Welcome to the Libraratory! 2024 VLA/VLACRL Annual Conference

Library staff are connectors, collaborators, and storytellers and we do it all while budgets shrink and staff and resources dwindle. We can only do this by abandoning traditional ways of thinking and engaging creativity. Embracing a culture of creativity and play within a library staff means cultivating the ability to engage multiple concepts simultaneously and make unusual connections between seemingly unrelated things.
In this workshop participants will engage in a series of playful hands-on exercises presented via a workbook created by the author/presenter.

Reserving time slot for Cardinal Cup committee to present overflow selections

Pre-purchase your buffet lunch ticket for $50 through the VLA Registration Form.
If your organization requires you to purchase your own meals, please use this form.

All VLA members are welcome to attend our Annual VLA Business Meeting. The 2024 VLA Executive Committee will provide reports, the 2025 VLA Officers will be installed, and Nan Carmack will pass the gavel to our 2025 President, Vivian Washington.

VLA is pleased to announce an unexpected Closing Keynote speaker for the 2024 VLA Conference. On October 18, 2024 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, George M. Johnson will join us immediately following our 2:00pm Annual Business Meeting and Scholarship Raffle Winner announcements.

George is the bestselling author of All Boys Aren't Blue and their newest title, Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known, is out on September 24.

• If you have already registered for the conference, there is no need to make any adjustment; George's talk is part of your registration fee.
• If you would like to attend just for George's talk, the cost is $25 per person whether you are a VLA member or not. While Conference Registration closes September 25, registration for this event only will remain open until October 18. Register here. 

Depending on the popularity of this event, we may need to have an overflow room and show the talk from one room in the conference center to another. This event will not be livestreamed.

Immediately following the closing keynote, Prince Books will be selling copies of George's books and George will be available for signing and photos.

Mark you calendars for the 2025 VLA Conference at the Richmond Marriott, October 1-3.