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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.

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.

PLA 2026 Conference, April 1-3, Minneapolis logo

Bryan Stevenson to Open PLA 2026 Conference

Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and author of Just Mercy, will deliver the opening keynote at the PLA 2026 Conference.

PLA 2026 Conference, April 1-3, Minneapolis logo

PLA to award 150 Scholarships for 2026 Conference

The Public Library Association (PLA) will award 150 scholarships for public library workers and students to attend the PLA 2026 Conference.

PLA 2026 Conference, April 1-3, Minneapolis logo

PLA opens registration for 2026 in-person, virtual conference

Registration is open for the PLA 2026 Conference, which takes place April1-3, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minn. Scholarship applications are open to eligible applicants thru Nov. 6, 2025.

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PLA seeks responses to 2025 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey

The Public Library Association (PLA) has opened its annual survey, the "2025 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey," and invites all U.S. public libraries to participate.

Two speakers engaging at the podium in front of an audience. Behind them is a backdrop with the words "PLA 2024 Conference"

PLA wraps 2024 conference with strong attendance and engagement

The Public Library Association (PLA) welcomed more than 7,500 public library workers, supporters, and vendors nationwide to celebrate all things public libraries at the PLA 2024 Conference, April 3–5, in Columbus, Ohio, and at the virtual conference.

PLA announces new opening speaker for 2024 conference: Shola Richards

The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce Shola Richards, founder and CEO of “Go Together” and best-selling author will open the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3—5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Richards replaces Dr. Joy Buolamwini, who will no longer be able to keynote due to unforeseen circumstances.

Columbus, Ohio, hosts national showcase for public library innovation

Conference to bring more than 6,200 library leaders for programs ranging from artificial intelligence to addressing learning loss to boosting accessibility for all.

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...

PLA opens registration for 2024 Virtual Conference

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced that registration is open for the PLA 2024 Virtual Conference. Offered as an alternative opportunity for public library workers unable to attend the in-person conference in Columbus, Ohio...

PLA announces 2024 conference scholarship winners

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is awarding 115 scholarships for public library professionals and students to attend the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio. Of this total number, 97 scholarships will support in...

PLA announces Dr. Joy Buolamwini as opening session speaker for 2024 conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) announces that the 2024 Conference will open with the “Poet of Code” Dr. Joy Buolamwini as the opening session speaker. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3—5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, will feature...

PLA now accepting proposals for How-To Stage at PLA 2024 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) opened a call for proposals for the How-To Stage at the PLA 2024 Conference, to be held April 3–5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. The How-To Stage, located in the Exhibits Hall of the Greater Columbus Convention...

PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference will move attendees towards laughter and thoughtful reflection with speakers Dulcé Sloan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Mary Annaïse Heglar. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, in...