Back at the conference center, we gathered for the #ALAAC25 Opening General Session, and wow, what an experience. With 15,000 librarians registered for the conference, the energy was electric.
ALA President Cindy Hohl welcomed us with warmth and passion. The Mayor of Philadelphia, the city’s first woman and first Black woman mayor, Cherelle Parker, addressed the crowd. A former elementary school teacher, she was engaging, funny, and proud to honor Philadelphia’s rich library history, from Ben Franklin to the signing of the first ALA charter in 187
We learned that this year’s conference includes 160 international members from more than 40 countries, a truly global celebration of librarianship.
But the moment that blew us all away? Hearing that James Lewis bequeathed $25 million dollars intended for needs-based scholarships for future librarians. Mind. Blown. Mr. Lewis came up to address us and his admiration for librarians was evident in his words and in his eyes.
There were also tears. When Cindy Hohl spoke about the defunding of IMLS, she had to pause, visibly emotional. The room was silent, while she struggled, we all struggled. But she rallied, reminding us that we’re not giving up. We have a plan. We are moving ALA Forward, building toward our next one hundred and fifty years.
She shared two of her proudest accomplishments: the All Nations LibGuide and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Toolkit. Both are vital, deeply meaningful initiatives.
We also met the new ALA Director, Daniel Montgomery, the president of the Illinois Teachers Union, and heard from Governor Gretchen Whitmer “that woman from Michigan.” She brought humor, passion, and wisdom. She’s read To Kill a Mockingbird over 20 times and reminded us that apologizing isn’t weakness, it’s strength. There’s value in mistakes when we learn from them.
Today was filled with excitement, emotion, and inspiration. From connecting with colleagues to silently protesting and celebrating our collective wins, I left the opening session with a renewed sense of purpose.
Librarians fight the good fight and we’re not done yet.
Arlene Laverde (she/her/hers) is an adjunct and academic advisor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies Program at Queens College, CUNY, where she prepares future school librarians for school library life. She has a strong background in education and librarianship, and brings real-world experience and a passion for intellectual freedom, equity, and access to her teaching. She retired from her full time school librarian job in the summer of 2024 And is now focusing on a variety of library passions: children’s books, information freedom, and advocacy. She is looking forward to hearing George Takei and attending the Newbery/Caldecott Reception. Her life isn’t all about libraries though, she has been married for over 32 years and has two grown sons.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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