The Future of Libraries is an annual conference coordinated by PLP’s Staff Development Committee. For one day in October, the conference brings together library workers from across the Bay Area and beyond to hear from their colleagues and other experts in the field about timely and important topics affecting the profession. The in-person conference has been graciously hosted and recorded by the San Francisco Public Library for over ten years.

Registration for the Future of Libraries 2026 conference has sold out. Thank you!

This event will be held in-person on October 1, 2026 from 9am – 4pm at the Koret Auditorium in San Francisco Public Library’s Main Branch (100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102).

This year’s program will feature talks on:

No Reading Required

• Hear how one library reimagined their library spaces, website, and collections to be accessible for library users who cannot read

Boundary Setting and De-Escalation Techniques for Library Employees

• Gain insights into how setting boundaries and using de-escalation techniques can create spaces that feel safer to work in.

Networking Event
Exchange ideas with other attendees in unstructured topic-based groups focusing on:

• • Job interviews
  • Teen/Tween services
  • Library Aide/Paraprofessional positions
  • Makerspaces

Making Sense of Library Budgets

• Learn how library budgets are formed, how decisions are made, and how they impact library services.

Unique Careers in Libraries

• Discover a breadth of career possibilities from these public librarians with unique specialties.

For questions about the conference, email Heather Geddes, Heather.Geddes@lib.sccgov.org or Caroline Olsen, caroline.olsen@library.cccounty.us.

For questions about billing and registration, please call (650) 349-5538 or email PLPadmin01@plpinfo.org.