[OYAN] An Update from the 2025 OLA Conference

[MCMAHAN Caitlin A]

I'm posting this on behalf of the OLA Conference Chair. Please excuse the cross-posting.

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment and share a few things about the conference as our world continues to rapidly change in ways that feel so far out of our control. Hope everyone is taking very good care of themselves right now. 💛

  *   We are still having a conference in Eugene, OR in just over a month, hooray!
  *   We recognize that this conference will not be "normal".
     *   We are in a new space.
     *   We have a new format.
     *   It's going to feel novel; some things will work well, and some will not. As always, a feedback survey will be distributed post-conference and your feedback is welcome and important.
  *   The schedule is still evolving.
     *   Our program will be sent to the printers on 3/31. Please make sure to cross-check any printed items with the app and website for the most current information.
  *   We are working to develop spaces and activities for Library advocacy and brainstorming at and during the conference.
     *   If you are interested in taking part in advocacy work while at the conference, please check with your employers what can and cannot be done on work time, and understand how that intersects with how you may be being compensated for your time at the conference.
  *   The world is Extra Hard right now.
     *   We are working to find bright spots and moments of joy in our conference, and we hope you'll join in those opportunities with us.
     *   We recognize that most of us, our colleagues, patrons, and services are directly impacted by the Extra Hard Things.
        *   Unfortunately for many of our BIPOC, Queer, and historically marginalized colleagues, this fight is not new and they are already stretched too thin and exhausted. Please come with extra grace, ready to listen and learn.

Thank you all for taking the time to read and engage with this message. If you have ideas or resources for advocacy and of course if you have questions, please respond directly to Conference Chair Taylor Worley, olaconference at olaweb.org<mailto:olaconference at olaweb.org>, or to OLA President Ayn Reyes Frazee, olapresident at olaweb.org<mailto:olapresident at olaweb.org>.

Very best,

Taylor Worley (she/her)
2025 OLA Conference Chair
Librarian, Eugene Public Library
olaconference at olaweb.org<mailto:olaconference at olaweb.org>
Backup contact information:
541-731-7101 | tworley at eugene-or.gov<mailto:tworley at eugene-or.gov> | taylorlgkw at gmail.com<mailto:taylorlgkw at gmail.com>

If I have not responded to your email within three working days (Tues-Sat), feel free to send a reminder.




Best,

Caitlin McMahan (she/her)

Youth Services Supervisor, AIC/Teen Librarian | Eugene Public Library

eugene-or.gov/library | cmcmahan at eugene-or.gov<mailto:cmcmahan at eugene-or.gov>

Office hours: Tues-Sat
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