All signs point to an engaging PLA Conference in Columbus that promises to take on contemporary concerns, educational needs, and more

Large library gatherings usually share city space with at least one other special interest group—who could forget the young dancers shivering in their spangled leotards during January’s LibLearnX Conference in sub-zero Baltimore? This year, those attending the Public Library Association (PLA) biennial conference, held April 3–5 in Columbus, OH, will be overlapping with a crowd of umbraphiles—eclipse chasers—getting a jump on the first visible total solar eclipse in the United States since 2017, occurring April 8. Columbus lies just south of the path of totality.

While the convergence of library and eclipse lovers means that lodging has been notoriously hard to come by since January—PLA has secured additional hotels in the Ohio State University area—attendees will be rewarded with an intriguing conference. PLA expects more than 6,000 library workers, supporters, and exhibitors to attend. Events kick off with a reception at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library, and the following three days offer an impressive roster of educational programs, author events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Featured speakers include Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League; author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates; writer Mary Annaïse Heglar; and comedian Dulcé Sloan. A virtual conference will run simultaneously, with many of the educational programs, author events, and videos available on demand for a year.

The show’s lineup is strong on the ideas that most concern public library leaders, staff, and advocates this year. Below, LJ editors weigh in about what’s on their minds, and pick a few sessions they don’t want to miss, and a welcome video from Columbus Metropolitan Library CEO Patrick Losinski.

As of press time, program locations had not been posted; make sure to check the conference website for details.—Lisa Peet

Jill Cox-Cordova

Associate Editor, LJ Reviews

Eliminating social injustices, such as racism, and uniting people instead is something I think about daily. Since libraries offer free access to people of all backgrounds, I strive to stay current on ongoing and new efforts to foster inclusive reading materials and safe spaces. It’s essential for each of us to do our part to listen, learn, and act individually and collectively.

Anti-Racist Reader Services: Beyond the Basics
Wed., April 3, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

African American Isn’t a Genre: Collecting and Promoting Black Books
Fri., April 5, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Melissa DeWild

Associate Editor, LJ Reviews

I’ve spent much of my library career working in collection management, so I’m especially interested in these panels that thoughtfully consider how library materials are used and discovered.

Equitable Collections Use: Is Floating the Answer or a Hindrance?
Thurs., April 4, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Changing Subject Headings for a More Inclusive Library
Thurs., April 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Matt Enis

Senior Editor, Technology, LJ

I’m interested in learning about digital literacy programs created to help patrons better understand the latest technol-ogy. I definitely want to check out the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Digital Navigators program and Toronto’s programs on AI and algorithmic literacy.

Digital Navigators: Digital Inclusion in Action
Thurs., April 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Activating AI Education and Algorithmic Literacy at Toronto Public Library
Fri., April 5, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Liz French

Senior Editor, LJ Reviews

Communities—and how libraries can best serve, build, and support them—are priority one for me. That and galvaniz-ing library superpowers to fight censorship, discrimination, and budget crises.

Seniors Digital Literacy Community Librarians at Toronto Public Library
Thurs., April 4, 4–5 p.m.

Pivoting to Meet New Censorship Tactics
Fri., April 5, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Sarah Hashimoto

Editor, LJ Reviews

As a former community engagement librarian, I am always interested in learning more about how libraries can better serve their communities, both in and outside library walls. I’m excited to learn more about strategies for fostering community partnerships, building strong relationships, and removing barriers.

Too Big to Flail: Community Engagement Across 41 Libraries
Wed., April 3, 2–3 p.m.

Breaking Barriers: Engaging Immigrants and Building More Inclusive Communities
Thurs., April 4, 2–3 p.m.

Lisa Peet

Executive Editor, LJ

I have my eye on a lot of the big-ticket issues in libraries these days: censorship, inclusion, justice, and how to bring the community to the library—and the library to the community.

Cornerstones in a Culture War: The Role of Urban Libraries in Defending Democracy
Thurs., April 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Public Library Leaders Share Perspectives, Lessons Learned, and Key Takeaways
Thurs., April 4, 4–5 p.m.

Hallie Rich

Editor-in-Chief, LJ

With recent conversations dominated by book bans, libraries will benefit from sharing more stories about the ways they build and nurture lifelong readers.

The Science of Reading in Public Libraries: Supporting Struggling Elementary-Age Readers
Wed., April 3, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Challenging Post-COVID Impacts on School Readiness through Storytime Standards
Thurs., April 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Sarah Wolberg

Associate Editor, LJ Reviews

Prison libraries are diminished by censorship and budget cuts (see PEN America’s October 2023 report, “Reading Between the Bars”), but public libraries can bridge the gap in access to materials for incarcerated people with pro-grams like these from Kenosha Public Library and San Francisco Public Library.

Dynamic Dads: Turning Incarcerated Men into Storytellers and Library Lovers
Wed., April 3, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Bringing Free eResources into Jail: SFPL and Hoopla’s New Model
Wed., April 3, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Neal Wyatt

Reviews Editor, LJ

In an age of staggering challenges, learning how to welcome new staff with intention and how to care for everyone within your circle of responsibility—including yourself—are key skills. Along with the programs, don’t miss the books. There are author panels by day and evening events with sips and snacks. Plus, LJ will provide a Galley Guide.

Three Must-Have Activities for New Employee Training
Fri., April 5, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

Recharge & Renew: Empowering Library Managers through Self-Care
Fri., April 5, 2:15–3:15 p.m.