A Message from the Public Library Association Board Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement in Minneapolis and the PLA 2026 Conference – Public Libraries Online
A Message from the Public Library Association Board Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement in Minneapolis and the PLA 2026 Conference
by Kathleen Hughes on January 30, 2026
PLA is heartbroken by recent events and has been coordinating closely with city and venue partners to support them and to foster a safe and welcoming conference environment. We are committed to moving forward with PLA 2026 in Minneapolis, April 1–3, and look forward to gathering in strength and solidarity with Minnesota colleagues and with all of you around the country—in person or virtually.
Public Safety
We hear and understand the concerns that have been voiced, and we recognize each library, exhibitor, and attendee may evaluate circumstances differently. PLA’s highest priority is the safety and wellness of our attendees, partners, and staff.
The Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau is maintaining a continuously updated FAQ page that outlines what is occurring in the area. The convention center, surrounding hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, and transportation infrastructure have remained fully operational and supported by coordinated security, hospitality, and public safety resources over the past month.
Out of an abundance of caution, we offer these suggestions to support safety while traveling to and around the city:
- Download the PLA 2026 Conference mobile app when we launch in late February and subscribe to alerts
- Review Know Your Rights resources such as this and this
- Make a digital copy of and plan to carry personal identification (REAL ID or passport) with you at all times.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in regularly
- In general, we always recommend taking off your conference badge when traveling outside conference venues and staying alert to your surroundings.
The PLA 2026 Virtual Conference will coincide with the in-person event and is another option for real-time online learning, livestreams, and connection with peers.
Local Support
We also have heard a loud and strong desire from library workers across the nation to support our colleagues and the city at this time. Local officials have told us that the best way that we can do this is to continue to visit, dine, shop, enjoy arts and culture, visit libraries, and engage with residents and local businesses in the Twin Cities.
PLA also is collaborating with local partners to add opportunities to connect, donate, and support our Twin Cities colleagues, residents, and organizations. Please stay tuned as we explore options to strengthen our connections and create the greatest impact.
In this moment, we hope you will join us in showing up for the city and residents of Minneapolis. Our Public Library Association biennial conference offers a tremendous opportunity to support healing and the resilience of this vibrant, inclusive American city and the mission-driven library workers in the Twin Cities.
Editor’s Note: These are the sites for reference: https://www.ilcm.org/immigration-resources/know-your-rights/immigrants-refugees/ and https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights
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