ACL Annual Conference

The Challenge Librarians Face

Keeping up with rapidly changing technology, evolving library trends, and opportunities to integrate faith into your work can feel overwhelming. Even the most dedicated librarians sometimes struggle to stay current and make a meaningful impact.

Through thoughtfully curated sessions, speakers, and presentations, the ACL Conference provides the guidance, inspiration, and community you need to grow—both professionally and spiritually.

Why attend? Learn. Connect. Be Inspired.

• Professional Growth
  Workshops, plenaries, and presentations on trending topics in librarianship, technology, and faith integration.

• Networking & Community
  Meet peers, mentors, and vendors in a supportive, collaborative environment.

• Faith Integration
  Explore practical ways to integrate faith and librarianship in your daily work.

Highlights: What You Can Expect in 2026

• Keynote Presentation: Dr. Mark Eckel will share insights on integrating faith and librarianship.
• Hands-On Learning: Interactive ACL-Pro plenary sessions and workshops, with opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Engaging Sessions: Explore topics that matter most to librarians, including AI, student engagement, library spaces, collection development, and more.
• Share Your Work: Opportunities to present your own research or projects (Call for Presentations & Posters coming soon).
• Community Connections: Join a welcoming network of Christian librarians from academic and public library settings.
• Beautiful Location: Experience the charm of Winona Lake, with opportunities to explore the quaint lake-side campus and enjoy its peaceful and picturesque surroundings. Explore Local LibGuide for area attractions.

Planning Early & Pricing

While official 2026 pricing isn’t published yet, 2025 rates provide a useful guide for budgeting. Early bird registration includes a $15 automatic discount, so planning ahead can save you even more.

ACL remains committed to keeping the conference accessible, even as costs rise nationwide. Here are several ways to make your participation more budget-friendly:

• Christian Periodical Indexers: If you index for the Christian Periodical Index, you can double your indexing token compensation to use toward conference registration. Some indexers have paid very little out of pocket thanks to this benefit.

• Workshop Presenters: Selected presenters can receive up to a $50 discount per workshop on their registration. If multiple presenters are involved, the discount is divided among co-presenters.

• Institutional Support: Most university administrators view conference participation as vital for professional growth. Presenting a workshop or poster can increase your institution’s willingness to cover expenses—start brainstorming proposal ideas early!

• Non-Traditional Funding: Explore grants or special institutional funding for professional development.

• Scholarships: Several scholarships are available, including the Jeanette Parker Memorial Conference Scholarship for ACL members pursuing an MLIS or MLS degree.

• Early Bird Registration: Sign up during the Early Bird period to automatically receive a $15 discount.

• Travel Economically: Coordinate travel with colleagues or carpool to reduce transportation costs. Explore Local LibGuide for travel resources.

Hear from 2025 Attendees

“I loved meeting friends old and new. I also loved hearing and learning about library management and services from a Christian perspective. It was very refreshing!”

“As a new member, attending conference helped me grasp the reason for ACL’s existence in a way I hadn’t before and in a way that will keep me a member for a long time to come.”

“I especially enjoyed the fellowship with other Christian librarians and ability to network with like minds and others struggling with similar issues and concerns.”

“The plenary sessions were especially helpful and relevant in my context as a library director. I also enjoyed networking over shared meals, game night, and other opportunities.”

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