Finding Confidence and Community at PLA 2026
Reflections on Representation, Authenticity, and Public Librarianship
“Be your authentic self.”
Those four words lingered with me as I sat in the back of the session Black Men in Libraries: Our History, Our Heroes, and Our Horizon on the final day of the conference. The speakers shared both the triumphs and ongoing challenges of Black librarianship, speaking candidly about what it means to exist and lead in a field where they are often underrepresented. Drawing from experiences in both rural and public libraries, their stories carried a depth that was impossible to ignore.
As I listened, their words resonated with me in a deeply personal way. I found myself reflecting on my own path through public librarianship as a first-generation Latine library worker in Chicago. In that moment, their message became more than a reflection of their journeys. It became a mirror that pushed me to consider how authenticity shapes not only who we are, but how we serve our communities.
Attending the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis deepened that reflection in ways I did not expect. It became more than just a space for learning. It became a place of connection and affirmation within public librarianship.
One of the moments that stood out most was visiting the Urban Librarians Unite booth, where I had the opportunity to express my gratitude in person and share some of my own experiences navigating the challenges of library work. Speaking with Christian Zabriskie, ULU’s Strategy and Development Director, made that connection feel even more meaningful.
What struck me most was the full-circle nature of that moment. Months earlier, I had been reading the Urban Library Trauma Study alone at my desk. Now, I was standing in conversation with people who understood those experiences firsthand. I realized that my experiences were not isolated. There is an entire community of librarians who advocate for one another and continue pushing this work forward together.
As I continue my MLIS studies at Dominican University while working as a library clerk at the Little Village branch of the Chicago Public Library, I feel a growing sense of confidence in my voice as a future librarian. That confidence is shaped not only by my education, but by the everyday experiences I have within the community I serve.
Working in Little Village, a predominantly Latine community, has grounded my understanding of what librarianship can and should be. It has shown me the importance of representation and cultural awareness in this work. I am reminded that my voice, experiences, and perspectives are not only valid, but necessary in uplifting the community I call home.
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