About the PLA Conference

Welcome!

On behalf of the Public Library Association (PLA), welcome to the PLA 2022 Conference! Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to share ideas, learn from, and support one another. PLA 2022 will offer over 100 educational sessions—curated by public libraries for public libraries—that reflect the innovation, creativity, adaptability, and diversity we’ve seen emerge from the public library field since the pandemic.

The Portland community provides a vibrant backdrop for our conference, where we will amplify equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ) issues and ideas through diverse programming, dynamic speakers and authors, and partnerships with local organizations. We will use our presence in the City of Roses to elevate the important role public libraries play in advancing EDISJ in their own communities.

I know we’ve been through a lot since we were last together at PLA 2020, and I look forward to coming together again—even stronger—to show how public libraries are the heart of every community.

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!

Melanie Huggins
2021–2022 PLA President
Executive Director, Richland Library, Columbia, SC

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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 100 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 2022 Conference Committees. Without the hard work of such dedicated professionals, much of what we do would not be possible.

2022 Conference Committee

Conference Committee Co-Chairs

 

Conference Program Subcommittee Chair

Laura M. McGrath, Skokie (IL) Public Library

Conference Local Arrangements Subcommittee Chair

Vailey Oehlke, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Conference Committee Members

Melanie Wilson Huggins, Richland Library, Columbia, SC
Ramiro S. Salazar, San Antonio (TX) Public Library
Amita Kaur Lonial, Tacoma (WA) Public Library

2022 Conference Program Subcommittee

The 2022 Conference Program Subcommittee is a critical part of conference planning. Chaired by Laura M. McGrath, this hard-working group reviews and approves the educational line-up. This two-year committee includes:

Angela Monique Bennett, Henrico County Public Library
Ahslee M. Chavez, Corvallis (OR) Benton County Public Library
Jennifer L. Ferriss, Saratoga Springs (NY) Public Library
David Greene, Morristown and Morris Township Library, Morristown, NJ
Jessica Jupitus, Tempe Public Library, Tempe, AZ
Melissa McCallister, Mesa (AZ) Public Library
Brittany Lynn Millington, Champaign (IL) Public Library
Padma Polepeddi, Jefferson County Public Library Lakewood (CO) Library
Trista Noelle Smith, Ohio Township Public Library System, Newburgh, IN
Meghan A. Sullivan, North Olympic (WA) Library System
Sandy Wee, San Mateo County Libraries, San Mateo, CA
Paige Wilson, Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN