PLA News
Recent PLA News
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 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...
“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...
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.
