ALA Annual is just in a few days. NMRT has put a list of local information together to help those new to ALA or the city. Let’s start with a Google Map of locations to check out made by a former local, Jerry Yarnetsky. He has highlighted some fun places to check out and eat, both near the conference center and around the city. The Philadelphia Visitor’s Bureau also has a list of discounts for local food and activities if you have time to do some research ahead of the trip.
If you need a quick lunch or snack between sessions, or want to explore but can’t go far from the convention center, check out Reading Terminal Market. You can visit the website in advance to plot out all your lunch destinations or just wander and see!
If you are looking for a quiet space during the conference, check out the Community of Care Quiet Room. It is located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 104 A B.
If you are still trying to decide on what sessions to attend, log in to the ALA scheduler and look for the Sample First-Time Attendee Agendas Curated by NMRT. They highlight a smaller list of programs broken down by whether those who work in Academic, Public, School, or Special libraries may be interested. Some topics are specific to the type of library and some are aimed at those new to the profession or support skill building.
Throughout the conference, NMRT’s Resume Review Service Committee will offer its popular Resume Review Service in the placement center. The service attempts to match up reviewer and reviewee by library type to ensure you get feedback specific to the type of library you work in or are looking to work in.
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Back of Exhibit Hall E
NMRT’s Conference Orientation, geared towards first-time conference attendees, will take place on Friday, June 27, from 1:30-3 p.m. This session will include information about ALA and NMRT, followed by a panel discussion about getting involved in ALA, and conference tips.
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Ballroom B
This year NMRT has a ticketed event for a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. NMRT worked with a local Ghost tour and attendees will all be from ALA Annual. The tour will be from 6:00pm – 7:30pm on Saturday, June 28, 2025 starting at Signers’ Garden near 5th and Chestnut Streets. This event did sell out before the conference. If you missed this one, be on the lookout for another Ghost Tour at the next ALA Annual in Chicago.
The NMRT Executive Board will hold its meeting on Sunday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. Executive Board meetings are open to everyone and we encourage those interested in learning more about how governance works in ALA’s round tables to attend.
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 203 A
NMRT’s President’s Program is on Sunday, June 29 from 1-2 p.m. Titled Navigating Salary & Negotiation in Library Land, the session will bring together a panel of librarians with experience in public and academic libraries to share tools and tips to figure out how you can advocate for and negotiate your salary.
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 115 A
On Sunday night, join NMRT for a night of networking and fun at the Annual Social from 5-7 p.m. in the conference center. The Annual Social is a great opportunity to meet
current and former NMRT members as well as Retired Members Round Table (RMRT). NMRT & RMRT partnered to bring you the social this year. NMRT’s award winners will be honored at this event and there will be light refreshments.
Location: Sheraton, Liberty Ballroom D
After the Social if you are looking for some fun, come check out the ALA Trivia Championship! (Tickets are $10 at the door) Join fellow librarians and library workers at this national championship cosponsored by GameRT, RUSA, and NMRT and compete for the title of “Reference Champions of America” in this team-based trivia event. You can come with friends or join a team!
Location: Sheraton, Liberty Ballroom C
We hope to see you at one of NMRT’s events during the ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia!