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PLA releases “Family Engagement for Spanish-Speaking Community Members” Workbook

The Public Library Association (PLA) announced the availability of a new practical guide for engaging Spanish-speaking community members.

PLA launches redesigned DigitalLearn.org to expand free digital literacy access

The Public Library Association (PLA) announced the launch of a fully redesigned DigitalLearn.org, the free online platform that helps libraries deliver digital literacy training to their communities.

A graphic with colorful icons symbolizing outreach, learning, and community engagement.

New PLA data reveals public libraries boosted support for food security, health and wellness in 2025

The Public Library Association (PLA) today released the 2025 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey report. The 2025 results highlight how libraries have adapted to changing needs while continuing to build on core community services.

PLA launches “Libraries Advancing Accessibility with Apple Tools”

As part of the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, the Public Library Association (PLA) will share new training resources for libraries to support accessibility through Apple devices.

Graphic promoting a joint statement by multiple organizations titled 'Public Libraries Stand United for E-book Pricing Action.' Includes explanatory text and logos for multiple library advocacy organizations.

Leading Public Library Groups Call for E-book Action

Organizations representing the vast majority of North American public libraries today released a joint statement calling for change in licensing for digital content.

Dr. Skye Patrick Named PLA 2027-2028 President

he Public Library Association (PLA) has announced the results of its 2026 election. Members elected Dr. Skye Patrick, County Librarian and Director of LA County Library, to the office of 2027–2028 PLA president.

PLA 2026 Conference logo

PLA announces record number of conference scholarship winners in celebration of ALA’s 150th anniversary

The Public Library Association is proud to award 150 scholarships for public library professionals and students to attend the PLA 2026 Conference. This represents a record high number of PLA scholarships and aligns with the 150th anniversary of ALA.

ALA releases landscape report on the current state of library programs for older adults

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) has released a new landscape report under the Aging Together: An Evaluation of Library Programming for Older Adults initiative to better understand the current state of library programming for older adults...

“Sioux Chef” Sean Sherman to Close Public Library Conference, April 3

The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce that Chef Sean Sherman will deliver the closing keynote at the PLA 2026 Conference. The Closing Session will take place Friday, April 3, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Central at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

PLA welcomes Dr. Ruha Benjamin to Big Ideas stage April 2

The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce that Ruha Benjamin, founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab and award-winning author, will deliver the Big Ideas keynote at the PLA 2026 Conference.

PLA announces pre-conference programming

The Public Library Association (PLA) will set the stage for the largest public library conference in the world with Hot Takes and a Conference 101 session to orient and connect more than 5,000 expected attendees on March 31, 2026, in Minneapolis.

Twenty-Nine Organizations Selected to Serve on the Advisory Committee for Aging Together: An Evaluation of Library Programming for Older Adults

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announces twenty-nine advisors for Aging Together: An Evaluation of Library Programming for Older Adults, a national evaluation initiative to better understand and disseminate information about the current...

PLA announces candidates for 2026 Board Election

The Public Library Association (PLA) 2025 Nominating Committee has unveiled the slate of candidates for the Association’s 2026 election. This year, eight nominees will stand for four positions on the PLA Board of Directors: 2027-2028 president, American Library Association (ALA) division councilor, and two directors-at-large.

PLA launches Transformative Technology Task Force with focus on artificial intelligence

The Public Library Association (PLA) has established the Transformative Technology Task Force to advise the association on the evolving role and impacts of transformative technology on library work and to identify and recommend priority training topics relevant to public library staff and users.

PLA opens proposal window for “Hot Takes” and “How-To” programming at 2026 national conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) opened a call for proposals for the popular How-To Stage and new Hot Takes event at the PLA 2026 Conference, to be held April 1-3, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. The submission deadline is Dec. 15, 2025.