Call for Submissions: Public Libraries Magazine 2025 Themes
Are you passionate about the future of libraries and eager to share your expertise? Public Libraries Magazine is excited to announce the themes for our 2025 issues, and we invite you to contribute your insights and stories. Our themes reflect the evolving landscape of librarianship and the diverse challenges and opportunities facing public libraries today. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
January/February 2025 – Your Library Career
We’re exploring the multifaceted journey of a library career. Share your experiences with effective mentoring, innovative training, and successful recruitment strategies. We also welcome articles on tackling burnout, finding balance, and navigating alternative paths into librarianship. If you have a unique library career story or international perspective, we want to hear from you!
March/April 2025 – Serving People in Crisis
Libraries are vital community hubs, especially in times of crisis. This issue will focus on how libraries support individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. We’re looking for practical approaches to disaster response, trauma-informed care, and building partnerships with social services. Your experiences and strategies can make a difference!
May/June 2025 – Library Resource Sharing
How do libraries maximize resources through collaboration? We’re interested in articles about scaling projects for smaller libraries, successful partnerships between small and large institutions, and staff-sharing initiatives. Share your stories of cross-library collaboration and innovative resource-sharing strategies.
July/August 2025 – Public Library Human Resources
Dive into the world of library HR with us. We’re seeking articles on crafting effective job descriptions, navigating legal issues, setting performance goals, and handling critical conversations with staff. Contributions on interview skills, staff diversity, and mentoring for diversity are also welcome. Help us shape the future of public library HR practices!
September/October 2025 – Multigenerational Programming
Engage readers with your innovative programming that bridges generational gaps. We’re looking for stories about successful 55+ programs, intergenerational storytelling, tech training for seniors, and community gardening projects. Share your creative ideas and successful initiatives that connect diverse age groups in meaningful ways.
November/December 2025 – Strategic Plans
Strategic planning is crucial for libraries to drive change and growth. This issue will cover long-term vision development, community needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and continuity planning. If you have insights into effective strategic planning and execution, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Submit:
- Queries are due by the following deadlines:
- January/February 2025: October 21, 2024
- March/April 2025: December 16, 2024
- May/June 2025: February 10, 2025
- July/August 2025: April 7, 2025
- September/October 2025: June 7, 2025
- November/December 2025: August 8, 2025
- Completed articles are due by:
- January/February 2025: November 14, 2024
- March/April 2025: January 27, 2025
- May/June 2025: March 17, 2025
- July/August 2025: May 12, 2025
- September/October 2025: July 13, 2025
- November/December 2025: September 12, 2025
Ready to share your expertise and make a difference in the library community? You can find more information about writing for PL here. Please send your queries and questions to editor Kathleen Hughes at khughes@ala.org. We look forward to your contributions and to showcasing the innovative work happening in libraries.
Tags: libraryarticles, librarystories, plmagazine, publiclibrariesmagazine, writeforpubliclibraries
