Call for Submissions: Public Libraries Magazine 2027
The editorial team at Public Libraries, the official magazine of the Public Library Association (PLA), is now accepting article proposals for the 2027 editorial calendar.
Each issue focuses on a timely topic affecting public libraries, and we’re looking for feature articles that share innovative programs, practical strategies, lessons learned, and ideas that can help libraries across the profession.
The suggested topics below are intended to inspire ideas, not limit them. If you have a story that fits a theme from a different perspective, we’d love to hear from you.
January/February 2027
Collection Development in a Changing Landscape
How are collection strategies evolving in response to digital lending, AI-generated publishing, changing patron expectations, rising costs, and evolving library spaces?
Possible topics include:
- Balancing physical and digital collections
- Libraries of Things and nontraditional collections
- Navigating e-book pricing and licensing
- Demand-driven and patron-driven acquisitions
- Multilingual and culturally responsive collections
- Collection development in the age of AI-generated content
- Weeding, storage, and rethinking library space
- Vendor consolidation and its impact on collection decisions
Query deadline: September 21, 2026
Article deadline: October 9, 2026
March/April 2027
Library Workforce Development & Recruitment
How can libraries recruit, retain, and prepare the next generation of library workers?
Possible topics include:
- Innovative recruitment strategies
- Staff retention and workplace culture
- Mentorship and succession planning
- Management and leadership development
- Budgeting, facilities, and operational training
- Internships, residencies, and career pathways
- Preparing library school graduates for today’s workplace
Query deadline: November 16, 2026
Article deadline: December 18, 2026
May/June 2027
Serving an Aging Population
How are libraries adapting services, collections, and spaces to better support older adults, caregivers, and lifelong learners?
Possible topics include:
- Dementia-friendly programming
- Outreach to homebound patrons
- Caregiver resources and partnerships
- Lifelong learning
- Technology instruction for older adults
- Social connection and combating loneliness
- Age-friendly library spaces
- Accessible programming and collections
Query deadline: January 11, 2027
Article deadline: February 12, 2027
July/August 2027
How-To: Social Media
A practical issue focused on helping libraries use social media strategically and effectively.
Possible topics include:
- Building a sustainable social media strategy
- Creating engaging content with limited resources
- Managing community engagement
- Crisis communication
- Measuring success beyond likes and shares
- Short-form video
- Platform-specific best practices
- Case studies and practical checklists
Query deadline: March 22, 2027
Article deadline: April 23, 2027
September/October 2027
Literacies for the Modern World
How are libraries helping communities develop the skills needed to navigate today’s information landscape?
Possible topics include:
- AI literacy
- Media and news literacy
- Digital privacy
- Financial literacy
- Fraud and scam prevention
- Civic literacy
- Teaching critical thinking
- Partnerships with schools and community organizations
Query deadline: May 17, 2027
Article deadline: June 18, 2027
November/December 2027
Learning from Other Professions
What can libraries learn from fields like healthcare, hospitality, education, technology, design, and nonprofit leadership?
Possible topics include:
- Customer experience
- Design thinking
- Project management
- Leadership lessons
- Healthcare partnerships
- Innovation from the technology sector
- Community engagement strategies
- Cross-sector collaborations
Query deadline: July 19, 2027
Article deadline: August 20, 2027
How to Submit
Interested in writing for Public Libraries?
Email your article query to Kathleen Hughes at khughes@ala.org by the applicable query deadline above. Queries should briefly describe your proposed article, its relevance to the issue theme, and why it will be valuable to public library professionals.
If your proposal is accepted, you’ll be invited to submit a completed manuscript by the issue’s article deadline.
Have another idea?
We’re also happy to consider articles outside of the themed issues. Manuscripts are reviewed on a rolling basis and, if accepted, are scheduled for publication in the next available issue.
