Welcome to the Fall 2025 issue of the PNLA quarterly newsletter.
The Fall newsletter is filled with upcoming conference information, state and province news, a great letter from our President, banned book week info, as well as other great articles.
We’re happy to announce that submissions for the 2026 joint Oregon Library Association (OLA) / Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA) Conference sessions are now open!
2026 Conference session proposal form
The deadline for program session submissions is Monday, October 20.
This year’s theme is “Get Loud for Libraries,” a galvanizing call to action to unify libraries for mutual support and deep collaboration.
Proposals from all library types are encouraged.
Great sessions inform, inspire, and empower. Great proposals identify the target audience and expected takeaways. We will prioritize providing a wide variety of learning opportunities, including sessions that model a flipped-classroom approach, offer opportunities for sharing experiences, and encourage participants to tell their stories. Note there will be no pre-conference sessions.
Consider the following categories when submitting your proposal:
Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Libraries
Building Inclusive and Diverse Communities
Collaborative Strategies for Lifelong Learning
Strengthening Library Partnerships: Local to Global
Sustainability, Advocacy, and the Future of Libraries
Mutual Aid for Libraries and Library Communities
Legislative and Social Activism and Advocacy
Have an out-of-the-box idea? Let us know!
Sessions will be reviewed by a committee using an EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism) lens. Presenters who submit similar proposals may be asked to combine sessions. Session reviewers may reach out for clarifications or requests regarding proposals.
Lead presenters will be notified of their session’s status by January 6.
The 2026 OLA/PNLA Conference will be held in Portland from Wednesday, April 22 through Friday, April 24.
The 2026 OLA/PNLA Joint Conference will be held April 22–24, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Columbia Riverfront in Portland, Oregon. Mark your calendars!
The theme, "Get Loud for Libraries," is a call to action to unify libraries through mutual support and deep collaboration.
A call for session proposals will open in mid-September, with more details about the theme and guidelines. Now is a great time to brainstorm ideas, connect with colleagues, and start shaping potential presentations. The program committee looks forward to reviewing your proposals and showcasing your creative contributions.
The PNLA Summer 2025 newsletter is out! Find out:
Results for the 2025 Young Reader's Choice Award are in!
Find out who won.
The Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA) is hosting a virtual conference to be held August 7-9, 2025.
The theme for this year's conference is Reach Further: Connecting Libraries Beyond the Screen.
As libraries continue to evolve in a digital-first world, we want to explore innovative ways to bridge the gap between virtual and physical spaces, enhancing connections with patrons, communities, and colleagues - both online and off!
Early Bird Pricing: Take advantage of our discounted rates by registering early! (End date: July 3, 2025)
A Mail-In Registration option is available.
Check out the conference schedule & register today by going to https://pnla.org/conference-2025
Use the hashtag #PNLA2025 on social media.
PNLA is looking for interested persons to fill two upcoming elected positions, President Elect and Secretary-Treasurer.
Elections for these positions are scheduled for May 2025, both officers will begin their terms in August 2025.
Each position is vital to PNLA. The VP-President Elect is a three-year term. Due to the resignation of our previous VP-President Elect, this officer will move into the President’s office in August. This officer will hold the President’s position for one year and the following year be Past President for PNLA.
The Secretary-Treasurer position is a two-year term, August 2025-August 2027.
Both positions are not extremely time-consuming. If you know of someone who would be interested in serving or if you would like to serve yourself, please contact Debbi Kramer, PNLA Executive Director at debkramerpnla@gmail.com
These elected positions are an excellent way to get leadership experience. Remember PNLA doesn’t have to deal with legislative issues as state and provincial organizations do and as Executive Director, Debbi will be with you every step of the way to assist you in any way possible and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The PNLA Virtual Conference will be held August 7-9, 2025.
Find out more about the upcoming conference.
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