Bringing Big Ideas Home: Reflections from PLA 2026 in Minneapolis
The most valuable takeaway from my time at the Public Library Association Conference wasn’t just new ideas; it was a renewed sense of purpose.
As the director of a small, rural library in Elba, Alabama, I was thrilled to receive a PLA scholarship to attend the conference in Minneapolis. PLA has supported our library in meaningful ways over the years, including a 2019 grant that funded a high school intern. That student is now about to graduate from college and, inspired by her experience at our library, is pursuing her MLS. Moments like that are a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of library work.
Energy, Inspiration, and Hard Conversations
I attended with a colleague from a neighboring library, and from the moment we walked into the Minneapolis Convention Center, the energy was contagious. We immediately felt welcomed, not just by the upbeat registration staff but by the shared sense of purpose among attendees.
The opening session set the tone. Hearing from speakers, including Bryan Stevenson, was both inspiring and challenging. His remarks encouraged me to reflect more deeply on local history in my own community, including the possibility of researching and acknowledging difficult chapters like lynchings. I left with a desire to partner with our local historical preservation group to explore ways to honor and remember those stories.
Meeting Communities Where They Are
One of the most practical sessions I attended was Packhorse Librarians Today: Swapping a Bookmobile for a Shuttle and More. The message was simple but powerful: libraries must remain service-oriented and responsive to their communities.
For a rural library like mine in Elba, that means thinking creatively about outreach. While some of the ideas shared may not translate directly to my library, the session challenged me to find new ways to take library services beyond our building and into the community.
Strengthening Skills and Expanding Access
Another standout session focused on using AI tools to strengthen grant writing. Prompting AI to Harness Your Grant Proposal Potential emphasized using AI as a support tool, not a replacement, for thoughtful proposals. I left with practical strategies and resources that I can immediately apply to future funding opportunities.
I also appreciated the session on Supporting Indie and Self-published Authors. While some recommendations may need adapting for smaller libraries, it reinforced the importance of being flexible and responsive, especially when it comes to showcasing local voices in a close-knit community like ours.
Building Community Through Storytelling and Partnerships
On the second day, I attended the session Storytelling Festivals: Build Community Connections on Any Scale, which came at the perfect time. As our community in Elba begins planning for America’s 250th celebration, I’m excited to incorporate ideas that build connection and celebrate local stories on any scale.
My final session, Faith for Libraries: How Library Workers and Faith Communities Can Advocate for the Freedom to Read, highlighted the importance of partnerships between libraries and faith communities. One key takeaway was that the freedom to read and freedom of religion are deeply connected and that collaboration between these groups can strengthen both. In a small town like Elba, these partnerships are not only possible but essential.
Bringing It All Home
Although we had to leave early to return for Easter weekend, I left Minneapolis feeling encouraged, challenged, and equipped.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend. The ideas, conversations, and connections I experienced will directly shape future programs, partnerships, and outreach efforts at my library in Elba.
Most importantly, I returned home reminded that even small libraries can do meaningful work, especially when we stay connected to our communities and open to new ideas.
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