Public Library Association (PLA)

Dr. Brandy McNeil named PLA 2025-2026 president

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has announced the results of its 2024 election. Members elected Dr. Brandy McNeil, Deputy Director, Branch Programs and Services, The New York (N.Y.) Public Library, to the office of 2025–2026 PLA president. Dr. McNeil will serve a three-year term beginning this June, including one-year stints as president-elect (2024–2025), president (2025–2026), and immediate past-president (2026–2027). 

PLA announces new opening speaker for 2024 conference: Shola Richards

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce Shola Richards, founder and CEO of “Go Together” and best-selling author, will open the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Richards replaces Dr. Joy Buolamwini, who will no longer be able to keynote due to unforeseen circumstances.

Columbus, Ohio, hosts national showcase for public library innovation

Conference to bring more than 6,200 library leaders for programs ranging from artificial intelligence to addressing learning loss to boosting accessibility for all

How-To Stage, Career Center, and more special activities at PLA 2024 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio will feature a wide variety of special activities, from the How-To Stage to the Career Center, intellectual freedom consultations, PLA Member Lounge, and more. These micro-learning opportunities, taking place inside the bustling exhibits hall, accompany more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, pre-conference workshops, and inspiring speakers at this three-day event.

PLA announces candidates for 2024 Board Election

CHICAGO —  The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Nominating Committee has unveiled the slate of candidates for the Association’s 2024 Election.

PLA opens registration for 2024 Virtual Conference

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced that registration is open for the PLA 2024 Virtual Conference. Offered as an alternative opportunity for public library workers unable to attend the in-person conference in Columbus, Ohio, the PLA 2024 Virtual Conference will coincide with the in-person event, April 3-5, 2024.

PLA announces 2024 conference scholarship winners

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is awarding 115 scholarships for public library professionals and students to attend the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio. Of this total number, 97 scholarships will support in-person conference attendance, with another 18 scholarships awarded for virtual conference participants.

PLA announces Dr. Joy Buolamwini as opening session speaker for 2024 conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) announces that the 2024 Conference will open with the “Poet of Code” Dr. Joy Buolamwini as the opening session speaker. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3—5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio, will feature Dr. Joy alongside inspiring speakers Ta-Nehisi Coates, Dulcé Sloan, and Mary Annaïse Heglar.

Unlock a Year of Adventures with PLA’s 2024 Early Literacy Calendar

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has released the 2024 Early Literacy Calendar, an innovative resource designed to ignite the joy of reading, writing, singing, talking, playing, and counting in young minds.

PLA now accepting proposals for How-To Stage at PLA 2024 Conference

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) opened a call for proposals for the How-To Stage at the PLA 2024 Conference, to be held April 3–5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. The How-To Stage, located in the Exhibits Hall of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, will feature 20-minute sessions intended to teach practical, hands-on skills to conference attendees.