PLA 2026: Day One Reflections on Justice, Libraries, and Purpose

Hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota, PLA 2026 was inspiring, energizing, and filled with a sense of purpose. While there is far more to say than space allows, the first day alone offered powerful moments and meaningful takeaways that will stay with me.

Opening Session: Bryan Stevenson

The conference opened with an unforgettable keynote from Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative. His remarks were both emotionally moving and deeply grounding, centered around four principles to carry forward as librarians and information professionals:

1. Understand the power of proximity and show mercy to those who are often forgotten
2. Carry the truth, so history is not repeated
3. Stay hopeful—hopelessness is the enemy of justice
4. Be willing to do what is uncomfortable and inconvenient

In the context of being in Minneapolis, Stevenson’s message resonated deeply. His stories emphasized the importance of facing difficult truths and working collectively toward healing. Most importantly, his words reinforced the idea that libraries—and the people who work within them—hold real power to shape lives and communities.

Session: Creating a SPARK—Developing Library Programs for Justice-Impacted People

A second standout session focused on supporting justice-impacted individuals. Led by Tom Auger, Senior Librarian and Branch Manager, the session introduced SPARK (Supporting People After Release with Knowledge), a program designed to serve incarcerated individuals in Georgia.

The presentation offered a candid look at the realities of incarceration in the United States, including the barriers individuals face upon reentry. It also provided practical guidance for librarians interested in this work:

• Start small, with programs such as book clubs or writing workshops
• Build partnerships with organizations serving incarcerated populations
• Advocate consistently—libraries can be a vital voice for those without one
• Persist, even when faced with initial resistance

The opportunity to connect with Auger after the session and expand a personal learning network added even more value to the experience.

Concluding Thoughts

The impact of the conference continues to resonate. The ideas, conversations, and sessions from just one day reaffirmed a sense of purpose and direction. Librarianship is not always easy work—it often requires persistence, honesty, and a willingness to face difficult realities—but it is meaningful and necessary.

Gratitude goes to the organizers, presenters, and fellow attendees who made this experience possible. The lessons learned will continue to shape both personal growth and professional practice moving forward.