2024 Annual Conference Preview

San Diego’s famously sunny reputation may rest on its Mediterranean climate, but “America’s Finest City” has more to offer than beaches and breezes. As the former stomping ground of Theodor Geisel (also known as Dr. Seuss; see our By the Numbers) and Raymond Chandler—and the place where speculative-fiction stars Kim Stanley Robinson and Cindy Pon got their start—it’s only fitting that this literary city host the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will be held June 27–July 2 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Annual promises an array of educational programs, speakers and authors, unique exhibitors, awards and celebrations, and networking opportunities. Making a return appearance from LibLearnX in January, a selection of Timely Topics—categories of sessions pertaining to current, critical issues in the profession—will be featured: artificial intelligence (AI), health and wellness, intellectual freedom, justice-involved services, and strategic partnerships. Note that the Digital Experience, a virtual option conceived in response to the pandemic, will not be returning this conference as a result of declining participation.

This preview offers a small sample of what to expect. For registration information and a complete list of events, visit alaannual.org.

Featured speakers

Check the Annual Conference Scheduler for the latest information on dates, times, and locations.

John and Anni Furniss have amassed nearly 2 million followers on TikTok as TheBlindWoodsman. John, who is blind, has been a woodworker for 20 years. Anni, a mixed media artist for more than three decades, previously worked at Fort Vancouver (Wash.) Regional Libraries. They will talk about their book, The Blind Woodsman, 9–10 a.m. Saturday, June 29. The book is an account of John’s journey through depression, drug addiction, and anxiety.

Jay’Aina “Jay Jay” Patton is an 18-year-old coder, app developer, entrepreneur, and author. Her father, Antoine Patton, is a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur, software engineer, and author. Together, they created Photo Patch, an app that allows children to send drawings, letters, and photos to their parents who are incarcerated. They will discuss Jay Jay’s new graphic-novel memoir, Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison—and How We Stayed Connected (Scholastic, September), 11 a.m.–noon Saturday, June 29.

Poet, educator, and New York Times–bestselling author Kwame Alexander will discuss his new book, Black Star (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September), 1–2 p.m. Saturday, June 29. Set during the beginning of the Great Migration, it is the second book in Alexander’s The Door of No Return trilogy. Alexander has written 39 books, including The Crossover, a Newbery Medal–winning novel and now a Disney+ TV series that premiered in 2023.

Academy Award–nominated actor, producer, author, and mental-health advocate Taraji P. Henson will share the inspiration behind her debut picture book, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!), illustrated by Paul Kellum, 4–5 p.m Saturday, June 29. The picture book, new this June from Zonderkidz, follows Lil TJ on her first day of school as she navigates making friends, handling bullies, and staying true to herself. Henson is known for her roles in the films Hidden Figures and The Color Purple and the TV series Empire.

Actor and author Max Greenfield will share the inspiration behind his new picture book Good Night Thoughts (G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, September), 9:30–10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 30. The book offers a message about acknowledging worry without succumbing to it—especially at night, when anxiety-provoking thoughts are prevalent. Greenfield is known for his roles as Schmidt on Fox’s New Girl and Dave on CBS’s The Neighborhood.

Ali Velshi is a chief correspondent for MSNBC and host of the TV segment and podcast Velshi Banned Book Club and TV segment Velshi Across America. He has covered many international stories, including Israel’s war with Hamas, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Syrian refugee crisis. He will discuss his new book, Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy (St. Martin’s Press, May), 11 a.m.–noon Sunday, June 30. The book taps into 125 years of his own family history to explore the importance of activism, social justice, and democratic progress.

Maggie Nichols is a five-time US Gymnastics National Team member and NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Champion. In 2015, she won a gold medal with the US team during the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. She will discuss her memoir, Unstoppable! (Roaring Brook Press, January), 1–2 p.m. Sunday, June 30. The book covers the world of elite gymnastics, including the sex abuse scandal involving physiatrist Larry Nassar and the process of healing and seeking justice.

Join ALA President Emily Drabinski for her President’s Program, “The Heart of Our Story: A Celebration of Library Workers,” 3:30–5 p.m. Sunday, June 30. Panelists will include Christina Gavin, librarian at Midwood High School in Brooklyn, New York; Gerald B. Moore, manager of Charleston County (S.C.) Public Library’s Dorchester Road branch; Kathleen Nubel, adult services librarian at Des Moines (Iowa) Public Library; and Angela Watkins, director of Aztec (N.Mex.) Public Library.

Education programs

Fostering Conversation and Connection among Community Members with Contrasting Political Views
9–10 a.m. Saturday, June 29
StoryCorps’s One Small Step program brings strangers with different political views together to record a 50-minute conversation and hear each other’s perspectives. The recordings are then archived at the Library of Congress. In this session, workers who implemented the program at their libraries will share their experiences with One Small Step and how other institutions can participate. Attendees will leave with actionable steps and a readiness checklist.

It’s Not Just for Teens: Building Great Manga Collections for Adults
11 a.m.–noon Saturday, June 29
Each year, more and more manga for adult readers is translated and published, as many readers who grew up on classic titles have aged out of their library’s teen section, where the genre often appears. At this session, attendees will learn how to develop a collection of manga for adult readers, conduct adjacent outreach and programming activities, and respond to ongoing category trends.

Play Imagine Experience: Transforming Access to Early Childhood Literacy Skills
4–5 p.m. Saturday, June 29
Presenters from Waltham (Mass.) Public Library will discuss how they created the Play Imagine Experience (PIE), themed installations that let children engage in interactive play and develop early literacy skills. PIE rooms feature bilingual STEM prompts, curated book and music lists, mini collections of books, and other hands-on activities.

Turning the Page: How to Design a Library for the Future
9–10 a.m. Sunday, June 30
How can you design a library that addresses your community’s evolving needs? This session will cover the process from start to finish, from selecting the layout to organizing a successful grand opening. Participants will learn how to work with their design team, build connections with community partners, and develop a unified vision.

Top 10 Things Every Library Board Member Should Know—but Often Doesn’t
11 a.m.–noon Sunday, June 30
Too often, library board members resist training, assuming their experience on one nonprofit board adequately prepares them for a similar role at the library. In this session, attendees will learn the characteristics of a good board orientation, the importance of involving board members in advocacy, and how to help members reach their full potential.

Multitudes: The Power of Authentic and Diverse Representation in Muslim Stories
2:30–3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30
This session, featuring a panel of Muslim authors and educators, will explore stories from their cultures that are often underrepresented, misrepresented, or banned. Participants will learn how to identify gaps in—and advocate for—authentic Muslim representation in books for all ages.

Advancing Diversity in Librarianship: The Role of African American Professionals
10:30–11:30 a.m. Monday, July 1
Speakers will present key findings from a survey of more than 350 African American librarians, emphasizing their crucial role in boosting diversity in the profession. This session will help attendees understand the achievements and challenges African American librarians face, discover potential ways to support and amplify their contributions, and learn how they serve as agents of social change.

For the Love of Libraries: The Untold Story of a Community That Saved 148 Libraries
2:30–3:30 p.m. Monday, July 1
In 2012, Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County, Colorado, faced a crisis: Half of its 125 library positions across 148 schools were in danger of being eliminated. Saving those programs depended on voters approving a tax increase of $170 million. This session will share the story of how 120 teacher-librarians launched a successful grassroots campaign to advocate for their libraries to the larger community. Attendees will hear how the campaign was organized, how it saw success on social media, and tips for avoiding or navigating budget cuts.

Timely Topics

Below is a small selection of sessions representing the conference’s Timely Topics: AI, health and wellness, intellectual freedom, justice-involved services, and strategic partnerships. Click here for more information.

Cultivating Community Relationships: Bridging the Gap between Libraries and High School Career and Technical Education
9–10 a.m. Saturday, June 29
In 2022, St. Louis’ Sumner Senior High School, St. Louis Public Library, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville formed a partnership to introduce Black career and technical education students to professional careers in library and information science. In this session, participants will learn how to build successful cross-community partnerships to support programs that bridge career and technical education and libraries.

When to Tap In and Tap Out: Nurturing Resilience and Renewing Bonds in Library Teams
9–10 a.m. Saturday, June 29
Branch Tap-Ins invite senior leaders and administrators to temporarily step into branch roles, gaining insight into the daily operations of their library while staffers enjoy an offsite retreat focused on team building and strategic planning. Presenters from Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library will discuss their experiences conducting a Branch Tap-In, how the model prioritizes staffers’ self-care, and the importance of trauma-informed leadership.

Soft Censorship of LGBTQIA+ Content and Its Chilling Effect on the Children’s Book World
1–2 p.m. Saturday, June 29
This panel will cover the distressing impact of book bans on LGBTQIA+ children’s books and their creators, the concept of soft censorship, and ways to include LGBTQIA+ books in library programming. Panelists include authors Vicki Johnson (Molly’s Tuxedo) and Darcie Little Badger (A Snake Falls to Earth), author and illustrator Katherine Roy (Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California’s Farallon Islands), and Antonio Gonzales Cerna, marketing director at children’s book publisher Levine Querido.

Depositing Joy: Programming and Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness
11 a.m.–noon Sunday, June 30
Participants will learn how Kenosha (Wis.) Public Library established strong partnerships with emergency family shelters by offering program kits that contain everything needed for a fun themed activity and a small selection of diverse, popular, and age-appropriate materials. This session will cover how to replicate this model and give three program kit examples.

How Your Library Can Support Users Impacted by Incarceration: Standards Launch
2:30–3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30
This session will empower librarians and information workers to create or improve library services and programs for people who are incarcerated or in the process of reentry. To mark the official launch of ALA’s Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or Detained, presenters will detail implementation strategies for the standards within their institutions, educational programs, and external organizations.

Beyond the Audit: Embracing the Freedom to Read through Curation and Promotion of Inclusive Collections
10:30–11:30 a.m. Monday, July 1
After a diversity audit, what’s next? This program will cover strategies for making library collections more diverse and inclusive and promoting these efforts in an era of book challenges. Attendees will learn how to identify policies that support this work and how to design a promotion plan for their diverse and inclusive collections beyond celebration and heritage months.

Generative Artificial Intelligence, Libraries, and the People They Serve: A Guided Discussion
1–2 p.m. Monday, July 1
Panelists will discuss how information professionals have approached generative AI and how it affects the services they provide. Participants will learn how to talk about generative AI with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public; locate and use resources to enhance AI literacy in their community; and find interest groups on these issues.

Planting the Future: Five Ways to Promote Biodiversity
in Your Community
4–5 p.m. Monday, July 1
What are five actions librarians can take to promote biodiversity in their communities? From creating native seed libraries to converting library landscaping into pollinator-friendly spaces (even for those with limited options), attendees will learn about different pathways to practicing sustainability at their institutions.

Division, round table, and affiliate presidents’ programs

GNCRT President’s Program: Queer Joy in Comics
9–10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29
In recent years, queer books and comics have experienced record numbers of challenges throughout the country. As a result, the current narrative around queer comics is one of struggle, pain, and erasure. Join Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) President Shira Pilarski and a panel of special guests who will celebrate queer joy in comics, graphic novels, manga, and other types of sequential art.

Nakikita: The Rise of Filipino Creatives in Literature and Beyond
10:30 a.m.–noon Saturday, June 29
In Tagalog, nakikita means “seen.” While Filipino creatives are gaining prominence in major music, literature, television, and movie projects, finding representation has been an uphill battle. This year’s Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association President’s Program will focus on how Filipinos are breaking barriers.

Workplace Belonging Matters: Key Insights for Library Professionals
10:30 a.m.–noon Saturday, June 29
The Association of College and Research Libraries’ President’s Program will feature Terrell Strayhorn, president and CEO of consulting group Do Good Work and director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs and associate provost at Virginia Union University in Richmond. Strayhorn will discuss how libraries can create an inclusive environment in which all employees feel valued, respected, and connected.

Somewhere Over the Arcoiris: Conversations on Queer Latinidad in Libraries
2:30–3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29
At this year’s president’s program from Reforma: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, Latinx library professionals and community partners will address challenges in the field, such as defeating imposter syndrome and navigating inherent and internalized homophobia. Conversations will also cover community response to programming and services created by, for, or in celebration of queer Latinx library workers and how these offerings can be adapted to libraries everywhere.

United for Libraries President’s Program
3–4 p.m. Saturday, June 29
United for Libraries (UFL) President Gordon Baker will host Emmy Award–winning journalist Connie Chung, who made history as the first woman to coanchor CBS Evening News. Chung will discuss her forthcoming memoir, Connie (Grand Central Publishing, September), which chronicles her career as a woman of Asian descent in a white male–centered world.

 

Core President’s Program and Awards
4–5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29
In this session hosted by Core President Wendy Tressler, actor Jay Ellis will discuss his forthcoming memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood (One World, July), which recounts how his imaginary sidekick helped him navigate life’s challenges. Ellis is known for his NAACP Image Award–winning role as Lawrence in the TV series Insecure and has starred in the films Escape Room and Top Gun: Maverick. The Career Lift Awards, Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship in Library and Information Technology, Core Presidential Citations, and Margaret Mann Citation will also be presented.

Illuminating the Legacy of Illustrious African American Librarians
1–2:30 p.m. Monday, July 1
Join Association for Library Service to Children President Jonda C. McNair for a conversation about the work of renowned African American librarians such as Charlemae Hill Rollins and Augusta Baker. In addition to hearing about these librarians’ achievements, participants will have the opportunity to peruse historical materials.

Books, authors, and celebrations

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from—and celebrate—dozens of bestselling authors and illustrators at Annual. Click here for more information on ticketed events.

Michael L. Printz Awards
8–10 p.m. Friday, June 28
Join the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and Booklist for the Michael L. Printz Award Ceremony, during which A. S. King, editor of this year’s award winner The Collectors: Stories, will deliver a speech on behalf of himself and the anthology’s other nine contributors: M. T. Anderson, e. E. Charlton-Trujillo, David Levithan, Cory McCarthy, Anna-Marie McLemore, G. Neri, Jason Reynolds, Randy Ribay, and Jenny Torres Sanchez. A dessert and cocktail reception will follow. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 onsite for YALSA members, $50 in advance and $55 onsite for ALA members, and $55 in advance and $60 onsite for nonmembers.

GNCRT Magical Comics Tea
1–3 p.m. Saturday, June 29
Join this GNCRT-hosted afternoon tea, when comics creators and enthusiasts will talk about upcoming titles and projects. Don your best teatime outfit or come as you are. Tickets are $20 for GNCRT members, $10 for student ALA members, and $35 for non-GNCRT members.

The Laugh’s on Us
5:30–7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29
UFL spokesperson Paula Poundstone, along with several other humor writers and comedians, will entertain the crowd at this wine and cheese event. A book signing will follow, with free copies for attendees subject to availability. Tickets are $60 in advance for UFL members, $65 in advance for ALA members and nonmembers, and $70 onsite.

Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction Award Ceremony and Reception
7–10 p.m. Saturday, June 29
This year’s ceremony will honor 2024 Carnegie Medals winners Amanda Peters (for her novel The Berry Pickers) and Roxanna Asgarian (for her nonfiction work We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America). Held at San Diego Public Library, the event will feature US inaugural poet Richard Blanco as keynote speaker, speeches from the winning authors, and a book signing. Tickets are $25.

55th Annual Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast
7–9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 30
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast will celebrate leading authors and illustrators of exemplary children’s books that depict African American experiences. Attendees will hear remarks from 2024 winners Ibi Zoboi (for Nigeria Jones) and Dare Coulter (for An American Story) and honorees. Tickets are $65 in advance, $75 onsite.

Newbery-Caldecott-Legacy Awards Banquet
6:30–10:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30
Celebrate the authors and illustrators of this year’s most distinguished books for children at this event, which will commemorate Newbery Medal winner Dave Eggers (see our Newsmaker interview), Caldecott Medal winner Vashti Harrison, and Children’s Literature Legacy Award winner Pam Muñoz Ryan, along with other honorees. Tickets are $99.

Gala Author Tea
2–4 p.m. Monday, July 1
Indulge in tea and treats while hearing from bestselling writers, including Chloe Gong, Justinian Huang, and Tom Ryan, about their forthcoming projects. Attendees will receive advance copies and have them signed by authors (subject to availability). Tickets are $60 in advance for UFL members, $65 in advance for ALA members and nonmembers, and $70 onsite.

International Librarians Reception
5–7 p.m. Monday, July 1
Join the ALA International Relations Round Table in welcoming and celebrating librarians from more than 70 countries. This reception, open to all attendees, offers networking opportunities with hundreds of information professionals. ALA President Drabinski will recognize the recipient of the ALA Presidential Citation for Innovative International Projects, along with other award winners. Tickets are $40.

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JobLIST Placement Center

ALA’s JobLIST Placement and Career Development Center aims to help job seekers at any stage of their careers retool their skills, prepare to job hunt, and connect with potential employers. For the first time, the center will offer career guidance workshops. Click here for more information and to view all services.

Career Coaching 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30. Speak one-on-one with a professional counselor who can help you plan your next career move, solve a current job problem, and set clear goals. Each session is 20 minutes and confidential. Click here to sign up for an appointment.

Mentoring on the Fly 9 a.m.–noon Saturday, June 29, and 1–4 p.m. Sunday, June 30. Seeking career-related advice? Attend short sessions with mentors from academic and public libraries. Walk-ins only.

Photography Services 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30. Need a fresh headshot? For $20, receive a set of digital images for use in job applications, social media, and networking opportunities. Walk-ins welcome.

Résumé Writing Workshop 9:30–10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29. Creating the perfect CV can be a daunting task. This workshop provides guidance on how to create or revise a résumé, whether you’re approaching library school graduation, searching for a new position, or just wanting to do some fine-tuning. Bring your laptop or a printed copy of your résumé to work on during the session.

Open House and Job Fair 10:30 a.m.–noon Sunday, June 30. During this event, employers will talk about their institutions and share job openings with attendees. Employers must sign up in advance. Registration is not required for job seekers.

Library Marketplace

The Library Marketplace is a space to learn, network, and have fun. In the exhibit hall, registrants can explore the latest library services, attend book talks, meet notable authors, watch short films and trailers, and grab swag to take home. Also in this space: the Book Buzz Theater, Chapter One, Diversity in Publishing, Graphic Novel and Gaming, PopTop, Look of Books, TechTalk, ThinkFit @ ALA, and What’s Cooking @ ALA stages.

ALA Store

The ALA Store will be in Lobby E, near registration and the entrance to the Library Marketplace. It will be open noon–5:30 p.m. Friday, June 28; 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30; and 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday, July 1.

Governance Meetings

Friday, June 28
ALA-APA Board of Directors Meeting, 8:30–9 a.m.
ALA Executive Board Meeting I, 9 a.m.–noon

Saturday, June 29
Council Orientation, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
ALA-APA Council Meeting, 9:30–10 a.m.
ALA Council I Meeting, 10 a.m.–noon

Sunday, June 30
ALA Council II Meeting, 9–11:30 a.m.

Monday, July 1
ALA Council III Meeting, 9–11:30 a.m.
ALA Executive Board Meeting II, 1–5 p.m.

Accessibility

ALA wants to ensure that everyone’s conference experience is pleasant and accessible. Accessibility measures at Annual include captioning during main sessions, accessible shuttle buses, acceptance of leader animals, mobility assistance, American Sign Language interpreters, and accessible rooms in the hotel block. Click here for more information.

Community of Care

ALA has implemented a Community of Care at Annual, with the goal of enhancing a sense of community and safety by upholding a Code of Conduct and providing attendees with tangible support. Among the resources available at Annual are the Community of Care Quiet Room for those looking for a quiet space during conference and onsite counseling sessions with mental health professionals. Click here to read more about this initiative.

Stay Connected

• Visit alaannual.org
• Follow @ALAConferences and track #alaac24 on X, formerly known as Twitter
• Join the Facebook event
• Keep up on Instagram with #alaac24 and @americanlibraryassociation