assessment, and all other program materials, and two off-site excursions. A limited number of scholarships that include the registration fee and a $1,500 travel stipend are available. Applicants are eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
- Membership in an ALA National Associations of Librarians of Color (ALA/NALCO)
- Represent a small/rural public library
- Represent a library with a budget under $400,000
The PLA Leadership Academy was developed in partnership with Adam Goodman, director of the Center for Leadership at Northwestern University. This project is supported in part by funding from the Friends of PLA. The International City and County Management Association, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also provided support during the project’s initial development.
About the 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.
