My MLA Experience

When I first considered attending the Minnesota Library Association’s annual conference, I reviewed the schedule of featured speakers and various sessions that I would like to attend. As the event approached, I looked forward to immersing myself in all things related to libraries and being surrounded by people who share a passion for literature and the freedom to read.

This year’s conference did not disappoint.

Kicking off the event, Kelly Jensen delivered a compelling presentation titled “The Past, Present, and Future of Book Banning.” Although the subject was grim and concerning, I left the session with a renewed sense of hope. I also attended the informative sessions, including “Libraries and the Law: A 2025 State and Federal Update” and “Libraries Leading Forward: A Collaborative Vision for the Future.”

I was particularly intrigued by the new University of Minnesota Collections Facility and the millions of volumes it houses, which I learned about in the session titled “One Million Volumes and Counting.”

Two author panels captivated my attention. The first one featured Shannon Gibney, Megan Maynor, Marcie Rendon, and Sun Yung Shin, each sharing unique insights into their writing experiences. The second showcased the winners of the Minnesota Author Project, who were announced that very day during the award ceremony. I left feeling excited about the project and eager to explore the many books that it offers.

Perhaps my favorite session was presented by Gail Nordstrom and Heidi Hammond, titled “Reading the Art in Picture Books: Exploring the Interplay of Text and Illustrations.” After experiencing their presentation, I will never view illustrated children’s books the same way again. The wealth of knowledge shared by the duo concerning artistic elements, media, and style was outstanding.

The variety of sessions offered was impressive, and I wish I could have attended many more; unfortunately, time constraints and scheduling prevented me from doing so. Perhaps one of the best aspects of attending the MLA conference is the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with acquaintances, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Thank you to Prairielands for providing me with the opportunity to attend this valuable conference.