MLA/DLACon2025

Neurodivergent children have needs that can make coming to the library a challenge. To bridge this barrier and embrace and celebrate this community, we created programming and a designated physical space that is inclusive and provides an enriching library experience. This program will walk participants through how we developed and implemented an adaptive storytime and a sensory wall so that they can apply aspects of these strategies that work for their libraries and communities. We will also discuss the importance of staff training and the significance of families seeing the library as a safe and welcoming space for their children.

We all know Romantasy is in now and circulation is rebounding from the pandemic, but what about other trends? Join us for a session that looks at new shifts in publishing and collection development, such as the rise of print on demand, self-publishing, and more!

Catch the “buzz” on upcoming and recently published titles! The Readers' Advisory Interest Group will present a diverse and enticing selection of fresh reads for library staff to add to their readers' advisory tool box. We’ll also discuss trending and developing genres, and offer some tips and tricks for general readers' advisory. Do not miss it - there will be Advance Reader Copies available to take home!

Libraries in the United States are under threat from a powerful and well-funded far right coalition that is increasingly outmatching library advocates in the battle for the hearts and minds of the American public. The rhetoric being employed by these groups is both dangerous and highly effective— rooted in the kind of blatant lies that can only be described as disinformation, and in the emotional manipulation that categorizes some of the most malicious and effective propaganda. This session shares emerging research, and practical considerations, related to the ethics of political communications strategies that could be used in defense of libraries.