What I Wrote in the Margins of My Notebook: Reflections from PLA 2026
I arrived at my first Public Library Association Conference expecting to leave with organized notes, a clear list of takeaways, and practical ideas to share with colleagues. Instead, I left with a notebook full of starred ideas, half-written thoughts, and questions scribbled in the margins.
Looking back, those messy notes reveal the sessions that stayed with me long after the conference ended. Conversations about internal communication, programming for older adults, and flexible, community-centered services challenged my assumptions and sparked new ideas for my own work. Sessions including “Becoming One Library: How to Build Better Internal Communications,” “Aging Together: Library Programming for Older Adults,” and “Memory Cafes in Libraries: Creating Meaningful Connections” reframed how I think about serving both staff and patrons.
Ideas I Starred
One of the most memorable concepts came from “Becoming One Library: How to Build Better Internal Communications.” Mary Kapusta described how her library system developed clearer, more intentional communication practices, including a framework called “Skim, Swim, Dive.”
The model structures communication so staff can quickly identify key information and then choose how deeply they engage based on their needs and available time. The idea resonated with me because it recognizes a reality every workplace faces: staff absorb information differently, have varying capacities, and don’t need every message delivered in the same format.
The session also prompted me to think about communication beyond email. Not every update requires an inbox notification. Could some information be shared through a staff newsletter? Could quick updates be highlighted in staff spaces where frontline employees are more likely to see them? The idea of layered, accessible communication feels both practical and achievable.
Another recurring theme emerged from sessions focused on older adults. In “Aging Together: Library Programming for Older Adults,” presenters Amy DelPo, Rosanna McGinnis, Samantha Oakley, and Rani Snyder, moderated by Janie Hermann, explored how libraries can create more inclusive services for aging populations. Similarly, “Memory Cafes in Libraries: Creating Meaningful Connections,” presented by Susan McFadden and Christine Johnson, focused on creating supportive environments for individuals experiencing memory loss and the people who care for them.
Across both sessions, flexibility emerged as a guiding principle. Programs do not need to follow a single format or exist solely as in-person events. Hybrid, asynchronous, and take-home options can help libraries reach homebound patrons, caregivers, and others who may face barriers to participation. The concept of rotating memory cafés across branches and community locations, while partnering with local organizations, demonstrated how libraries can bring services directly to the people who need them.
Questions I’m Still Thinking About
Some of the most valuable conference moments didn’t provide answers. Instead, they raised questions I continue to explore.
During “Middle Management in the Grey: Strategies for Success in Public Libraries,” presenters Sophie McGrath and Nicole Davis, moderated by Caroline Kravitz, discussed the challenges of navigating ambiguity, communication gaps, and competing priorities.
The session left me wondering how middle managers can create clarity when working between multiple organizational levels and perspectives. It also prompted broader questions about staff development. What training opportunities are we currently offering? How are we delivering them? And perhaps most importantly, are they effective?
Other sessions explored intellectual freedom and emerging technologies, including “Imagine IF: A Game-Based Introduction to Intellectual Freedom,” presented by Michelle Reed and Sam Helmick. Seeing interactive learning approaches in action made me think about how libraries might create more engaging and meaningful staff training experiences.
Moments That Shifted My Thinking
One of the most impactful moments came during “Memory Cafes in Libraries: Creating Meaningful Connections.” While the presenters offered practical guidance for launching and sustaining programs, what stayed with me most was their emphasis on dignity, consistency, and human connection.
The session reinforced an important reminder: success isn’t always measured by attendance numbers or program statistics. Sometimes success looks like creating a space where participants feel welcomed, understood, and supported.
That perspective has influenced how I think about library programming more broadly. Especially when serving older adults, relationship-building can be just as important as the program itself.
Looking Ahead
My notebook from PLA 2026 may not be neatly organized, but it is full of ideas worth exploring.
One practical step I’m bringing back to my library is a closer examination of how we communicate with and train staff, considering not only what information we share, but also how we share it.
I’m also inspired to think more creatively about programming for older adults through flexible delivery models, stronger community partnerships, and services that meet people where they are.
The margins of my notebook may be messy, but that’s where the most meaningful ideas often begin.
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