What's New

PLA is committed to using the 2020 Conference to educate, inspire, and raise awareness. Here are a few new things to look forward to in Nashville.

DAY IN THE COMMUNITY
Wednesday, February 26, 8:00 AM–1:30 PM
Explore Nashville beyond the Honky Tonk Highway! These excursions will send small groups of attendees to visit 2–3 Nashville organizations that are supporting library values of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice.
This event requires a separate registration but is SOLD OUT.

GIVE BACK & HELP NASHVILLE'S YOUTH
Thanks to everyone who helped us meet our goal!
Public libraries are the heart of every community and no one understands giving back to the community more than a public library worker. In the Exhibits Hall, attendees had the opportunity to give back to Nashville by assembling snack packs for the Oasis Center. Although originally planned for both Thursday, February 27 and Friday, February 28, attendees responded with such generosity that we’ve already assembled over 1,800 packs—the most Oasis Center can store!

Oasis Center is a nationally-recognized organization on a mission to help young people in Middle Tennessee move into a happy, healthy, and productive adulthood. Every year, they engage over 3,500 youth and families across a broad spectrum of programs and services designed to help them reach their full potential. During the day, Oasis Center opens their doors to young people ages 18–24 who are experiencing homelessness. These snack packs provide much needed nourishment for young people who are experiencing homelessness.

POP-UP SHOPS
Thursday, February 27 & Friday, February 28
Shop for a cause between program sessions! Local organizations will host pop-up shops in the Exhibits Hall, near the PLA Member Lounge, so attendees can support their missions. Participating organizations include:

• Thistle Farms is a nonprofit social enterprise, based in Nashville, dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Thistle Farms provides a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support because they believe love is the most powerful force in the world.
• BRANDED Collective works with survivors of human trafficking from Nashville-based non-profit End Slavery Tennessee. BRANDED is an economic empowerment jobs program where the women design and handcraft the jewelry collection.
• Humphreys Street, a social enterprise of Harvest Hands CDC, was born out of a desire to raise up leaders within the neighborhood by creating jobs, providing mentorship opportunities, and teaching job skills that empower youth. 100% of profits are reinvested into programs and scholarships that support their students.

WELLNESS CENTER
The PLA Wellness Center—in room 107 of the Music City Center—will be available as a quiet, reflective space for attendees Thursday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. This room will also host yoga (pre-registration required) and meditation sessions (first come, first served) throughout the conference.