📌 Why You'll Surely* See Me at ALA 2025

I've been enamored with ALA conferences since a certain 2007 Youtube video

In my past “higher education marketing” life, one of the perks I most treasured (besides using my marketing powers for good) was that because we were at the University of Texas at Austin, we got to go to SxSW Interactive every year. I loved everythang about that conference (even the t-shirts), especially during that heady Interwebz boom era of the late-naughts. I attended interesting panels, screenings and talks, and got to meet tech people I admired (the delightful Craig Newmark even autographed one of my very favorite Craigslist ads!)

Anyway, one of my many favorite “I saw it at SxSWI” things was a video titled “March of the Librarians,” which was a spoof of the super-popular-at-the-time (thank you, mail-order Netflix!) doco, “March of the Penguins.” Still, as awesome as penguins are, this version intrigued me the most. WHAT was this conference? What did the librarians really do there?

Looking back, it’s funny that the ALA’s Midwinter Meeting was in Seattle that year. Did this help wiggle Seattle into a “cool spot maybe someday to check out/great place to start a literary career” cerebral crevasse? Can’t rule it out!

So, let me back up just a little and explain (from what I’ve learned since then).

The American Library Association (ALA) is a non-profit organization promoting libraries and library education internationally. Founded in 1876, it is also the world's oldest and largest library association. While you may not know the organization on a first-name basis (yet), you’ve definitely seen the results of its tireless efforts in advocacy (including Banned Books Week), library-related services (such as the journal Booklist), and literature (such as conferring many, many book and media awards, including the Newbery and Caldecott). In short, they are a powerhouse organization of devoted library workers and lovers. (Hubba hubba.)

As part of all it does, the ALA puts on a veritable smorgasbord of conferences each year: virtual, regional, and national. And the national one they are most well-known for in kidlit circles is their Annual Conference & Exhibition, which typically brings 9-16k librarians, library staff, educators, authors, publishers, friends of libraries, speakers, and exhibitors. It moves around depending on the year but will be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia in 2025! (Cue the Rocky theme…)

“Who wants a Pat’s cheesesteak with their books next year?” “Meeeeee!”

I’ve been hearing from friends who went this year, and to say there was some FOMO on my part is an understatement—they all raved about their experiences!

And now, shock of shocks, I find myself with a book to promote next year! :) Barring a few odd potentialities, I can’t wait to have my first ALA conference attendance be related to such an exciting time in my profession.

Will you be there next year? Maybe we can meet up!

Your “looking forward to my Phil of ALA” friend,

Elayne

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* The only potential hiccup would be if my son’s graduation date conflicts—though, so far, it doesn’t seem likely. Still, I will feel better booking when his dates are finalized—wouldn’t miss that for the world!