PLA 2026 Conference Press Kit
PLA Conference is where public libraries shine—where public library issues, ideas, and trends take center stage. Press members are invited to join thousands of public library workers, supporters, and vendors from across the country and around the world April 1–3 in the vibrant city of Minneapolis!
Press Releases
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.
“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.
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.
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 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.
About PLA 2026 Conference
Conference Schedule At-a-Glance
General Sessions
Artwork
Exhibits
Social Media
