Kansas Library Association

KLA Annual conference registration is underway for 2023 with an expected attendance in Wichita of ~500 library staff from school, public and academic libraries. One again, this is the only statewide library conference in Kansas that is vital to bringing together all levels of library staff from all types of libraries for high-quality professional development with 100+ different programs offered over a 3-day period. Our educational programming keeps library staff, trustees and other stakeholders aware of advocacy efforts, new technologies, innovations in programming and other key topics needed to deliver the best library service to Kansans. Our conference theme for 2023 is Meeting the Challenge which will include programming around the many book challenges libraries are experiencing in Kansas.

Provided grants to libraries throughout the state for various programs.

The KLA Colleges and Universities section met in 2023 for their annual professional development event offering a day of training on academic library topics at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. 50 library staff and stakeholders attended. This event was focused on Connections Beyond Collections and the keynote speaker delved into using play as a way to engage students of all ages. There were also 10 different breakout sessions offered on various topics.