Attendees of the annual American Library Association conference have gathered in recent years amid censorship attempts and attacks on libraries.

With President Trump’s attempt to dissolve the Institute of Museum & Library Services, drastic cuts to library and education funding, and a campaign to purge diverse books led by the White House, this year may feel particularly dire to many headed to Philadelphia.

“The world feels completely horrible and just so wrong these days,” says Ellen Oh. The author will take part in a Saturday panel on horror books in children’s literature entitled “Safe Spaces in Scary Books” on Saturday at ALA Annual, held June 26-30 in Philadelphia. “I’m looking forward to seeing librarians, writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and all the publishing folks who make up the best and supportive community. Just being among people who care about books is healing.”

Oh wants to connect with those like her who are actively fighting censorship and book bans.

“There are so many of us—especially the [Authors Against Book Bans] members who are fighting in every single state, and Texas Freedom to Read and Florida Freedom to Read,” Oh says.

ALA Annual is a chance for authors and librarians to support one another, celebrate books and libraries, and perhaps, most importantly, find strength in community.

“Depending on the type of library in which one works, a librarian’s job can sometimes be isolating,” says Lucy Podmore, librarian at Clark High School in San Antonio, TX. “A large conference can feel like you’ve unlocked a secret door to folks who share a common bond in the library world.”

Sessions to note

Podmore will be taking part in two sessions: co-presenting “Hyping History: Highlighting History in a High School Library” with fellow district librarian Sheryl Stoeck on Sunday and presenting her program “Freedom Walk—Celebrating Our Students’ Freedom to Read” on Monday.

“My goal is to help librarians understand that presenting students with information about how books make it to our library shelves or information about their First Amendment rights doesn’t have to be dry or intimidating,” Podmore says. “As information professionals we know how to present facts in a way that is engaging and encourages our communities to want to learn more. The Freedom Walk is a program that can be adapted for different communities, age levels and even cross over into public libraries.”

It is one of many sessions throughout the conference highlighting the freedom to read. The ALA schedule lists 29 panels and presentations about “Upholding Intellectual Freedom and Information Access”.

Advocacy is an extension of that work, and librarians will have plenty of opportunities to explore their role in advocating for free speech, book access, and supporting students. On Sunday, Gina Seymour, librarian at Islip (NY) High School, is presenting, “Youth Social Action in the Library: Cultivating Change Makers.”

“The goal is to empower librarians to support social action and civic engagement among students,” says Seymour. “The session aims to inspire attendees to see the library as a center for youth social action, integrating empathy, advocacy, and social justice into programming.”

A veteran of ALA conferences—“each time, I come away with new insights and renewed enthusiasm for the work we do”—Seymour knows she will find similarly dedicated peers.

“I’m most looking forward to the vibrant exchange of ideas and the opportunity to connect with fellow librarians who share a passion for social justice and youth advocacy,” she says.

She is also excited for Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer’s opening keynote.

“I’ve heard Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and Sonia Sotomayor at Annual,” says Seymour. “Hearing these women speak is truly inspiring. Their words and experiences motivate and empower listeners to strive for greatness and make a positive impact in the world.”

Beyond Whitmer, the other big-name featured speakers include George Takei, who will be talking about his new adult graphic novel It Rhymes With Takei; children’s and YA authors Angeline Boulley and Grace Lin; comedian Roy Wood, Jr., who has written a memoir; and actor Geena Davis, whose children’s book, The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page, was published in April.

Another session that is bound to be a big draw is a sitdown between Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress fired by President Trump in May, and author Kwame Alexander. The two will discuss "the current state of libraries and the challenges library professionals are facing not only in America but across the world, from book bans to library funding. Attendees can look forward to an informative discussion on the importance of libraries as cornerstones of democracy," according to the June 12 press release announcing the event at 1 p.m. on Saturday June 28.

Those lucky enough to have tickets to the Newbery-Caldecott-Legacy Awards Banquet on Sunday night will hear from Erin Entrada Kelly (Newbery winner The First State of Being); Rebecca Lee Kunz (Caldecott Medal winner Chooch Helped); and Carole Boston Weatherford, who received the Children’s Literacy Legacy Award.

Networking, nationally

For Stoeck, who is presenting with Podmore, this is her first trip to a national conference.

“I am looking forward to getting ideas for teaching and programming that I haven’t had the opportunity to learn from state and local conferences I’ve attended, as well as networking with publishers and librarians from beyond Texas,” Stoeck says.

National conferences enable educators and public librarians to get outside their day-to-day jobs and connect with a national network of peers “who share similar challenges, passions, and goals,” says Nancy Sullivan, teacher librarian at McDaniel High School in Portland, OR.

Sullivan and fellow Portland area teacher librarian Paige Battle from Grant High School are presenting “Showcasing Student Voice: Elevate Your School Library Program and Ignite Community Connections” on Saturday.

The pair also plans to take in some sites: Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site, the Rosenbach Museum and Library, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

As for their session, Battle hopes attendees will be inspired to or expand on existing ones) expand on student voice and art in their library programming. “Storytelling, in particular, is dear to my heart.… I believe that sharing our stories with one another helps build empathy—something so very much needed right now.”

Sullivan wants to hear about specific programs from other librarians and gain a big-picture perspective and inspiration from her peers.

“I look forward to exchanging ideas, discovering program ideas, and recharging my sense of purpose,” she says. “I love being together in person for the collaboration, creativity, and solidarity opportunities, which remind me I’m part of something bigger. This year, I hope to return with fresh strategies, inspiration from thought leaders, and practical tools to support equity, engagement, and literacy—especially for the diverse student community I serve.”

She’s also looking forward to an authentic Philly cheesesteak.