PLA Conference

Two speakers engaging at the podium in front of an audience. Behind them is a backdrop with the words "PLA 2024 Conference"

PLA wraps 2024 conference with strong attendance and engagement

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The Public Library Association (PLA) welcomed more than 7,500 public library workers, supporters, and vendors nationwide to celebrate all things public libraries at the PLA 2024 Conference, April 3–5, in Columbus, Ohio, and at the virtual conference.

PLA announces new opening speaker for 2024 conference: Shola Richards

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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

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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

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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...

PLA opens registration for 2024 Virtual Conference

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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...

PLA announces 2024 conference scholarship winners

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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...

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

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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...

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

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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...

PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 Conference will move attendees towards laughter and thoughtful reflection with speakers Dulcé Sloan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Mary Annaïse Heglar. The PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3–5, in...

PLA expands its 2024 Conference Scholarship opportunities

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) will award 50 conference scholarships for public library workers and students to attend the PLA 2024 Conference, taking place April 3-5 in Columbus, Ohio. As part of PLA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and...

Registration and housing now open for PLA 2024 Conference

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CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced that registration and housing are officially open for the PLA 2024 Conference. The conference will take place April 3–5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio; most events will be held at the Greater...

PLA now accepting proposals for PLA 2024 Conference

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CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) opened the Call for Proposals for educational sessions to be presented at its next biennial conference, to be held April 3-5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. The PLA 2024 Conference will highlight innovative...

6,000 attend first in-person PLA national conference since pandemic

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CHICAGO – The Public Library Association national conference ended Friday, March 25, 2022, after more than 6,000 library professionals and gathered together in person and virtually to attend sessions on shaping the future of public library service in a...

Portland to host largest national library conference since the pandemic

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(CHICAGO) In the wake of the pandemic and calls for social justice, the Public Library Association (PLA) will host its national conference in Portland, Oregon, from March 23 to 25, 2022. More than 4,000 attendees will attend the in-person event at the...

PLA 2022 to generate an estimated $4.4 million in revenue for City of Portland

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CHICAGO - The Public Library Association (PLA) national conference is the largest in-person association conference to return to Portland since the beginning of the pandemic. The event will bring more than 4,000 attendees to the Oregon Convention Center...

book cover for A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons: The PLA Workbook of Best Practices

PLA’s trauma-informed framework for supporting patrons

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CHICAGO — Whether it’s navigating a crisis or witnessing a community member struggling with tough times, coming face to face with trauma and adversity can be uncomfortable. But in striving to learn more about challenging behaviors, and how we can better...

PLA announces additional 2022 conference speakers, Intellectual Freedom Forum programming

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce newly confirmed speakers for exciting events taking place at the PLA 2022 Conference, March 23—25 in Portland, Ore. In addition to Big Ideas and Author Lunch speakers, PLA has added an...

PLA announces 2022 conference scholarship winners

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has awarded thirty (30) scholarships for public library professionals and students to attend the PLA 2022 Conference, taking place March 23–25 in Portland, Ore. As part of PLA’s commitment to equity...

PLA opens registration for 2022 Virtual Conference

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CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is offering an alternative opportunity for public library workers unable to attend the PLA 2022 Conference in Portland, Oregon. The PLA 2022 Virtual Conference schedule has been enhanced and expanded to offer...

Public Libraries magazine announces 2022 Feature Article Contest winners

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CHICAGO--Public Libraries, the official magazine of the Public Library Association (PLA), is pleased to announce the 2022 recipients of the Feature Article Contest for articles published in the previous year. First prize of $500 was awarded to Katie...