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Kathleen Hughes Author Archive

Email: khughes@ala.org   Website: http://ala.org/  

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Aging Together: Rethinking Programming for Older Adults

Consistent, practical, and accessible programs can make a meaningful difference for older adults, especially when libraries prioritize connection and real-life learning.

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Strategic Planning, Simplified

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Relationships Are Not Optional: Advocacy at PLA 2026

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Libraries, Empathy, and Second Chances

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Making Space for Teens Starts with Showing Up

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Reflections on PLA 2026: Navigating the “Highway to Hell” and Building “One Library”

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Memory Cafés in Libraries: Creating Meaningful Connections

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Lessons in Leadership at PLA 2026

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From Kimchi to Community: Cultural Connection at PLA 2026

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From PLA to Practice: What I’m Bringing Back

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PLA 2026: Day One Reflections on Justice, Libraries, and Purpose

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From Displays to DIY: Practical Inspiration from the How-To Stage at PLA 2026

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Finding Community and Purpose at PLA 2026

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What Gen Z Wants from Libraries: Takeaways from PLA 2026

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PLA 2026 Local Spotlight | DreamHaven Books

A Message from the Public Library Association Board Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement in Minneapolis and the PLA 2026 Conference

Cover of Public Libraries magazine, January/February 2026, themed “Civic Literacy.” The background is dark blue with colorful speech bubbles and abstract chat icons in red, white, light blue, and purple, suggesting conversation and communication. The title “Public Libraries” appears at the top in white.

January/February 2026 Issue of Public Libraries Now Available

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Early Bird Registration Extended Through January 26 for PLA 2026

Exterior of a modern library building with a curved glass facade and an orange brick wall featuring large vertical lettering that reads “Library.” Several people are walking or sitting outside near the entrance on a sunny day.

Major National Study Examines the Condition of Public Library Buildings

Blue gradient slide reading “PLA 2026 Conference” and “Local Spotlight,” with the message “We can’t wait to see you in Minneapolis!” Dates listed as April 1–3, 2026, and a link at the bottom to placonference.org.

PLA 2026 Local Spotlight | Tropes & Trifles

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Making Library Leadership Visible – A Conversation with PLA President Dr. Brandy McNeil

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Learning at Every Pace: Explore PLA 2026 Program Formats

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A Look at PLA 2026: Deadlines, New Opportunities, and What’s Ahead in Minneapolis

“January 2026 Early Literacy Calendar from the Public Library Association. The page shows a month-long grid of daily early-literacy activities for families, organized by categories such as Singing, Counting, Reading, Writing, Playing, and Talking. Each date includes a simple activity—for example, singing a nursery rhyme, counting household objects, retelling a favorite book, going on a scavenger hunt, or drawing together. The design features winter-themed illustrations such as mountains, snow, and friendly animal characters throughout. The calendar is colorful and structured with pastel sections for each week.

The 2026 Early Literacy Calendar Is Here!

Cover of Public Libraries magazine, November/December 2025 issue. The background is a gradient light blue. Centered on the page is a cluster of flat, modern line-art illustrations related to data and strategic planning—charts, graphs, gears, arrows, a globe, a map pin, a pie chart, a bar graph, and a document with a bar code. At the top, the masthead reads “Public Libraries” in blue and gold, with the subtitle “A Publication of the Public Library Association,” and a banner above that states “The Strategic Planning Issue.”

The November/December Issue of Public Libraries Is Now Available: A Deep Dive into Strategic Planning

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