Missouri Library Association

The 2026 Missouri Library Association Annual Conference, themed 'Libraries Keep Us Connected', will be held in Springfield, MO from October 6-7, 2026. This annual event is organized by the Missouri Library Association (MLA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting library service, the profession of librarianship, and cooperation among all types of libraries in the State of Missouri. The conference focuses on how libraries foster community and build relationships among people. It provides an opportunity for vendors to engage with potential and existing customers within the Missouri library community. More than 400 individuals from Missouri’s academic, public, school and special interest libraries are expected to attend. The conference will also feature a Performer's Showcase for quality programming appropriate for children, teens, and/or families.