The theme of the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2025 LibLearnX, “Reimagine, Refocus, Reset: Charting a Path for the Future,” has particular resonance, as this will be the final LibLearnX. The event, which replaced ALA’s Midwinter Meeting in 2022, had seen low attendance—just over 2,000 at last year’s conference in Baltimore—and ALA has opted to stop hosting the conference. 

Although there are no plans to reimagine it as a full-scale convening, in a March release announcing the event’s cancellation, ALA noted that “efforts are underway to determine how best to present some of the most beloved celebratory events traditionally held at the January conference: the I Love My Librarian Awards; the RUSA Book & Media Awards, which features the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction; the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sunrise Celebration; and the Youth Media Awards.”

This year’s LibLearnX, held in Phoenix January 24–27, at the Phoenix Convention Center (PCC), will feature the educational programs, workshops, and guests that were traditionally the focus of both LibLearnX and Midwinter. Opening session speakers Raina Telgemeier, author of multiple Eisner Award–winning graphic novels, and Scott McCloud, author of several titles including Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art, will dive into the art of the genre and talk about their forthcoming graphic novel, The Cartoonists Club. Reporter and editor Vauhini Vara will close the event out. In between, LibLearnX will offer up a range of sessions and the warmer temperatures of Phoenix are sure to please the Northerners in attendance.

Below, a selection of programs and events that caught the attention of LJ editors. For a more complete listing, see the full schedule. —Lisa Peet

Matt Enis

Senior Editor, Technology, LJ

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic during the past couple of years, and LibLearnX has a few sessions that illustrate how libraries are using the technology and helping patrons use it as well.

Artificial Intelligence in the School Library: Navigating a New Course in Digital Learning
Sat., Jan. 25, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. (PCC West, Room 101 B C)

AI? Oh My!: Sparking Innovation and Discovery Through an OpenAI Partnership
Mon., Jan. 27, 10:25 – 10:55 a.m. (PCC West, Ballroom 301 B C D)

Liz French

Senior Editor, LJ Reviews

It already looks like 2025 (and beyond) will be a challenging time for library workers. Don’t succumb to fear or fatigue! Instead, lean in to a safe, supportive workplace by employing wellness practices, and learn how FOIA/FOIL requests can be used to protect your privacy and advocate for your community.

Wellness Is Not a Perk: Reimagining Work-Life Balance for Library Workers
Fri., Jan. 24, 1 – 4 p.m. (PCC West, Rm. 106 A B)

Get Familiar with Freedom of Information Laws
Sat., Jan. 25, 1 – 2 p.m. (PCC West, Room 102 A B)

Sarah Hashimoto

Editor, LJ Reviews

LibLearnX has always been special to me, since I love celebrating the wonderful books, authors, and narrators who have gifted us with their works over the past year. There are always favorites on the list, plus new books to check out later on.

RUSA Book & Media Awards
Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (PCC West, Ballroom 301 A)

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunrise Celebration
Sun., Jan. 26, 6:30 – 8 a.m. (Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Phoenix Ballroom D E)

Lisa Peet

Executive Editor, LJ

Libraries have always played the long game, but it’s more important now than ever—not only planning for the next programming season or funding cycle, but thinking strategically and looking as far down the line as possible. Staying informed about the big issues is a good first (or second, or hundredth) step.

Libraries on the Line: Charting a Path Beyond the 2024 Elections
Sun., Jan. 26, 1 – 2 p.m. (PCC West, Ballroom 301 A)

Harnessing the Power of Education for Climate Work: Libraries Chart a Path for the Future
Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (PCC West, Room 101 B C)

Sarah Wolberg

Associate Editor, LJ Reviews

At LJ, we're always considering how best to categorize a book within sometimes-outdated frameworks. I’m intrigued by the critical reimagining of cataloguing promised by these LibLearnX sessions, and particularly its effects on books by or about marginalized peoples.

The Library of Congress Indigenous Headings Project and Tribal Community Engagement
Sat., Jan. 25, 9:40 – 10 a.m. (PCC West, Room 211 A)

Ditching Dewey: How Refocusing to Library of Congress Cataloging Supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sat., Jan. 25, 10:50 – 11:10 a.m. (PCC West, Room 211 A)