2024 Conference, Hilton Harrisburg
The PaLA 2024 Conference returned to the Hilton Harrisburg in downtown Harrisburg - Pennsylvania's State Capitol. Nearly 700 librarians, exhibitors and speakers congregated to participate in more than 80 educational sessions, a two-day Library Products & Services Expo, and numerous opportunities for informal networking. A morning of advocacy, including a press conference & a proclamation from Governor Shapiro. wrapped up this memorable event!
Kudos to the 2024 Conference Planning Committee, led by 2nd VP/2024 Conference Chair, Carolyn Blatchley & PaLA staff member, Kim Snyder Wise for a memorable event.
We'd also like to acknowledge and thank our conference sponsors and exhibitors for their support!
2024 Conference Highlights
Mychal Threets, Library Enthusiast; Social Media Sensation; Resident Librarian, PBS spread his library joy with us during an interview-style dialogue with PaLA President, Sylvia Orner, during the President's Program. In fact, Mychal's joy was found to be so infectious that he was the recipient of the American Library Association (ALA) “I love my librarian” Award and Library Journal’s 2024 Movers & Shakers Award which acknowledges the “people shaping the future of libraries.”
Sam Helmick, ALA 2024-2025 President Elect; Library Worker, Advocate, Community-Builder, Consultant, Facilitator, Marketer, Writer and Speaker explored the needful art of library advocacy with attendees of the Public Library Division Luncheon. Together, we considered the impact of telling our library stories and inviting legislators into our libraries to forge partnerships across manifest barriers to create lasting change.
In a recorded conversation with PaLA's president-elect, Karla Trout, Olympic Champion and Skating Commentator, Johnny Weir, spoke of his grassroots support of intellectual freedoms and why it's important that libraries include materials for everyone.
Conference attendees gathered at the Capitol for a press conference with Secretary of Education, Dr Khalid Mumin who presented a proclamation from Governor Shapiro designating October 9, 2024 as "PA Libraries Powering the Commonwealth Day" in Pennsylvania!
2023 Conference - Kalahari Resort, Poconos
The PaLA 2023 Conference took place at Kalahari Resort in the beautiful Pocono Mountains from October 1 - 4, 2023. Nearly 600 librarians, exhibitors and speakers congregated to participate in more than 60 educational sessions, a two-day Library Products & Services Expo, and numerous opportunities for informal networking, including a fun evening in the indoor waterpark!
This memorable event was organized by a team of volunteers led by 2nd VP/2023 Conference Chair, Rose Chiocchi, with support from PaLA staff person, Kim Snyder Wise.
Special thanks goes to our generous sponsors who provided financial support. Additionally, our exhibitor partners who brought us the latest innovations in library products & services.
2023 Conference Highlights
The Opening Keynote Session featured ALA President, Emily Drabinski, who reminded us that libraries do good work with examples of library workers who are fighting book bans and making a difference in the lives of their patrons.
On a similar note, the Closing Session feauted New York Times best-selling author, Adrianna Trigiani, whose entertaining stories and insightful message left the audience with pride in their work and excitement for the future!
