The Future Is Now: Black Men in Libraries
I appreciated the chance to attend the PLA 2026 Conference. As an early-career librarian and MLIS student at the University of South Florida, I had no idea what to expect, but I am proud to report that I was not let down. I came to Minneapolis with a strong desire to learn more about public libraries, and I did just that. I learned more about how to strengthen library boards and foundations, how to protect queer and trans staff, and how to provide library services to those who are incarcerated. I am really happy with my experience.
I attended various community-related sessions because it is so important to build relationships and have a sense of belonging, especially in today’s tumultuous political climate. This is also important in my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) journey, where I promote positive connections, encourage librarians to embrace diversity, and build relationships with those around them.
PLA was an amazing conference filled with experts who were welcoming and eager to answer questions from the audience. It was difficult to choose just one program to highlight because I genuinely enjoyed all the sessions. However, one stood out to me. My favorite was Black Men in Libraries: Our History, Our Heroes, and Our Horizon. Moderated by Karlos Marshall, the session featured Kelvin Watson, Richard Ashby, Omar Chapman, and Paul Bazile, four library directors from around the country at various stages of their careers. Each panelist shared his story and path into librarianship, including the different and often nontraditional ways they entered the profession. The session ended with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
This session reinforced the significance of community and representation. It was the first time I attended a session where the panelists and audience looked like me: a Black Afro-Latino librarian excited to talk about libraries.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Paul Bazile, one of the panelists. Mr. Bazile grew up in North Miami, Florida, and earned his MLIS degree from my alma mater, the University of South Florida. For someone who grew up in Miami, it was especially encouraging to see someone become the director of his hometown library after attending both Florida International University (FIU) and USF, as I have. He reminded me that becoming a librarian is a fulfilling career path and that we, the present and future generations of Black librarians, are changing the world.
We, along with the Black women who have led the way, are making an impact in our communities, and I am even more excited to graduate this summer and formally join the profession. Although Black men account for less than one percent of MLIS degrees [1] in the United States, I see this as a sign that there is much more work to do, and it motivates me to help increase that number.
I left Black Men in Libraries with a wealth of knowledge and even more passion for the field. I am grateful for the experience and excited to be part of what comes next.
Reference
1. Why Aren’t There More Black Librarians? Maya Pottiger wordinblack.com February 10, 2022
Tags: Black librarians, black men in librarianship, diversity, library leadership, PLA 2026 Conference, pla2026scholarship, professional development, representation
