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KLA 2025 Conference
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Join us for the 2025 KLA Conference in Manhattan, Kansas from November 5 - November 7! This year's theme is Libraries Everlasting: Celebrating 125 years of Freadom. The Kansas Library Association was founded in December of 1900, when 23 librarians attended an organizational meeting and elected the first president, James L. King of Topeka. Since then, the association has met annually (with the exception of the years 1918 and 1943) to facilitate the acquisition of needed skills and expand opportunities for professional development within the library community. Now in KLA's 125th year, the 2025 Conference Committee is excited to once again bring together librarians and library workers from across the state to connect, learn, and celebrate 125 years of providing access to information, education, and resources to all Kansans. Conference Location: Manhattan Conference Center | 510 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!Registration for the 2025 KLA Conference is now live! Buy your tickets, decide on meal options, and book your room today! (For more information about Sponsor and Exhibitor Registration, see below.) Please note that due to the rising costs of food, select meals are NOT included in the price of registration this year. See below for links to register for individual meals and to review menu options. CULS Luncheon (Wednesday, November 5) $46.00
Register for CULS Luncheon ONLY State Librarian Luncheon (Thursday, November 6) $48.00
Register for State Librarian Luncheon ONLY KASL Luncheon (Friday, November 7) $42.00
Register for KASL Luncheon ONLY
Hotel InformationHeadquarter Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn / Manhattan Conference Center
410 South 3rd Street Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 532-9116 Group Rate: $124, plus tax Act fast and book your room today! The special room rate is available until Friday, October 17, 2025, or until the room block is sold out -- whichever comes first. Booking Link: Kansas Library Association 2025 Annual Conference Reservation Guidelines: A credit card is required for guest room reservations. Cancellations within 48 hours of arrival will incur a charge for the first night's Room/Tax. Check-in is at 3pm and Check-out is at 12pm. Early arrivals are accommodated based on availability. Additional HotelsFairfield Inn (located within walking distance to the conference center)
300 Colorado Street Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 539-2400 Group Rate: $119, plus tax Check in as early as November 4th, Check out as late as November 7th, 2025 The group rate is valid through October 15, 2025, or until the block is full. Booking Link: Fairfield Inn Booking Link Holiday Inn Express & Suites (located within walking distance to the conference center)
115 Blue Eart Pl. Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 320-7454 Group Rate: $119, plus tax Check in as early as November 4th, Check out as late as November 7th, 2025 The group rate is valid through October 15, 2024, or until the block is full. Reservation Instructions: The reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (785) 320-7454 or at (888) HOLIDAY 888-465-4329, or by reserving online using the Holiday Inn Express Booking Link and the group code KLA. Bluemont Hotel (located in Aggieville, about a 5 minute drive from the conference center)
1212 Bluemont Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 473-7091 Group Rate: $119, plus tax Check in as early as November 4th, Check out as late as November 7th, 2025 The group rate is valid through October 6, 2025 or until the block is full. Reservation Instructions: To make a reservation by phone, call the hotel at (785) 473-7091 and press "0". Let the operator know that you'd like to make a reservation in the Kansas Library Association group, code "b018410". To make a reservation online, go to www.bluemonthotel.com, and click on the BOOK ONLINE button at the top of the page. At the top of the page, select Check-in and Checkout date (note you must enter the dates before the code), then to the right of the dates, click "add code?" and enter b018410 and click APPLY CODE (the code is case sensitive, so make sure you are using the lowercase b). You can now review available room types, group pricing, and make your online reservation. Courtyard by Marriott (located in Aggieville, about a 5 minute drive from the conference center)
715 North 12th Street Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 587-1972 Group Rate: $129, plus tax Check in as early as November 4th, Check out as late as November 7th, 2025 The group rate is valid through October 5, 2025, or until the block is full. Booking Link: Courtyard by Marriott Booking Link
Event ScheduleDownload the Whova app today to access the 2025 KLA Conference Schedule! Prefer to have a paper copy of the schedule? Click here to download a printable PDF version. CULS Luncheon Keynote (Wednesday, November 5) TBA - More Information Coming Soon! Opening Keynote (Thursday, November 6) TBA - More Information Coming Soon! State Librarian's Luncheon Keynote (Thursday, November 6)
Join us from 12pm-1pm in the McDowell Room for the annual State Librarian's Luncheon featuring Dr. James Wiser, the new Dean of Libraries for K-State Libraries! Dr. James Wiser became the new Dean of Libraries for K-State Libraries in August 2025. Prior to his time at K-State, he served in academic and library consortium leadership roles in both Texas and California. Dr. Wiser has seen several sides to librarianship as he has worked in various roles within library field, such as Sage Publishing and as a director for a consortium of community colleges in California. Closing Keynote (Friday, November 7)
William Ottens is the author of Librarian Tales: Funny, Strange, and Inspiring Dispatches from the Stacks and creator of the library-centric Tumblr, Librarian Problems. He's currently the Adult Services Librarian at the Basehor Community Library and has experience in reference, readers’ advisory, cataloging, collection development, youth services, and administration. KASL Author Luncheon Speaker (Friday, November 7)
Join us from 12 pm - 12:45 pm in the Flint Hills Room for the annual KASL business meeting and luncheon featuring Kansas author Lindsay H. Metcalf! KASL's business meeting will follow, from 12:45-1:30pm. Lindsay H. Metcalf is a former journalist who writes nonfiction and poetry for young people. She is a co-editor of and contributor to several young activist poetry anthologies, including No Voice Too Small, which won the International Literacy Association’s 2021 Social Justice Literature Award, and No World Too Big, which won both the ILA Social Justice Literature Award and the Green Earth Book Award in 2024. Two of her picture books were named Junior Library Guild selections: Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm and Farmers Unite! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices, a Bank Street Best Book of 2020. Her 2020 debut, the picture book biography Beatrix Potter, Scientist, won the Friends of American Writers Young People’s Literature Award. She has 2 books coming out in 2026, including a young adult biography in early 2026. Lindsay began her writing career as a reporter, editor, and columnist for The Kansas City Star and other news outlets. She lives in north-central Kansas with her husband, two sons, a geriatric cat and a mischievous puppy. Learn more at lindsayhmetcalf.com. Pre-Conferences (Wednesday, November 5) Weave a Tale Presents Words & Wiggles with Samantha Hyde (Foote) Presenter: Anna Foote, Northeast Kansas Library System Come move and groove--and learn--with us! Did you know that there's a wealth of in-depth research covering the benefits of dance/movement for early literacy? In this music-filled session, you will learn how to thoughtfully incorporate full-body movement into early literacy programs.
Introduction to Anime and Manga Presenters: Liz Dukelow, Central Kansas Library System & Richard Brookman, Southwest Kansas Library System Richard and Liz are back to share their nerdy knowledge of everything Anime and Manga! This cram session is for everyone; from people who have buried themselves to their eyebrows in collectables, to people who aren’t sure what anime or manga even is. We have a bit over 40 years of combined knowledge to share with you! Join us if you are interested in learning more about different facial expressions, censorship, a little bit of Japanese culture, how to start buying materials for a new collection, where to find discounts, starting anime or manga clubs or programs, AMVs, manhua vs manhwa vs manga, tropes, gachapons, otaku, collectables, and so much more! Not Black and White But Grey All Over: Navigating the Grey Areas of Library Ethics Presenters: Patty Collins, Central Library Kansas Library System & Maribeth Shafer, Great Bend Public Library Unlike the pages of a book, working in the library is rarely black and white. With each patron interaction, the opportunity exists to question or challenge library policies or procedures. Both should be organic and current to meet the library's as well as the staffs’ and patrons’ needs. Sometimes, situations arise that require flexibility and compassion to provide excellent service. Money Matters: Public Library Budgets Presenters: Sharon Moreland, Southeast Kansas Library System & Sandy Wilkerson, North Central Kansas Library System Learn the ins and outs of public library budgeting and financial management best practices. We will cover everything from reviewing the library's needs, estimating income and expense amounts, and determining how much tax support is needed to tracking funds, developing meaningful financial reports, and implementing internal controls. Dream Big, Plan Small: Strategic Planning for Your Library Presenter: Amanda Harrison, University of Central Missouri In this hands-on pre-conference session, participants will go through a strategic planning process for their library designed to help make their visions a reality. Participants may choose to focus their planning on an entire library transformation or on a specific department, program, or service within the library. Participants will engage with their mission and vision statements and identify their strategic priorities. During the workshop, they will identify ways to engage key stakeholders, from public library boards to patron groups, and learn the importance of surveying and engaging with their community. They will identify the financial, personnel, and physical resources needed, undergo a SWOT analysis for their library, and develop and practice an elevator pitch to help with local advocacy. Participants will have multiple opportunities to engage with each other, provide feedback, and develop a supportive community. Participants will leave with actionable next steps, a draft strategic plan tailored to their library's needs, and the tools to confidently lead planning efforts. Whether attendees are starting from scratch or refining an existing plan, this session will provide a structured, collaborative, and empowering experience to make their goals a reality. In Defense of the Library: A Musical Presenter: Ry Kincaid What does it mean to be a librarian today? "In Defense of the Library" champions the continued importance of the school and public librarian, a person needed in the community to support reading, research, and recognition of every person’s right to access knowledge and services. However, do educators and community members need a long-winded lecture on what some believe is an outdated profession? This media specialist will demonstrate today’s need for the librarian in song! With original titles like “Storytime is Not a Contact Sport,” “Nouns,” and “You’re a Deductible,” this presentation promotes the resources the library provides to all of its community members: preschoolers, school-age children, and adults. A songwriter for children’s productions and a librarian (MLS) for over 10 years, Ry Kincaid welcomes the opportunity to offer a defense of the library in a fun and memorable presentation.
Sponsor Registration Available Now!SPONSORSHIPSThere are 5 levels of sponsorship available for purchase: Platinum: $4,000 (Event Sponsorship + Booth) Gold: $1,500 (Booth) Silver: $750 Bronze: In-Kind Contribution Event Sponsor: $1,000 Sponsored Event Options Include:
The deadline for registration is Friday, October 10th. Learn More About Sponsorship Levels & Register Here! |
Join us at 8:30am in the Foyer Ballroom 1 for our final conference breakfast, and our Closing Keynote featuring author William Ottens!