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Hot Takes

New at PLA 2026!

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

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What’s your take on the future of public libraries? We’re looking for mild, medium, and spicy ideas to get people talking! ​​Hot Takes is a learning and networking event new to PLA 2026. This Tuesday afternoon session features quick, high-energy talks from passionate public library people. Pop in to share your ideas, get inspired, and make connections before the official conference kick-off!

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Call for Proposals Now Open

Deadline is 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025 

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Don't miss this chance to inspire and engage fellow attendees while contributing to the success of the PLA 2026 Conference! Hot Takes provides a unique new opportunity to showcase your ideas and share them with colleagues from across the country.

 

For Hot Takes, we’re looking for your response to the question, “What’s your take on the future of public libraries?” No pressure! Selected presenters will share their take in a quick, informal chat with our emcee (5 minutes), then stick around for discussion with attendees. 

 

Need some ideas? “There will be no physical items in the library of the future” could be a spicy take; “Every library should have a social worker on staff” might fall under medium; “We need every single library worker in America to be a member of ALA and PLA” could be mild. (Need a better sense of the vibes and/or format? Check out Subway Takes.) 

  

PLA is always striving to make our conference more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Our first step includes seeking and strongly encouraging submissions from marginalized groups including women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. 

 

Hot Takes will take place from 1:00–3:00 PM Central on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All PLA 2026 speakers, including Hot Takes presenters, will be expected to register for and attend the conference; to respond to PLA requests for information in a timely manner; and to read and observe the policies on appropriate conduct and canvassing, vendor participation, and speaker funding.

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Please submit your proposal for a 5-minute Hot Take presentation by 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025. Contact us at placonference@ala.org with any questions.

  1. Sign In: If you submitted a previous proposal for PLA 2026, then sign into your existing account. If you don’t already have an account, then click the “Sign up here” link to create one.

  2. Start a New Proposal: From your My Profile page, click the “My Submissions” link in the upper left corner, and then the “+ Create” button in the upper right corner, to start a new How-To or Hot Takes proposal.

  3. Submit: For your proposal to be considered, you must click the “Submit For Review” button by the deadline of 11:59 PM Central on Monday, December 15, 2025.

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