2026 Conference Program

Every library. A lot of yarn. Countless conversations. And one incredible journey connecting library communities across Vermont.

Dr. Hannah Miller set out on an ambitious journey: to visit libraries throughout Vermont through their Knitting in Libraries project.

At NELA 2026: Connected Communities, we’re bringing New England library leaders together for two important conversations about the challenges, successes, and opportunities shaping libraries across our region.

There’s still time to save on registration for the New England Library Association’s 2026 Annual Conference, taking place October 25–27 in Burlington, Vermont!

This year’s conference theme, Connected Communities, celebrates the relationships, ideas, and collaborations that strengthen our libraries and our profession. Join library professionals from across New England for three days of learning, networking, and connection.

Early Bird Registration Ends Today

Today, Friday, September 11, is the last day to register at the Early Bird rate.

There’s still time to save on registration for the New England Library Association’s 2026 Annual Conference!

Join library professionals from across New England October 25–27, 2026, in Burlington, Vermont, for Connected Communities, a conference focused on the relationships, ideas, and collaborations that strengthen our libraries and our profession.

Early Bird Registration Extended Through September 11

Based on feedback from our library community—and to give attendees additional time to review the conference schedule—Early Bird Registration has been extended through Friday, September 11!

Connect, Learn, and Grow: Join Us at the 2026 NELA Annual Conference

The New England Library Association is excited to invite library professionals, advocates, and colleagues from across the region to the 2026 NELA Annual Conference, taking place October 25–27 in Burlington, Vermont.

This year’s theme, Connected Communities, celebrates the relationships, collaborations, and shared purpose that strengthen our libraries and the communities we serve. At a time when connection is more important than ever, the conference will bring together library professionals from across New England to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the future of our profession.

Please join us on Thursday, September, 10th at noon for Bound & Determined a virtual empowerment series for Librarians.

Neurodiversity 101 For Professionals: Terminology, Accessibility, and Work Strategies:
This presentation focuses on developing tools for healthy understandings of, and interactions with, neurodivergent individuals. It will cover language and terminology, accessibility efforts, and strategies for specific situations. This is designed to be valuable for professionals in any field who work with neurodivergent individuals or wants to make their organization more accessible and welcoming to neurodivergent employees and patrons. It will explore many different aspects of the neurodivergent experience and the experience of working with neurodivergent individuals.

Jeremy will discuss the “why” behind many of the changes that have happened inside and outside of the neurodivergent community, leading to a deeper understanding of terminology and neurodiverse individuals' perspectives. The presentation features a large number of personal and professional stories illustrating the potential pitfalls and successes that come with working with a neurodiverse population. Attendees will have time to ask questions related to their personal experiences and will leave the presentation with a variety of tools, strategies, and general advice that will prove useful throughout their career.

Dear NELA Members,

People with leadership skills can be found in every library position, and the NELA Leadership/NELLS Committee invites you to share your knowledge, experience, and vision.

Sustainable Libraries Initiative Partners with the New England Library Association

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative partners with the New England Library Association to cultivate library leadership for community resilience. Download the Press Release PDF