Rising to the Challenge!
October 1 - 4, 2023

Plan to invest in yourself and your career by joining us for the 2023 Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference scheduled to take place at Kalahari Resorts in the beautiful Pocono Mountains.

Educational & Networking Opportunities

The conference schedule will include inspirational keynotes, numerous educational sessions presented by experts in the field, as well as poster sessions to foster idea-sharing with fellow librarians.

A Two-day Library Products & Services Expo will round out the educational opportunities as we learn about the latest library products & services from the experts - our exhibitor partners!  

In addition, there will be numerous opportunities for informal networking among attendees and exhibitors in the backdrop of the beautiful fall foliage of the Pocono Mountains and one of America's largest indoor water parks!

Planning Committee

The 2023 Conference Planning Committee is hard at work under the direction of chair, Rose Chiocchi, director of the Pike County Public Library in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Attendee Registration

Conference registration is open!

View the Registration Brochure to review sessions and plan your attendance:

Other helpful tools for planning your conference attendance:

• Attendee registration fees and policies approved by the PaLA Board.
• Registration Worksheet - Save time and ensure that you don't miss anything by mapping out your personal schedule before registering online.
• View Conference 101 for tips and insider information to streamline registration and make the most of your conference experience.
  

https://www.palibraries.org/event/2023ConferenceAttendeeReg

Early Bird Registration Savings End August 15!

PaLA Online Store

Whether or not you plan to attend the PaLA Conference, we hope you will help us embrace the conference theme, Rising to the Challenge! by  sporting a custom T-shirt or sweatshirt. Click here! to place your order.

If you will be joining us at the Kalahari Resort, you may now choose the 'Pick-Up' option when completing your Online Store order on or before September 10. Your merchandise will be delivered to the hotel, available for pick-up at the registration desk.

Orders received from September 11 - October 10 will be shipped directly to the customer. (Shipping fees will apply.)  These orders will be shipped by October 31.  (Not in time to wear at the conference, but certainly plenty of time to promote libraries and PA Forward literacies!)

PaLA Conference Buddy Program

Going it alone can be hard, especially when you are attending a large conference. Knowing just one other person can help alleviate a lot of anxiety. That’s why we are offering a “buddy system” for the Pennsylvania Library Association Conference at Kalahari Resort. We want to help you build connections, learn more about PaLA and maximize your conference experience!

Whether you are a newbie or seasoned conference attendee, this program is for you!

• Conference Rookies will receive tips on planning for the conference, what not to miss and a way to expand their professional network.
• Experienced conference attendees will have the opportunity to share their experience and network and gain the satisfaction of helping out a colleague.

Learn more and obtain the links to register to participate on our Conference Buddy Program page.

PaLA Library Products & Services Expo

Interaction between conference attendees and our exhibitor partners is crucial to the success of the conference and benefits all!  Attendees are encouraged to visit with our exhibit partners to learn of the latest in library products & services.  

The Library Products & Services Expo offers one of the best opportunities to reach decision-makers in the Pennsylvania library community.  This two-day show offers a concise schedule in an environment that promotes interaction with attendees through no-conflict exhibit time, exhibit hall activities and informal networking opportunities. 

Exhibitor Information & Link to Register for a Booth

Hotel

PaLA has reserved a block of rooms at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos from Sunday – Tuesday, and a limited number of rooms available Saturday, at the reduced rate of $169/room plus occupancy and sales taxes.  Each room includes admission to the water park for up to 4 guests, from 10 a.m. on the day of arrival through 3 p.m. on the day of departure.  Consider bringing your family to explore this family-friendly destination!  The link to make lodging reservations will be included in your conference registration confirmation, and for exhibitors, with the exhibit service kit.

Please note that all unsold rooms in our block will expire at midnight on Friday, September 1, 2023.  After this date lodging may be available, but will be at prevailing rates.

Kalahari Lodging Update (August 30, 2023)

Rooms are still available at Kalahari at our group rate of $169 per night on Tuesday night. Regular rooms are sold out for Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights, however two-bedroom African Queen suites are available in our group block for $289 per night, which may be cost-effective for multiple staff members attending the conference.  Other hotel options