Join Knight Foundation and the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) on February 17 and 18, 2025 for a gathering of library, civic and philanthropic leaders from across the country to explore the opportunities and challenges libraries are facing.

Knight Foundation is proud to support this opportunity for public library leaders to work with and learn from each other. During this convening, we will explore how we can cultivate self-determination and a shared sense of community.

Agenda

InterContinental Miami, Bayfront Ballroom, 1st Floor

Monday, February 17, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET  

5:00 p.m. ET: Welcome

Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, Knight Foundation

5:05 p.m. ET: Introduction/Overview

John S. Bracken, Digital Public Library of America
George Martinez, Knight Foundation

5:15 p.m. ET: AI and the Public Library

Library leaders have begun to explore the ways in which AI can serve library missions. This opening presentation will explore nascent approaches to AI that build off of the strengths and capabilities of public libraries.

Laurie Allen, Library of Congress
Pam Ryan, Toronto Public Library
Moderated by Benjamin Lee, University of Washington

6:00 p.m. ET: Reception

Featuring artwork created for the Doral Branch Library by Miami-based artist Alex Nuñez

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET    

7:30 a.m. ET: Breakfast

9:00 a.m. ET: Kickoff

George Martinez, Knight Foundation
John S. Bracken, Digital Public Library of America

9:15 a.m. ET: Archiving Communities: Sharing Experience Through Memory

The preservation of community memories takes on an added urgency during natural disasters, civic strife and governmental changes. This discussion will highlight efforts to illuminate our present through uplifting historical artifacts and narratives.

Tameka Bradley Hobbs, African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward County Libraries
Kara Olidge, Getty Research Institute
Cheryse Terry, ArchiveCLT 
Moderated by Charles Thomas, Knight Foundation

9:45 a.m. ET: America’s Digital Archiving Future

DPLA is evolving its cultural heritage program in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia to expand access to the nation’s digitized memories for the benefit of all Americans. This session will outline a plan for a collaborative effort to sustain and enhance the impact of these collective holdings. 

John Bracken, Digital Public Library of America
Priscilla Suero, Free Library of Philadelphia
Moderated by John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library

10:15 a.m. ET: Sustaining Innovation Through Philanthropy

Philanthropy has played a major role in building the physical and digital infrastructure of public libraries. This discussion will spotlight how new ideas and approaches are being funded.

Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Pew Charitable Trusts 
Erin E. Johnson, Central Carolina Community Foundation
Ambika Kapur, Carnegie Corp.
Moderated by Lilly Weinberg, Knight Foundation

11:00 a.m. ET: Breakout Sessions I (Godfrey/Crandon/Board Room/Deering)

12:00 p.m. ET: Lunch

12:45 p.m. ET: Bridging Knowledge and News: Libraries as Catalysts for Local Journalism

As community-based institutions devoted to the accessibility of knowledge and information, libraries are increasingly looked to as potential platforms for local journalism. Press Forward, a new national philanthropic effort to support local newsrooms, presents new opportunities for cross-sector partnerships.

Dale Anglin, Press Forward
Felton Thomas, Cleveland Public Library

1:15 p.m. ET: Leading in Disruptive Times

The new year presents new challenges for institutions and leaders. Four library directors spur a discussion, based on prior and current experiences in navigating change.

Vickery Bowles, Toronto Public Library
Tom Fay, Seattle Public Library
Skye Patrick, Los Angeles County Library

2:00 p.m. ET: Breakout Sessions II (Godfrey/Crandon/Board Room/Deering)

2:30 p.m. ET: Summary

Lauren Hagan, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Shamichael Hallman, Urban Libraries Council
Jonna Ward, Library Support Network

3:00 p.m. ET: Adjournment

George Martinez, Knight Foundation
John S. Bracken, Digital Public Library of America