How-To Stage, Career Center, and more special activities at PLA 2024 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio will feature a wide variety of special activities, from the How-To Stage to the Career Center, intellectual freedom consultations, PLA Member Lounge, and more. These micro-learning opportunities, taking place inside the bustling exhibits hall, accompany more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, pre-conference workshops, and inspiring speakers at this three-day event.

The How-To Stage is a platform for 20-minute hands-on sessions provided by and for conference attendees. The How-To Stage offers a cooperative learning experience for attendees to teach and learn practical, fun skills. Examples of topics covered on the How-To Stage include:

• HOW TO Start Beekeeping at Your Library
• HOW TO Fund Cool Programs: Grand Writing, Partner Engagement, and Reporting
• HOW TO Host a True Crime Podcast Discussion Group
• HOW TO Navigate Crisis Situations in Libraries—A Sneak Peek into PLA’s New De-Escalation Workbook
• HOW TO Create Captivating Social Media Reels with Free Apps

The Career Center is a space to learn, engage, and discover new career opportunities, including open library positions across the country. Volunteers will provide free one-on-one sessions for résumé review, interview practice, and mini-mentoring. Advanced sign-up is required. Sign up here.

Members interested in volunteering by sharing their expertise in a one-on-one session at the Career Center may sign up to volunteer here.

The Special Intellectual Freedom & Advocacy Event taking place at the Career Center on Thursday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. offers 20-minute one-on-one consultation appointments with staff from ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, the Association of Small and Rural Libraries, and advocacy experts. Consultants will be available for confidential support and guidance in responding to materials and service challenges, implementing intellectual freedom best practices, or more general advocacy. Advanced sign-up is required. Sign up here.

The PLA Member Lounge is a space for attendees to relax, charge their devices, learn more about PLA resources, and meet new friends. Staff from the American Library Association and members of the PLA Membership Advisory Group will be available to answer questions about membership and how to get involved. Hands-on activities such as button-making will be available, as well as scheduled activities including lunch buddy meetups and discussions and support around library data, leadership, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Personal members of PLA save $242 over nonmembers on registration. Tickets to workshops, library tours, and select author events are available at an additional charge. See the full schedule of rates and register now.

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.

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