The Public Library Association is headed to Columbus, April 3–5, 2024, to host the premier national event for public libraries — PLA Conference.

Pre-Conference Workshop

The OLC has developed a pre-conference workshop for Tues., April 2 that features members of the Ohio library community and key leaders in the Science of Reading. The workshop is three hours in length and requires a separate paid admission. The discounted fee for OLC Individual members is $205.

Public Libraries and Schools: Everything You Need to Know about the Science of Reading will focus on the Science of Reading and how public libraries are assisting schools and students to overcome the learning loss caused by the pandemic. It will be held on Tues., April 2 from 2-5 p.m. More information is available at placonference.org.

Conference Sessions Featuring OLC members

APRIL 3, 2024

Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
Beyond the Numbers: Building a Culture of Data-Informed Decision-Making
Room: A110-115

Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
Community Librari-Aid: Providing Wraparound Social Service Support through Partnerships
Room: Union Station A

Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
Employee Resource Groups and Why They Matter
Room: A220-225

Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
Creating Youth Opportunities: Libraries Serve Youth at Risk of Incarceration
Room: B230-235

Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
A Staff-Centered Approach to Developing Comprehensive Teen Services
Room: A210-215

Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Black Men in Public Libraries
Room: B230-235

Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Highlighting Diverse Voices: Ethical Metadata for Equity-Deserving Groups
Room: Union Station C

Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
First Amendment Audits How to Weather the Turbulence of a Video Auditor
Room: C170-172

Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
RA Meets AI: Building and Launching a Reader’s Advisory Kiosk
Room: C160-162AB

Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Challenging Times: Unite Against Book Bans and ALA’s Policy Corp
Room: A210-215

Wednesday at 3:10 p.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Navigate Burnout: Identifying Predictors, Contributors, and Effective Solutions

Wednesday at 5:10 p.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Boost Your Library’s Streaming Offerings: Circulating Roku Devices

APRIL 4, 2024

Thursday at 10:15 a.m.
Baby Time Boredom: Building Culturally Responsive Programming
Room: Union Station C

Thursday at 10:15 a.m.
Digital Navigators: Digital Inclusion in Action
Room: B130-132

Thursday at 10:15 a.m.
Equitable Collections Use: Is Floating the Answer or a Hindrance?
Room: B230-235

Thursday at 10:15 a.m.
Reimagining Branch Libraries for Community Authenticity
Room: A210-215

Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Start and Manage an “Experts in Residence” Program at Your Library

Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
OLC Session on Broadband: Public Libraries and Federal Funds to Move from Digital Equity Plans
Room: Union Station B

Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
Choosing the Best Dementia Programs and Resources for Your Library
Room: Union Station C

Thursday at 2 p.m.
Building Leadership and Equity with Staff Mentorship
Room: A210-215

Thursday at 2 p.m.
Programming Holistically: Building Social-Emotional Learning into Library Programs
Room: Union Station C

Thursday at 2 p.m.
The Sum of All Knowledge: Public Libraries, Digital Public Library of America, and Wikimedia
Room: A120-125

APRIL 5, 2024

Friday at 9:30 a.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Streamline Library Processes with Google Forms

Friday at 10:15 a.m.
Engaging with Teens beyond Your Teen Library Staff
Room: Union Station C

Friday at 10:15 a.m.
Pivoting to Meet New Censorship Tactics
Room: A110-115

Friday at 10:15 a.m.
Safety by Design
Room: C160-162AB

Friday at 10:15 a.m.
Three Must-Have Activities for New Employee Training
Room: Short North AB

Friday at 11:30 a.m.
Building Engagement and Changing Futures with Restorative Practices for Teens
Room: B130-132

Friday at 11:30 a.m.
Creating Cultural Change: Bringing DEI to Life
Room: A210-215

Friday at 11:30 a.m.
Food Is a Right: Libraries and Food Justice
Room: C160-162AB

Friday at 12 p.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Engage Your Community with Embedded Librarianship

Friday at 1 p.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Start an Adult Lit Kit Subscription Program

Friday at 1:30 p.m.
How-To Stage
HOW TO Infuse Musical Magic into Your Storytime: Learn an Easy Ukulele Song

Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Inclusive Programming for Families to Expand Library Access
Room: Union Station A

Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Communicating During Controversy: How to Lead with What You Believe
Room: Short North AB

Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Curating Diverse Community Collections for Patron Engagement
Room: Union Station C

PLA Conference Session Descriptions

PLA Conference Registration Rates

Become an OLC Individual Member
As part of your OLC Individual membership for 2024, you are eligible for the PLA member rate. We’re looking forward to seeing you at PLA 2024!