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The Texas Library Association (TLA) is set to host its annual conference, themed “Library Renaissance: Our Quest for Renewal,” in Dallas from April 1 to April 4, 2025. As the largest library association in the United States, TLA caters to a diverse array of libraries, including public, academic, and school libraries, as well as other nontraditional entities. The event will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and promises an extensive schedule filled with keynote speeches, award ceremonies, and vital discussions centered on library innovation and development.
General Sessions
Attendees can look forward to engaging with renowned authors during three general sessions at the Omni’s Dallas Ballroom. The opening session features Taylor Jenkins Reid on Wednesday, April 2, from 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. Reid, celebrated for popular titles such as Daisy Jones and the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, will share insights around her upcoming novel, Atmosphere, which follows a woman involved in NASA’s space shuttle program in the 1980s.
The second general session on Thursday, April 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. will be headlined by Louis Sachar, a Newbery Medalist and National Book Award recipient known for works like Holes and the Wayside School series. Sachar will discuss his transition to adult fiction with his upcoming fairy tale, The Magician of Tiger Castle.
Lastly, the final general session will spotlight Misty Copeland on Friday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to noon. The principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater and first Black woman to achieve this status will also present her literary works, including her memoir Life in Motion and her picture books, with a focus on her forthcoming title Bunheads, Act 2.
Featured Events
One of the highlights includes the Black Caucus Round Table Author Session on Wednesday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., where Ibram X. Kendi will deliver a keynote speech regarding his book Malcolm Lives!. Additionally, Kwame Alexander, Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover, will receive the prestigious Ashley Bryan Award for his influential body of work.
The conference also features a dinner with authors on Tuesday, April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., moderated by James Wade, featuring a distinguished panel that includes Libba Bray, Julie Murphy, John Scalzi, and David Shannon. The opening awards ceremony on Wednesday, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m., will highlight notable figures such as Bryan Burrough, Neal Shusterman, and Adriana Trigiani.
At the Texas Bluebonnet Award author session on Thursday, April 3, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., TLA will honor Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman for their children’s book Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better, which celebrates children’s literature engagement among Texas schoolchildren who participate in the voting process.
Professional Program Highlights
Artificial Intelligence in Libraries: Reinventing Educational Experiences
(Tuesday, 9–10 a.m., room D222)
This session will encompass discussions led by experts from Texas A&M University on integrating artificial intelligence into library practices, fostering a blend of human scholarship with modern technological advancements.
Nuestra Misión: Bringing Monolingual and Bilingual School Librarians Together
(Wednesday, 10–11 a.m., room C151–152)
This session will provide programming ideas valuable for bilingual communities, with presenters sharing recommendations for Spanish literature suitable for school libraries.
Welcome Neurodiverse Users with Adapted Programming and Outreach
(Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., rooms D225–226)
Attendees will learn effective strategies to enhance library accessibility for users with varying sensory needs and abilities.
De-escalation: Communicate Safely During Challenging Interactions
(Wednesday, 3–4 p.m., room C155)
An exploration of de-escalation techniques will be led by peace officer Charles Heasley, aimed at equipping librarians with vital communication skills for challenging patron interactions.
Bridging College and High School Libraries: College Readiness Collaboration
(Thursday, 8–9 a.m., room D224)
This session focuses on the importance of collaboration between high school and college libraries to improve college readiness initiatives for students across various school contexts.
Retaining Quality Staff in the Library
(Friday, 8–9 a.m., ballroom C4)
This session will address the challenges of maintaining morale and mitigating burnout among library staff in the current work environment, highlighting effective solutions for improvement.
Around the Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall will be open on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 220 exhibitors and more than 200 authors will be available to interact with attendees and sign their latest works.
Attendees can recharge their devices at the H-E-B Read 3 Recharge Lounge, unwind with some kittens at the Orangeboy Kitten Lounge, and take a break in the Quest for Renewal Lounge. Library Interiors of Texas will provide comfortable seating in the designated Lawn area near registration.
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