PLA Leadership Academy

November 3–7, 2025 | Chicago, IL
LA Logo
Group of librarians talking around a table

Learn to lead alongside a community of your peers in this intensive, in-person program for public library staff on the rise.

PLA is dedicated to building and supporting resilient library leaders ready to navigate change and foster diverse communities. The PLA Leadership Academy, established in 2013, is a unique opportunity for mid-career leaders to join a small cohort on a journey of discovery.

Guided by an experienced coach, participants from public libraries around the country will attend four days of immersive workshops, meaningful networking, personal reflection, and special events to chart their purpose-filled next chapter.

Next Step

What you’ll get out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:

  • A rich network of leaders who will continue to work together and guide each other’s careers for years to come.
  • Focused, uninterrupted time away from work to dive deep into the vision you have for yourself as a leader and your library’s future.
  • A curriculum designed to hone your leadership style and help you craft an individual leadership development plan.
  • Invaluable one-on-one coaching and group collaboration to bring your plans to life.

Since its establishment in 2013, five academies have been held, and 142 leaders have graduated from the program. A majority of graduates have seen job growth or career advancement since completing the program.