Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) is delighted to announce that the call for abstracts for our 2026 Conference, Libraries Loud and Proud, is now open. The conference will take place on Mon 7 and Tues 8 September 2026 at Rydges Hotel, Melbourne.
The overarching theme, Libraries Loud and Proud, has six streams. Abstracts will be assessed against these themes, plus a ‘wild card’ entry (great ideas):
- Outreach: Libraries coming to you, diversifying service delivery methods
- Early Years: Building brighter futures
- AI & Digital Literacy: in the library and in the community
- Access & Inclusion: diversity, language, accessibility, etc.
- Libraries today & tomorrow: Trends impacting libraries today and what that might look like in the future (workforce, social value, etc)
- Program & Partnerships: Collaborating for impact
PLV is calling for abstracts in the following presentation types:
- Panel sessions: these will be held in the plenary room and consist of four 15-20 min presentations per session, followed by audience Q&A.
- Strategic conversations: these will be held in a smaller room and consist of four shorter presentations of 10 mins each, with dialogue between the presenters and audience facilitated by a chairperson.
- Lightning talks: these are short, sharp showcases – think innovative projects, new tech, great impact – 5 minutes in length. Lightning talks are an ideal space to float ideas or gain speaking experience. No audience Q&A, but they are scheduled immediately before breaks so participants can follow up with presenters.
The Call for Abstracts submission form contains all the information you need to know.
If your library has an innovative program or service, please consider sharing it with your library colleagues by submitting an abstract. Don’t be shy – be loud and proud!
We have also launched the PLV Conference 2026 website. You can check in here for details as we firm up the program.