PLA Conference

PLA wraps 2024 conference with strong attendance and engagement

RAGARCIA — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:45:45 +0000

PLA wraps 2024 conference with strong attendance and engagement

CHICAGO - 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. From groundbreaking initiatives to state-of-the-art technologies, participants delved into the field's latest trends, exemplary practices, and responsive solutions.

“Continuously adapting to provide essential resources that address changing needs, libraries foster opportunities for cultural exchange, inviting all to explore ideas and diverse perspectives while staunchly defending the freedom to read,” said PLA President Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. “Whether one is a public library professional, advocate, or industry stakeholder, PLA 2024 provided an exceptional platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and active engagement in a professional movement aimed at shaping the future landscape of public library services.”

Tailored explicitly to cater to the needs of public library professionals, PLA 2024 celebrated innovation, inclusivity, and community empowerment. Standing-room-only sessions addressed topics ranging from partnering to address social service needs to protecting the freedom to read to building leadership and equity. Conference participants visited more than 280 exhibitors; helped stuff more than 1,500 essentials bags for the Community Shelter Board to support people experiencing homelessness; experienced some canine therapy in the Dog Park; and enjoyed Columbus’ hospitality. Overall, the PLA 2024 conference brought an estimated economic impact of $10 million to the city, as reported by Experience Columbus.

The conference began with inspiring remarks from Shola Richards, the bestselling author of "Making Work Work” and "Go Together." With a focus on workplace civility, Richards has earned global recognition for his passionate advocacy of kindness-driven change, extending his influence across diverse arenas, including leading universities, healthcare institutions, Silicon Valley, and the TEDx stage.

The conference's Big Idea Series, featuring acclaimed author and co-founder of the Abolitionist Teaching Network, Dr. Bettina Love, and climate change writer Mary Annaïse Heglar, drew significant interest, focusing on youth education, social justice, and anti-racism. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with other esteemed authors such as Gennifer Choldenko, Fiona Davis, Amanda Jones, Loren Long, Daniel Nayeri, Molly Knox Ostertag, Rainbow Rowell, Maleeha Siddiqui, and Greg Wands.

The Closing Session, featuring comedian Dulcé Sloan, offered a delightful conclusion to the event. As one of the sharpest, fastest-rising voices in comedy, Sloan has been recognized by Variety magazine as one of the Top 10 Comedians to Watch. Her first memoir, “Hello, Friends!: Stories of Dating, Destiny, and Day Jobs,” provides a comedic glimpse into the life of one of the country’s most exciting comedians.

Visit PLA's YouTube channel to catch video highlights from the conference and more. Conference merchandise and other PLA publications and products can also be found in the ��ýStore. PLA 2026 will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and PLA online learning is available all year round.

About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

RAGARCIA Wed, 04/17/2024 - 09:45

Conferences

PLA Conference

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

PLA announces new opening speaker for 2024 conference: Shola Richards

JCARMICHAEL — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:27:21 +0000

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.

Richards is a dynamic keynote speaker, the best-selling author of "Making Work Work” and "Go Together," an in-demand workplace civility expert, and a prolific writer with a passionate worldwide following. His articles and popular Monday morning "Go Together Movement" email series have impacted people in over 160 countries, and his work has been featured on the Today Show, CBS This Morning, Forbes, Black Enterprise, and more.

He is leading a worldwide movement to change the world based on how we treat each other at work. As a speaker, Richards has shared his powerful message with top universities, leading healthcare organizations, Silicon Valley, the motion picture industry, and on the TEDx stage. In 2021, he testified in the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill to share his expert recommendations on how to bring more civility to Congress.

Richards also is a father, husband, identical twin, and self-professed "kindness extremist" who will not rest until bullying and incivility are extinct from the American workplace.

The opening session, which is exclusively sponsored by OCLC, will take place on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 8:30-10 a.m. Eastern, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hall A. Richards joins an incredible roster of inspiring speakers that includes Ta-Nehisi Coates, Dulcé Sloan, and Mary Annaïse Heglar.

In addition to keynote speakers, the conference will feature more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, author and publisher events, engaging networking opportunities, career services, micro-learning moments, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products, services, and innovations. More than 6,500 library professionals will explore and share innovative and responsive solutions that address the evolving needs of community residents.

JCARMICHAEL Fri, 03/29/2024 - 15:27

PLA Conference

Conferences

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

Columbus, Ohio, hosts national showcase for public library innovation

RAGARCIA — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:08:10 +0000

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

CHICAGO — Our nation's public libraries serve over 1.2 billion visitors annually, striving to provide programs and services as diverse as their communities. Columbus, Ohio, will serve as the epicenter of national conversations on the changing roles of U.S. public libraries from April 3-5. More than 6,200 library professionals will examine and share innovative and responsive solutions that address the evolving needs of patrons during the Public Library Association’s (PLA) biennial national conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Continuously adapting to provide essential resources, libraries foster educational, economic, and cultural opportunities—inviting all to explore ideas and diverse perspectives while staunchly defending the freedom to read. As the U.S. surgeon general warns of an epidemic of loneliness, libraries persist as beacons of hope, enriching lives and nurturing connections that fortify communities through the power of literacy and lifelong learning.

“Public libraries support and uplift library users, which facilitates transformation at the individual and community levels,” said PLA President Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. “PLA 2024 offers the inspiration and upskilling necessary for today’s library workforce. From the digital divide to pandemic learning loss to a lack of affordable housing and food insecurity, public libraries are partnering to address essential needs in our communities.”

For instance, Ohio’s Akron-Summit County Library will share its pioneering approach to establishing comprehensive social service support through strategic local partnerships. Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) and Dementia Friendly Summit County will help libraries "Choose the Best Dementia Programs and Resources for Your Library.” Also, libraries from across Ohio will highlight “Public Libraries and Schools: Everything You Need to Know about the Science of Reading.”

“The PLA conference is the place where librarians share our best ideas and make them even better!” said Columbus Metropolitan Library CEO Patrick Losinski. “This is a collective effort across thousands of libraries nationwide to inspire reading, share resources, and connect people and communities.”

PLA 2024 stands as the most significant conference tailored to meet the needs of public library professionals. Library workers, supporters, and vendors will converge to showcase new products and resources, explore best practices in expanding services to diverse communities, safeguarding the freedom to read, crafting comprehensive teen services, and expanding literacy and workforce development opportunities.

“From ‘Activating AI Education’ to ‘Creating a Teen Artist-in-Residence Program’ to ‘Start Beekeeping at Your Library,’ PLA 2024 celebrates the myriad ways public libraries are meeting new needs in new ways,” added Alcántara-Antoine.

In addition to more than 100 educational sessions, attendees will enjoy dynamic and thought-provoking keynote speakers such as MIT researcher and Algorithmic Justice League founder Dr. Joy Buolamwini and comedian Dulcé Sloan. PLA’s Big Ideas stage will showcase thought leaders like journalist and author Ta-Nehisi Coates and climate change writer Mary Annaïse Heglar. More than 265 companies will fill the exhibit floor with the latest in publications, technology, equipment, and library supplies.

Additional information regarding PLA 2024 is available at placonference.org. Press members are encouraged to attend and interview local and national experts to explore how libraries are pioneering collaboration and innovation to shape tomorrow's services. Media interested in registering for press credentials may contact Eliana Kleiman, Communications Associate, Public Library Association, at 312-280-5018 or ekleiman@ala.org.

About the Public Library Association
Since its inception in 1944, the Public Library Association has been a steadfast beacon of support for public library professionals. With nearly 9,000 members spanning the US, Canada, and beyond, the PLA offers unparalleled professional development opportunities, spearheads groundbreaking initiatives, and curates transformative conference experiences. In partnership with the ��ý, the PLA champions the indispensable role of public libraries, empowering leaders to sculpt the future of this vital institution.

RAGARCIA Wed, 03/13/2024 - 18:08

PLA Conference

Conferences

Contact:

Eliana Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

312.280.5018

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

JCARMICHAEL — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:56:50 +0000

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.

The How-To Stage is a platform for 20-minute hands-on sessions provided by and for conference attendees. The How-To Stage offers a cooperative learning experience for attendees to teach and learn practical, fun skills. Examples of topics covered on the How-To Stage include:

HOW TO Start Beekeeping at Your Library
HOW TO Fund Cool Programs: Grand Writing, Partner Engagement, and Reporting
HOW TO Host a True Crime Podcast Discussion Group
HOW TO Navigate Crisis Situations in Libraries—A Sneak Peek into PLA’s New De-Escalation Workbook
HOW TO Create Captivating Social Media Reels with Free Apps

The Career Center is a space to learn, engage, and discover new career opportunities, including open library positions across the country. Volunteers will provide free one-on-one sessions for résumé review, interview practice, and mini-mentoring. Advanced sign-up is required. Sign up here.

Members interested in volunteering by sharing their expertise in a one-on-one session at the Career Center may sign up to volunteer here.

The Special Intellectual Freedom & Advocacy Event taking place at the Career Center on Thursday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. offers 20-minute one-on-one consultation appointments with staff from ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, the Association of Small and Rural Libraries, and advocacy experts. Consultants will be available for confidential support and guidance in responding to materials and service challenges, implementing intellectual freedom best practices, or more general advocacy. Advanced sign-up is required. Sign up here.

The PLA Member Lounge is a space for attendees to relax, charge their devices, learn more about PLA resources, and meet new friends. Staff from the ��ý and members of the PLA Membership Advisory Group will be available to answer questions about membership and how to get involved. Hands-on activities such as button-making will be available, as well as scheduled activities including lunch buddy meetups and discussions and support around library data, leadership, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Personal members of PLA save $242 over nonmembers on registration. Tickets to workshops, library tours, and select author events are available at an additional charge. See the full schedule of rates and register now.

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JCARMICHAEL Tue, 03/05/2024 - 07:56

Conferences

PLA Conference

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

PLA opens registration for 2024 Virtual Conference

JCARMICHAEL — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:43:01 +0000

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.

The PLA 2024 Virtual Conference will offer more than 20 top-quality education programs, thoughtfully by and for public libraries. Attendees may choose from two sessions in each of the eleven time slots. Examples, subject to change, include the following:

Bring Diversity to Your Library with Sydney Taylor Book Awards
Dynamic Dads: Turning Incarcerated Men into Storytellers and Library Lovers
Leadership by Design: A Human-centered Approach for Library Leaders
Make the Most of Banned Books Week and Intellectual Freedom Programming
Por Mi Gente: Cultural Competencies in Collection Development, Programming, Outreach, and Partnerships for Spanish-Speaking Communities
Programming with Purpose: Making Your Library Programs Count!
Read Romance/Fight Patriarchy
Social Stories in Libraries: Enhancing Accessibility and Fostering Inclusivity
Super Searchers: Tackling Misinformation with Information Literacy
Three Must Have Activities for New Employee Training

Additionally, Virtual Conference attendees will get access to exclusive live-streams from Columbus—including the Opening Session with Dr. Joy Buolamwini, the Big Ideas Series, and the Closing Session with Dulcé Sloan; special attractions such as author interviews and virtual networking opportunities; as well as access to on-demand program sessions for one year.

Individual and group registration options are available. Advanced registration rates are available through Feb. 23, 2024. In-person full-conference attendees can add the Virtual Conference to their registration for a reduced fee. Visit the Virtual Conference website to learn more and register.

Offered biennially, the PLA Conference is the premier event for public libraries, drawing thousands of librarians, library support staff, trustees, Friends, and library vendors from across the country and around the world. For complete details, visit the PLA Conference website.

About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

JCARMICHAEL Mon, 02/05/2024 - 14:43

Conferences

PLA Conference

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

��ý

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

PLA announces 2024 conference scholarship winners

RAGARCIA — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:24:39 +0000

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.

As part of PLA’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the library profession and professional growth for library workers, PLA significantly increased the number of conference scholarship opportunities this year and expanded the qualifying categories for applicants. Scholarship recipients include early career and un/under-employed library workers, students pursuing a master’s degree in library and/or information science, small and rural library workers, current and past Spectrum Scholars working in public libraries, and National Associations of Librarians of Color (NALCo) members.

Each scholarship includes complimentary conference registration, one year of ��ýand PLA membership, and a $750 stipend for travel and housing for in-person attendees. The full list of scholarship recipients may be found here.

PLA President Sonia Alcántara-Antoine remarked, “I got to go to my first national library conference when I received the ��ýSpectrum Scholarship. That experience changed my life and opened so many doors for me, professionally and personally. I know how vital such professional development opportunities are to library workers and students who wouldn’t normally have access to them.”

“From supporting the Stonewall generation to crafting tangibles like an EDI toolkit, each session in PLA aligns directly with a specific directive in my job description or upcoming professional project,” remarked scholarship awardee Jordan Ostrum, a LGBTQIA+ services specialist at Dayton Metro (Ohio) Library. “Truly, I would struggle to craft my own itinerary for a conference that more closely aligns with my current and immediate professional goals and needs than does PLA 2024”.

Awardee Marcus Oritz is an MLIS student at San Jose State University and library associate at Arlington (Va.) Public Library. He stated that “My long-term goal is to support Indigenous students and queer folx going through an MLIS program by developing LIS curriculum that centers these communities.... Being selected as a PLA Scholarship recipient not only means supporting my journey to uplift these communities but also expanding the profession to guide additional queer BIPOC folx into the profession as well."

PLA gratefully recognizes the corporate and individual donors that make it possible to award scholarships to public library workers to attend the PLA Conference. We invite you to invest in the future leaders of the profession by donating to the Friends of PLA Fund.

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

About the ��ý

The ��ý (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ��ýhas been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

RAGARCIA Thu, 01/25/2024 - 17:24

PLA Conference

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

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

RAGARCIA — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:36:47 +0000

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.

Dr. Joy creates art to illuminate the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society, and is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, a groundbreaking Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher, a model, and an artist. She is the author of the national bestseller “Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines” and advises world leaders on preventing AI harms. Her research on facial recognition technologies transformed the field of AI auditing. She is the protagonist of the Emmy-nominated documentary “Coded Bias” and her TED talk on algorithmic bias has been viewed over 1.6 million times.

The opening session, which is exclusively sponsored by OCLC, will take place on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 8:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m. Eastern, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hall A. In addition to speakers, the conference will feature more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, author and publisher events, engaging networking opportunities, career services, micro-learning moments, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products, services, and innovations.

Personal members of PLA and the Ohio Library Council (OLC) receive exclusive access to the Early Bird discount—saving $294 over nonmembers on registration through Jan. 12, 2024. Advance registration is available to all attendees through Feb. 23, 2024. Tickets to workshops, library tours, and select author events are available at an additional charge. See the full schedule of rates.

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

About the ��ý

The ��ý is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ��ýhas been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

RAGARCIA Wed, 01/10/2024 - 10:36

PLA Conference

Public Awareness

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

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

RAGARCIA — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:42:16 +0000

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. The stage is a platform for a cooperative learning experience where attendees will learn something new and actively participate in conference learning.

In addition to the How-To Stage, the PLA 2024 conference will feature more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, inspiring speakers and authors, engaging networking opportunities, career services, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products, services, and innovations.

The How-To Stage proposal submission portal will close on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. How-To Stage proposals will be reviewed based on relevance to the profession and general interest to conference attendees.

The How-To Stage is exclusively supported by Ingram, a platinum-level sponsor of the PLA 2024 Conference. Learn more about conference sponsorship opportunities online.

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

RAGARCIA Thu, 11/30/2023 - 16:42

PLA Conference

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5

RAGARCIA — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:42:30 +0000

PLA announces speakers for 2024 conference, April 3–5

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 Columbus, Ohio, will feature dynamic speakers and programming in a celebration of all things public libraries.

Similar to "TED Talks," the Big Ideas Series features inspiring speakers who will challenge minds and spark creativity. Award-winning author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates will kick off Big Ideas on Thursday, April 4. Coates is the author of the bestselling books The Beautiful Struggle, We Were Eight Years in Power, The Water Dancer, and Between the World and Me, which won the National Book Award in 2015. He has penned numerous articles and essays, including the National Magazine Award-winning 2012 essay “Fear of a Black President” and the influential June 2014 essay “The Case For Reparations.” Coates also enjoyed a successful run writing Marvel’s Black Panther (2016–2021) and Captain America (2018–2021) comics series, and is currently writing the screenplays for the upcoming films Wrong Answer, Superman, and the film adaptation of his first fiction novel, The Water Dancer.

On Friday, April 5, Mary Annaïse Heglar, a writer who works at the intersections of climate change, climate grief, and climate justice will close out Big Ideas. Her essays have appeared in The Cut, The Boston Globe, Vox, Rolling Stone, Wired, and other outlets, as well as several essay collections like Not Too Late and All We Can Save. She is the author of the forthcoming This World is Yours to Cherish from Random House Kids (2024) and the editor of the recently announced Til Earth and Heaven Ring—an all-Black climate anthology with Pantheon Books. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Columbia University in New York City and Tulane University in New Orleans. In 2020, she won a SEAL Environmental Journalism award.

Attendees will leave Columbus laughing when Dulcé Sloan—one of the sharpest, fastest rising voices in comedy—closes out the conference on Friday, April 5. Hailed as one of the 10 Comedians You Need to Know by Rolling Stone, Sloan tours nationally and internationally, performing her signature stand-up to sold-out audiences, and has been a correspondent on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” since 2017. Her first memoir, “Hello, Friends!: Stories of Dating, Destiny, and Day Jobs,” is expected to be released February 2024 by Andscape Books.

The conference will feature more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, inspiring speakers and authors, engaging networking opportunities, career services, micro-learning moments, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products, services, and innovations.

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

RAGARCIA Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:42

PLA Conference

Public Awareness

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org

PLA expands its 2024 Conference Scholarship opportunities

RAGARCIA — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:35:49 +0000

PLA expands its 2024 Conference Scholarship opportunities

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 social justice in the library profession, PLA has increased the number of conference scholarship opportunities offered and the number of qualifying categories for applicants. PLA has also expanded opportunities for both in-person and virtual participants.

Scholarships will cover conference registration fees and provide one year of PLA membership. Individuals who receive scholarships to attend the conference in-person will also receive a $750 stipend to help cover travel costs.

Scholarships are available to support applicants who belong to at least one of the following categories:

Early career (i.e., fewer than five years) or un/under-employed (annual salary less than $45,000)
Students pursuing a master’s degree in library and/or information science (i.e., MLS, MLIS, MIS)
Working in small or rural libraries (i.e., serving communities with fewer than 25,000 people)
Current or past Spectrum Scholars working in public libraries
��ýethnic affiliate members (i.e., members of the Joint Council of Librarians of Color)

"The expansion of PLA’s 2024 conference scholarship opportunities will create more inclusive pathways to the vast possibilities that a library career can offer,” said PLA President Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. “Dynamic public libraries are the heart of every community. These expanded opportunities ensure that even more public library workers can access the professional growth and connections at PLA conference that are central to supporting healthy and thriving communities."

The PLA 2024 Conference offers more than 100 thoughtfully curated education sessions, inspiring speakers and authors, engaging networking opportunities, career services, micro-learning moments, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products, services, and innovations.

Because PLA membership always includes membership in the ��ý (ALA), all scholarship recipients also receive free subscriptions to American Libraries and Public Libraries magazines, discounts on ��ýand PLA continuing education, access to ALA’s online networking hub ��ýConnect, discounts in the ��ýStore, and more. The total value of the conference scholarship exceeds a $1,000 investment in an individual’s professional development.

Applications are due Nov. 12, 2023, by 11:59 PM Central. Applications are reviewed and scored by PLA volunteers and staff. Complete selection criteria and the scholarship application may be found here.

PLA gratefully recognizes the corporate and individual donors that make it possible to award scholarships to public library workers to attend the PLA Conference. Library supporters are invited to invest in the future leaders of the profession by donating to the Friends of PLA Fund.

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

About the ��ý

The ��ý (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ��ýhas been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

RAGARCIA Thu, 10/19/2023 - 15:35

PLA Conference

Awards (Scholarships & Grants)

Contact:

Eliana Tang Kleiman

Communications Associate

Public Library Association

ekleiman@ala.org