Hallie Rich, Matt Enis,

Despite concerns, librarians will assemble for the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis; LJ talks to the PLA presidential candidates.

This year’s American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, held from June 26–30 in Philadelphia, drew 14,250 participants: librarians and library staff, authors, publishers, educators, and exhibitors, including 165 international members. While still not up to pre-pandemic attendance levels, the conference was—by all accounts—buzzing and busy, with well-attended sessions and a bustling exhibit floor.