Conferences & Continuing Education

We know that as the role of public libraries keeps expanding, staff must constantly adapt and absorb new responsibilities. How will they keep up? At PLA, we help keep public library professionals a step ahead through in-person and online continuing education opportunities. Our conference doesn’t just convene public library people, it welcomes them into meaningful partnership. And our continuing education opportunities don’t just improve public library services, they build public library leaders.

Conferences and Preconferences
Learn about PLA preconferences, educational programs, and special events at ALA Annual Conference and our biennial PLA Conference. Stay informed of upcoming conference and training opportunities by signing up for notifications.

Online Learning
Learn online with PLA's live webinars, on-demand webinars, and other virtual offerings. Stay informed of upcoming webinar and online training opportunities by signing up for notifications.

• Webinar Proposal Form
  If you have an idea for a webinar you'd like PLA to present, we encourage you to submit a proposal. PLA opens a call for webinar proposals twice per year, with deadlines of April 30 and October 31 of each year. Please contact plawebinars@ala.org with any questions or concerns about the webinar proposal process.

Professional Development Theory of Change
Professional development is at the heart of what we do at PLA. The Theory of Change rethinks how the public library field can approach—and PLA can support—professional development. We’re excited to introduce this new way of thinking about professional development later this year.