Texas Library Association - TLA 2027
Event Date
April 19–22, 2027
Location
San Antonio, TX
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Texas Library Association (TLA) Annual Conference is the flagship professional gathering of the Texas library community, held each spring. It is the leading professional development opportunity for Texas librarians and library staff of all levels, offering tailored professional learning, growth experiences, and networking opportunities. The 2027 conference will be held in San Antonio under the theme "Your Voice. Our Community. FOR ALL."
The event draws over 5,000 representatives from every area of the library industry, spanning academic, public, school, and special libraries, along with library advocates, educators, and vendors. Educational programming, led by fellow librarians and experts in the field, empowers attendees with cutting-edge knowledge and innovative strategies, while a vibrant exhibit hall showcases the latest in library resources and technology.
Attendees consider annual conference the best way to connect with library professionals from across the state, with something for everyone no matter where they are on their library journey. The conference also features signature elements such as the Authors Area, keynote speakers, and the Texas Bluebonnet Award celebration, making it a worthwhile destination for professional growth and community connection.
Show Highlights
- Keynotes and featured speakers: The conference regularly hosts prominent authors and speakers; TLA 2026 featured keynote speaker Kate Quinn and opening author Christian Robinson.
- Educational sessions: Programming is led by fellow librarians and experts in the field, delivering cutting-edge knowledge and innovative strategies.
- Exhibit Hall: A vibrant exhibit hall showcases the latest in library resources and technology.
- Authors Area: Traditionally one of the busiest places at the conference, thousands of attendees frequent the Authors Area in the Exhibit Hall and plan their conference time around author visits for signatures.
- Signature events: Recent conferences have included the Texas Bluebonnet Award programming, the Black Caucus Round Table Author Session, Teacher Day @ TLA, an Illustrators Sketch Off, and Evening with the Authors.
- 2027 theme: "Your Voice. Our Community. For ALL."
Attendance
The TLA Annual Conference brings together 5,000+ library professionals and supporters from across the state—decision-makers who manage budgets exceeding $2.5 million and shape the future of library services in their communities. Exhibitors reach over 5,000 representatives from every area of the industry, spanning academic, public, school, and special libraries. Regarding digital engagement, in 2025 there were 2,751 distinct conference-app participants, 667 unique exhibitor visitors, and 24 percent of those who downloaded the app visited exhibitor pages.
Registration
Registration for TLA 2027, April 19-22, 2027 in San Antonio, will open in October 2026. Registration is completed online through the Texas Library Association's member portal. For institutional payments: a purchase order (PO) is a way to request an invoice rather than a payment; on the checkout screen, choose "Bill Me" and add your PO number, and the system will auto-generate an invoice you can forward to your institution's business office to pay the balance. Conference stipends are also available through TLA to help offset attendance costs.
History
The Texas Library Association is a charitable non-profit that promotes libraries in Texas and was founded on June 9, 1902. TLA is affiliated with the American Library Association (ALA) and has more than 6,000 members made up of librarians and library workers from academic, public, school and special libraries, as well as library advocates, educators, and vendors. The Annual Conference is the association's signature event, held each spring in major Texas cities. Notably, the author of the winning Texas Bluebonnet Award title is presented with the award at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in the spring. The conference rotates among Texas cities—with upcoming editions planned for San Antonio (2027 and 2028), Fort Worth (2029), and San Antonio (2030)—and TLA books its annual conferences many years in advance because it is one of the largest association-hosted conferences in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the TLA 2027 Annual Conference?
The Texas Library Association 2027 Annual Conference takes place April 19-22, 2027, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. It runs Monday through Thursday.
Who should attend the TLA Annual Conference?
The conference is designed for Texas librarians and library staff of all levels, along with library advocates, educators, and vendors. Attendees come from academic, public, school, and special libraries across the state.
How do I register for TLA 2027?
Registration opens in October 2026 and is completed online through the Texas Library Association's portal. Institutions can pay by purchase order using the "Bill Me" option at checkout to generate an invoice, and conference stipends are available to help offset costs.
What is there to do at the conference?
Attendees can take part in educational sessions led by librarians and field experts, explore a large exhibit hall of library resources and technology, and visit the popular Authors Area for signings. The conference also features keynote speakers and signature events such as Texas Bluebonnet Award programming.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
TLA partners with onPeak, its only official hotel provider, to offer discounted rates at San Antonio hotels near the convention center along the River Walk, many within walking distance. The venue is about nine miles from San Antonio International Airport and is served by city buses, rideshare, and taxis.
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