About the PLA Conference

Welcome!

Ramiro S. Salazar, PLA PresidentOn behalf of the Public Library Association (PLA), welcome to the PLA 2020 Conference! PLA conferences offer an unmatched opportunity for public library professionals to gather, share ideas, and learn new things. PLA 2020 will provide outstanding educational experiences for everyone and serve to raise awareness through new and innovative learning opportunities. With more than 100 top-quality education programs, inspirational and entertaining speakers, author luncheons, career and wellness centers, networking receptions, and a bustling exhibits hall, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

The conference would not be possible without our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, outstanding staff, and public library professionals like you. Thank you for all that you do!

Ramiro S. Salazar
2019–2020 PLA President
Director, San Antonio (TX) Public Library


Offered biennially, the PLA Conference is the premier event for public libraries, drawing thousands of librarians, library support staff, trustees, friends, and library vendors from across the country and around the world. This multi-day event offers over 120 top-quality education programs, inspirational and entertaining speakers, social events that include author luncheons and networking receptions, and a bustling exhibits hall featuring the latest in products and services.

The PLA Conference is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. In collaboration with its parent organization, the American Library Association, PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. Please note: PLA Conference is a professional event. It is not open to the public.

Conference Committees

PLA thanks the members of the 2020 Conference Committees. Without the hard work of such dedicated professionals, much of what we do would not be possible.

2020 Conference Committee

Conference Committee Chair

Felton Thomas, Jr., PLA 2020 Conference Committee ChairFelton Thomas, Jr.
Cleveland (OH) Public Library

Conference Program Subcommittee Chair

Juliane Morian, Rochester Hills Public Library, Rochester, MI

Conference Local Arrangements Subcommittee Chair

Kenton L. Oliver, Nashville (TN) Public Library

Conference Committee Members

Susan R. Earl, The John P. Holt Brentwood Library, Brentwood, TN
Luis Herrera
Kimberly J. Johnson, Tulsa (OK) City-County Library
Jean Duncan McFarren, Cleveland (OH) Public Library
Ramiro S. Salazar, San Antonio (TX) Public Library
Pamela Smith, Anythink Libraries, Thornton, CO
Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne, Palo Alto (CA) City Library

2020 Conference Program Subcommittee

The 2020 Conference Program Subcommittee is a critical part of conference planning. Chaired by Juliane Morian, this hard-working group reviews and approves the educational line-up. This two-year committee includes:

Ignacio Matias Albarracin, Prince George (BC, Canada) Public Library
Michael James Bobish, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Ahslee M. Chavez, Corvallis (OR) Benton County Public Library
Jessica Jupitus, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA
Kimberly Bray Knight, Chesapeake (VA) Public Library
Glenda Lammers, Manatee County Library System, Bradenton, FL
Aurora Martinez, Morley Library, Mentor, OH
Laura M. McGrath, Skokie (IL) Public Library
Trina C. Smith, Saint John the Baptist Parish Library, Laplace, LA
Bethany Wilson, Texas STate Library & Archives Commission, Austin, TX
Felicia P. Wilson, Nashville (TN) Public Library