American Library Association 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition

Join the American Library Association (ALA) for the 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition, the world's largest library event, taking place June 25–29, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Celebrating ALA's 150th anniversary, this milestone gathering will bring together more than 15,000 librarians, library workers, educators, authors, publishers, exhibitors, advocates, and industry leaders from around the globe for five days of learning, networking, inspiration, and innovation.

Attendees will have access to hundreds of educational sessions, governance meetings, leadership programs, networking opportunities, and special events focused on the future of libraries and the communities they serve. The conference will feature more than 600 exhibitors, approximately 700 authors, and a vibrant Library Marketplace showcasing the latest products, services, and publishing innovations.

Featured speakers include Rachel Maddow, who will headline the Opening General Session and Dr. Jill Biden, appearing as a featured guest for the ALA President's Program. Additional featured guests include Billy Porter, Lois Lowry, Melissa Villaseñor, Min Jin Lee, George M. Johnson, and Kimberlé Crenshaw.

Conference highlights include the ALA150 exhibit celebrating 150 years of library leadership and advocacy, author meet-and-greet opportunities, career development resources through the ALA JobLIST Placement and Career Development Center, and extensive programming from ALA divisions, committees, and round tables.

As ALA commemorates a century and a half of impact, the 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to honor the profession's legacy while exploring new ideas, building meaningful connections, and shaping the future of libraries.

https://2026.alaannual.org/schedule-glance