2025 New York Library Association Conference
Saratoga Springs, NY
CLRC’s Professional Development Award sponsored my attendance to the NYLA 2025 Conference on November 6-8 in Saratoga Springs. The annual NYLA conference brings together librarians and library supporters from across New York State from libraries of all sizes to engage in networking and professional development. I moved from Washington State in the summer of 2024 to work as a Youth Services Librarian at Utica Public Library. So this was a great opportunity for me to meet more of my peers, learn about issues that are relevant to libraries in NYS, and pursue my own professional development.
I attended the opening keynote presented by Micaela Blei who addressed the theme of this year’s conference, Actionable Advocacy. She encouraged us to think more deeply on the everyday work we do at libraries and use storytelling techniques to share the impact we have on the community so that our shareholders understand the value of what we do. I will definitely utilize the ‘Story Spine’ method and remember the importance of addressing ambient narratives when telling people about what I do as a librarian.
Over the course of the conference, I went to seven presentations, the NYLA membership meeting, and the Empire State Awards Luncheon. I explored the Tradeshow as well and sent an advocacy postcard encouraging Governor Hochul to pass legislation that will protect students’ right to read from the NYLA booth. I also connected with other Youth Services Librarians who work in Albany and Cazenovia and met the Executive Director of NYLA, AnnaLee Dragon. My personal highlight of the presentations was ‘Inclusive Storytimes: Accessibility is Frontline Advocacy’ by two librarians from Millbrook Library. They talked about many ways to make children and caregivers of all abilities feel welcome at storytime.
I left the NYLA conference heartened by all the people doing the good work to protect intellectual freedom and make libraries more accessible, and glad to be counted among them. There are quite a few ideas that I was introduced to at NYLA that I am looking forward to trying out at Utica Public Library. I am very thankful that CLRC provided me with the means for such a valuable experience.
Ray Hart, Youth Services Librarian
Utica Public Library
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