PLA Leadership Academy
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.
Save the date! The next PLA Leadership Academy will be March 15–19, 2027 in Chicago, IL. Sign up to be notified when applications opens.
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, six academies have been held, and 169 leaders have graduated from the program. A majority of graduates have seen job growth or career advancement since completing the program.
Structure
The cohort will consist of 35 individuals from a broad spectrum of public library backgrounds and experiences. On the shared journey of discovery, each participant will be assigned to a group of no more than five peers and one coach.
Over the four-day immersive experience, participants will take part in interactive workshops led and developed by Adam Goodman, director of the Center for Leadership at Northwestern University. The curriculum is designed to be expansive and transformative, with each aspect building upon another. Participants will engage with their small group, larger cohort peers, and coach with ample time for self-reflection.
After the four days, cohort members will continue to connect and network with their cohort and coach virtually.
Public Library Focus & Objectives
Designed exclusively for emerging public library leaders, the cohort will meet the following objectives:
- Build systems of personal and organizational resiliency.
- Form a long-term, sustainable coaching network with colleagues and other experienced leaders.
- Understand how to apply the above in the context of their library and community.
Goals
Through discovery, reflection, and connection, participants will be able to:
- Identify their individual leadership style and values.
- Navigate uncertainty, organizationally and personally.
- Develop and engage supportive teams and systems.
- Leverage their personal leadership style to manage challenges and opportunities.
- Craft an Individual Leadership Development Plan.
History
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.
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. PLA is a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
