2027 PLA Leadership Academy
About PLA Leadership Academy
Photo of the full cohort of the 2025 PLA Leadership Academy.
“The PLA Leadership Academy provided a strong foundation to build my career on. I learned so much about libraries, leadership, and myself in just a few short days. And the friendships I made have provided essential connection and support for years!”
—Dara Schmidt, Director, Cedar Rapids (IA) Public Library, 2017 alum
PLA Leadership Academy is a transformative program for the next generation of public library leaders. This dynamic and intensive in-person event includes four days of interactive education and networking.
Since its establishment in 2013, six academies have been held, and 169 leaders have participated in the program. A majority of graduates have seen job growth or career advancement since completing the program.
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)
