Public Library Association (PLA)

14/10/2026

Investing in your staff is investing in the future of your library.

As Commissioner of Chicago Public Library and a member of the Public Library Association (PLA) Board of Directors, Chris Brown knows the importance of developing the next generation of library leaders.

His message to library directors and systems is clear: If you're committed to helping your staff grow, excel, and prepare for the library of the future, the PLA Leadership Academy is an investment worth making.

The Academy offers emerging library leaders an opportunity to strengthen their skills, expand their professional networks, and prepare to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Great libraries need great leaders. Let's invest in developing them.

Learn more about the PLA Leadership Academy: https://www.ala.org/pla/leadership/academy.

08/10/2026

💻 NOW OPEN: 2026 Public Library Technology Survey!

How is your library using technology to serve your community? From Wi-Fi and digital literacy programs to AI and emerging technologies, PLA wants to hear from you!

All U.S. public libraries are invited to participate in the 2026 Public Library Technology Survey by December 15.

Your responses will help PLA better understand technology infrastructure, programming, funding, and emerging practices in public libraries nationwide.

🎁 Participate for a chance to win!

Entry into a drawing for group registration for up to three staff members for a PLA webinar.

Immediate eligibility for discounted access to Benchmark's upgraded data dashboards, custom reports, and peer groups.

📅 Deadline: December 15, 2026

👉 Log into your library's free Benchmark account to participate: https://librarybenchmark.org/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F

Questions? Email [email protected].

06/10/2026

It’s Banned Books Week

October 4-10 join librarians, educators, publishers, booksellers, and readers across the country in standing up for the freedom to read.

This year’s theme is Let Books Be: Protect the Freedom to Read

Learn more at https://bannedbooksweek.org/about/

06/10/2026

Current and past PLA board members Crystal Gates, Maria McCauley, Veronda Pitchford, and Deb Sica were among the nearly 50 librarians interviewed by NYT on the state of today's libraries 🎉

We asked dozens of them about America’s libraries — what they provide, what they need to survive. Here’s what they told us.

05/10/2026

Sometimes the right learning experience can help turn “what’s next?” into a real next step.

The PLA Leadership Academy is designed to help public library professionals strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and bring new ideas back to their libraries and communities.

Ready to grow your leadership? Applications are due October 19.

📍 Chicago | March 15–19, 2027
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.ala.org/pla/leadership/academy

02/10/2026

A whole lot of PLA history in one photo! 💜 Past and present PLA presidents Jamar O. Rahming, Maria McAuley, Michael Lambert, and Felton Thomas reconnected at ULC.

21/09/2026

📅 Today is the deadline to submit your program proposals!

The ALA 2027 Annual Conference Call for Proposals will end on September 21 at 11:59pm ET. This is your last call to share ideas, insights, and experiences that can educate and inspire colleagues across the profession.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Submit your proposal today. https://bit.ly/4qz7PgR

18/09/2026

✨ We're at the 2026 Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) Conference with ALA President (and past PLA prez) Maria McCauley! Stop by booths 45 & 60 to say hello, chat with us, and discover resources designed to support your library and community.

15/09/2026

Applications for the PLA Leadership Academy are open 🎉

If you're a mid-career library worker looking to advance, this is your sign. Join us for four days of immersive workshops, 1:1 coaching, and leadership development in Chicago, March 15–19, 2027.

Applications close Oct. 19. Apply now: https://bit.ly/4y33BRU

08/07/2026

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month? Public libraries can now enroll to offer exclusive Laufey Book Club collaborative library cards in partnership with ALA. Interest forms are due Friday, July 10!

Spotted at the ALA Annual Conference last week: librarian Grace Stannard shows off her Laufey Book Club library card from the Fulton County Library System while purchasing a new Laufey READ poster!

Bring Laufey Book Club collaborative library cards to your library in time for Library Card Sign-up Month! Libraries everywhere can submit their interest by completing the enrollment form by this Friday, July 10: https://bit.ly/4baJ1W4

Posters are available from the ALA Store: https://bit.ly/3SNb9s5