The South Carolina Library Association is excited to welcome library professionals from across the state to the 2026 SCLA Conference: The Next Chapter: Building Resilient Libraries. Join us October 27–29 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center for three days of learning, connection, and conversation about the future of libraries in South Carolina.
2026 SCLA Conference
Tuesday, October 27 – Thursday, October 29, 2026
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Registration Is Open!
The SCLA Conference is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, discover new ideas, build professional connections, and return to your library energized for what comes next.
Attendees can look forward to educational sessions, nationally recognized keynote speakers, author luncheons, networking opportunities, special events, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from across South Carolina.
Register today and be part of the next chapter for South Carolina libraries.
Explore the Conference Agenda
Start planning your conference experience! The 2026 SCLA Conference agenda is now available on Whova, where you can explore educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events, and more.
For feature details, visit
Whova
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
We’re excited to welcome three outstanding keynote speakers to the 2026 SCLA Conference:
Ellen Oh, October 27 — Author of The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee, Finding Junie Kim, and the Spirit Hunters trilogy. She is also a founding member of We Need Diverse Books.
Tracie D. Hall, October 28 — Executive Director of the HBCU Library Alliance and internationally recognized library leader whose decades of leadership in libraries, education, and cultural policy have advanced equitable access to information and intellectual freedom.
Clayton A. Copeland, PhD, October 29 — Researcher, educator, and accessibility advocate specializing in universal design and the experiences of people with disabilities in libraries and other information spaces.
Together, our keynote speakers will bring perspectives on storytelling, leadership, advocacy, accessibility, and the role libraries play in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Author Luncheons
Enjoy lunch and conversation with two acclaimed South Carolina authors during this year’s Author Luncheons.
C. Hope Clark, October 27 — Award-winning author of twenty-three mysteries across three series, including the popular Edisto Island Mysteries.
Len Lawson, October 28 — Award-winning South Carolina poet, author, and educator whose work explores history, identity, and the Black experience. His works include New Names for Stars, Negro Asylum for the Lunatic Insane, and Chime.
Author luncheons give conference attendees a chance to hear directly from accomplished writers while enjoying lunch and connecting with fellow attendees.
Connect Beyond the Conference
The 2026 SCLA Annual Conference is about more than great sessions and inspiring speakers! Make the most of your conference experience with opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, meet new friends, and celebrate South Carolina's library community.
Pre-Conference Meetup
Monday, October 26 | 5:00–7:00 PM
All Good Books | 734 Harden St.
The SCLA New Members Round Table invites you to a Pre-Conference Meetup at All Good Books! Connect with fellow library professionals, make new friends, and get excited for the conference ahead. Whether you're new to SCLA or a familiar face, we'd love to see you there!
Happy Learning Hour
Tuesday, October 27 | 5:30 PM
Richland Library Main | 1431 Assembly St.
Catch up with colleagues, make new connections, and put your knowledge to the test with a round of trivia. Whether you're in it to win or just along for the fun, it's a great way to unwind after a day of learning! Food and drinks included!
All-Conference Reception
Wednesday, October 28 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Seibels House & Garden | 1601 Richland St.
Join us at the historic Seibels House & Garden for the 2026 SCLA All-Conference Reception! Enjoy delicious bites, drinks, and games in the garden, with DJ Voodoo Child providing the evening's soundtrack.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Want to connect your organization with library professionals from across South Carolina?
Become a 2026 SCLA Conference sponsor or exhibitor to showcase your organization, connect directly with conference attendees, and demonstrate your support for South Carolina’s library community.
Join Us in Columbia!
The annual SCLA Conference is one of the best opportunities for South Carolina’s library community to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate the work happening in libraries across the state.
We hope you’ll join us October 27–29 for The Next Chapter: Building Resilient Libraries.
Institutional Membership Is Here!
We are excited to announce our new opportunity for institutional membership! At any level, this membership will provide the full benefits of SCLA for your library’s entire staff (full-time and part-time). These benefits include access to resources and professional development that may have been inaccessible in the past due to costs or job function along with the convenience of paying for all staff memberships in a single transaction.
To learn more, view this flier: SCLA Institutional Membership.
Support for You and Your Library
Your membership supports SCLA’s aggressive and productive efforts in the state and nationally to assure that South Carolina’s libraries are well-funded and maintain their national standing as the very best.
We are a state chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) and an affiliate of the Southeastern Library Association (SELA). The association is made of librarians from all around our state South Carolina dedicated to providing innovative services and promoting libraries and intellectual freedom to all our citizens including the public, as well as those in higher education and in our schools.
The Benefits of Membership
- Support for you and your library
- Grow your career and skills
- Stay informed
- Opportunities for involvement and networking
- Access to services for you, your library, and your community
