ALA 2022 is right around the corner, and what better way to reunite top quality educators, businesses, and library professionals than our nations capital at a conference in Washington D.C.
The American Library Association has been a giant pillar of support for librarians and affiliates alike; and, if you’re as avid as we are about the library community, then these keynote speakers will have you jumping out of your seats.
Check out this lineup of publishers, literacy advocates, leaders, library professionals, and celebrity speakers as they join in on the conversation at the 2022 ALA annual conference, in person and through a digital experience.
Who’s Speaking at ALA 2022 This Year?
What: Opening General Session, “In Conversation”
Who: American Library Association President, Patricia “Patty” Wong and FCC Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel
When: Friday, June 24, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Chairwomen of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Jessica Rosenworcel, is considered to be one of the most powerful federal policymakers when it comes to access to information.
She is a fierce ally of libraries across America and has been a part of the FCC since 2012, some of her major strides being to close the digital divide and homework gap with students everywhere.
American Library Association President, Patricia Wong will be side-by-side with Rosenworcel to host a lively conversation on policymaking and current issues that are pivotal to libraries core values.
Who: Maria Hinojosa
When: Saturday, June 25, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Pulitzer Prize winner, executive producer of Latino USA, and founder of independent nonprofit Futuro Media, Maria Hinojosa has started the conversation with millions about changing the cultural and political landscape in the United States.
Who: John Cho
When: Saturday, June 25, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
With over two decades worth of prolific acting, the “American Pie” and “Star Trek” star John Cho is considered to be one of the first Korean American actors in mainstream media to breakthrough both business and cultural barriers.
After the George Floyd protests and rise of anti-Asian violence in the summer of 2020, Cho authored a book surrounding the Los Angeles riots from a Korean American perspective.
What: Defending the Fifth Freedom, Protecting the Right to Read for Incarcerated Individuals
Who: Reginald Dwayne Betts, Jeanie Austin, Randall Horton, Enrique Rivera, and Tracie D. Hall
When: Saturday, June 25, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
This is the first time since 1992 that the American Library Association is preparing to revise its Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions, this powerful panel is joining together some passionate writers, thinkers, and practitioners that are advocates for preserving library services and the right to read at ALA 2022.
ALA 2022 conference attendees and vendors will have the opportunity to listen in as these panelists discuss the process of successful rehabilitation and reentry, and how proper access to books and literacy can pave the way.
Who: Tiffany Haddish
When: Saturday, June 25, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Tiffany Haddish is a Grammy award-winning icon who was the first Black female stand-up comedian to host SNL in November of 2017.
Her debut picture book, “Layla, The Last Black Unicorn,” was published this May and is inspired by her own life.
Who: R.L. Stine
When: Saturday, June 25, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
New York Times bestselling author and iconic screenwriter, R.L. Stein has sold more than 400 million books today.
Known for his horror teen novels such as the classic “Goosebumps” series and “The Babysitter,” his new book, “Stinetinglers,” will be available this upcoming August.
Who: Celeste Ng and Nancy Pearl
When: Sunday, June 26, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Celeste Ng is a New York Times bestselling author and is actively working on her third novel, “Our Missing Hearts,” which will be available this October.
Nancy Pearl is the retired Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library and is the creator of the internationally recognized community that reads program.
Who: Kevin Eastman
When: Sunday, June 26, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Known for his significant contributions to the creation, writing, illustrations, and publication of the iconic “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” his latest work, “The Last Ronin,” follows a lone Turtle in a New York City dystopia.
What: Advancing the Asian American Story
Who (from left to right, top to bottom): ALA President Patricia “Patty” Wong, Malinda Lo, Jane Park, Linda Sue Park, Philip Lee, Christina Soontornvat
When: Sunday, June 26, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
ALA President Wong will moderate a conversation between an exceptional group of award-winning authors, publishers, and literacy advocates as they deep dive into telling Asian American stories in new ways.
A Digital Experience for ALA 2022 Attendees
For those who are unable to attend the conference in-person, ALA 2022 is giving virtual attendees a digital experience option.
Actor Channing Tatum, and bestselling authors, Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan will also be joining the annual conference exhibition through a digital experience.
