Renewed and Reenergized: A Rural Librarian’s PLA 2026 Experience
It was a true gift to attend the recent Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis. It had been 12 years since I last attended PLA, and I had forgotten just how exciting and energizing it can be to gather with library workers from across the country. I returned home reinvigorated, renewed, and more excited than ever to be part of our increasingly important community of librarians and information professionals.
The morning keynote sessions featuring Bryan Stevenson and Dr. Ruha Benjamin were especially galvanizing. Stevenson shared how his grandmother changed his life by nurturing his love of reading, opening doors that a young boy from Alabama could scarcely have imagined. I am still reflecting on Dr. Benjamin’s perspective on AI, which she reframed, in part, as Ancestral Intelligence rather than Artificial Intelligence.
The closing session with Lakota chef Sean Sherman felt especially meaningful as my library prepares to host the Americans traveling exhibit. Each of these “big idea” sessions broadened my perspective, helping me look beyond the borders of my small rural community and glimpse the larger conversations shaping our profession. The welcoming remarks from PLA President Brandy McNeil were timely and encouraging, and I was grateful to meet her and express my appreciation in person for the scholarship that made my attendance possible.
Every session I attended offered practical insights relevant to my work as a librarian. In Jayne Walters’s presentation, “Beyond Drag Queen Storytime,” I gained valuable nuts-and-bolts strategies for navigating differing viewpoints among library and community stakeholders while respecting presenters, supporting programs, and ensuring physical safety for everyone involved. One especially memorable idea was using tents or open umbrellas to shield attendees from public visibility, helping protect patron privacy during potentially sensitive events.
Jenni Frencham’s presentation, “A Queer and Present Danger: Protecting Queer and Trans Library Staff,” offered equally practical guidance. She emphasized the value of building relationships with organizations such as PFLAG and other ally groups that can support libraries when programs generate controversy or staff feel unsafe. Even small actions, such as including preferred pronouns on staff nametags, can help ensure staff and patrons feel welcome, safe, and seen.
My to-be-read list grew considerably after attending “Reality Check: The Art of Nonfiction RA.” As a children’s librarian, I typically recommend picture books or the latest titles on monster trucks and dinosaurs, so I am not always current on compelling nonfiction for adults. I look forward to recommending some of these newly discovered authors, and I’m especially pleased to have found the perfect birthday gift for my son-in-law: The Last Fish Tale by Mark Kurlansky.
Any opportunity to hear authors speak resonates with me, and the Thursday lunch featuring Ann Patchett and Kate DiCamillo was no exception. Hearing two of my favorite authors in conversation was a special treat. Ms. DiCamillo’s superstar status was fully confirmed when she recorded a sweet video message for me to share with my Mercy Watson-loving granddaughters.
Colson Whitehead’s Friday presentation was equally engaging, both insightful and entertaining. It also reassured me that I am not the only person who has no idea what the lyrics to MacArthur Park actually mean.
I had a wonderful few days in Minneapolis and look forward to putting many of these ideas into practice at my library. I left with fresh inspiration, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose. I hope to see you in San Francisco in 2028.
Tags: pla2026scholarship
