Finding Community and Purpose at PLA 2026
I had a fabulous time in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the PLA 2026 Conference. This was my first PLA conference, and I hope it won’t be my last. There was so much value in being in a space with 6,000 public librarians who share similar experiences. I found a strong sense of community among attendees as we bonded over what we see and experience every day in our work.
One of my favorite programs was the Hot Takes preconference session. Wow—there was so much to take away from that experience. The roundtable format allowed for meaningful discussions on a wide range of topics, from creating engaging content and expanding community outreach to ensuring teens feel seen and incorporating nature into library spaces. These were just a few of the conversations, and I learned so much—not only from the presenters but also from the discussions at each table.
Another session that made a huge impact on me was the Opening Session with Bryan Stevenson. It was truly incredible. He had everyone in the room hanging on every word. He beautifully connected his experiences growing up in the South, his grandmother’s influence, and the value of education instilled in him as a child. He emphasized the importance of education and libraries, particularly within minority communities. His reflections on injustice and its profound impact on communities made this session unforgettable.
I was also especially moved by the session Intentional Early Literacy Outreach to Hispanohablantes. This project hit close to home and spoke directly to how we, as library organizations, can better serve our Spanish-speaking families. If families can’t come to us, how can we go to them? The session inspired me to think about new ways to engage my own community, such as outreach in apartment complexes and other neighborhood spaces—becoming a consistent, trusted presence. I also appreciated the presenters’ honesty in sharing where they initially struggled. Failure is a natural part of the process, and there is real value in learning from it to create programs that are truly accessible and effective.
It’s hard to stop talking about all the wonderful sessions I attended. I am incredibly appreciative of the stipend I received, which made it possible for me to participate in such an impactful conference experience.
