The American Library Association (ALA) announced March 11 that its Executive Board has decided not to hold LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in 2026, citing financial reasons and other factors. LibLearnX will be held January 24–27, 2025, in Phoenix as scheduled. ALA’s full announcement reads as follows:
“After careful evaluation and analysis of financial and other critical factors, the American Library Association Executive Board has decided that LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience will not be held in 2026.
As ALA looks ahead, efforts are under way to determine how best to present some of the most beloved celebratory events traditionally held at the January conference, including the I Love My Librarian Awards; the RUSA Book and Media Awards, which features the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction; the Martin Luther King Jr. Sunrise Celebration; and the Youth Media Awards.
In the process of transitioning, the American Library Association will consult with the respective committees, round tables, and member leaders. Their valuable insights and perspectives will be integral in shaping the direction of these events. This collaborative approach underscores ALA’s commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to the diverse voices within its membership and esteem for the history and impact of their work. The board is actively thinking about the experiences and value ALA provides to its members.
Stay tuned for further updates as the board works to redefine and elevate members’ shared experiences for years to come.
The Executive Board affirmed that LibLearnX will be held January 24–27, 2025, in Phoenix as planned. Watch for more details and mark your calendars for next January.”
On March 13, ALA announced that ALA President Emily Drabinski, the Executive Board and Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger will hold a town hall at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 19 to answer member questions about the state of the association. To ensure that as many questions as possible are answered, submit questions by March 15.
Edited March 13, 2024, with information about the newly announced town hall.
