Join us for our Special Events

Informal Legislative Update: Monday, April 29th

Mystic Ballroom: 8:00-8:45 AM

Presented by CLA Legislative Committee Co-Chairs, Olivia Blake and Kate Byroade

Make some noise for libraries! The last few years have seen libraries thrust into the legislative spotlight, and we're here for it. We'll share a brief Connecticut-focused update on some of our recent legislative wins, and initiatives in the works. 

Bring your questions!

Conference Keynote: Monday, April 29th

Mystic Ballroom @ 9:20 AM

A Conversation and Q&A with Mychal Threets on Library Joy

Mychal Threets is a librarian. He grew up in Fairfield, CA- right between Sacramento and San Francisco. He grew up in libraries as a homeschool kid.

Mychal loves stories! He enjoys learning something new every day, and that includes learning why people love their local library. He utilizes social media to share the stories of library kids and library grown-ups that he encounters in library land.

He got his first library card at the age of 5 and was hooked on libraries from there. He got his first library job as a library shelver at the library he grew up in and worked his way up to become Supervising Librarian of that very same library.

He got his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Phoenix and his Master’s in Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State University. He is proud to be a 2023 recipient of the American Library Association’s “I Love My Librarian” Award!

He is very open about his mental health. He talks about it in hopes that it’ll help others in their mental health journey. He is adamant about encouraging people to believe him when he says he’s happy they are here.

When Mychal isn’t at the library or talking about libraries, he’s often with his family, friends, or troublesome cats- Machine Gun Kitty and Kissin’ Kat Barlow.

The CLA Conference committee is excited to have Mychal joining us as our Conference Keynote. Mychal will be speaking to us about Library Joy and his journey of spreading that joy that you may have seen on his Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn pages (and if you haven't seen them yet, now's the time to do it!)

After-Hours Event: Monday, April 29th

Other Duties as Assigned: Trivia Edition @ 5:15-7:00 PM

John Casiello and Kristina Lareau of Basically Extra host a special after-hours trivia fundraiser. Other Duties As Assigned, Trivia Edition is specifically designed for this year's CLA conference attendees. This is not your basic bar trivia, but a multi-media event that should have you laughing, cringing, and cheering on your colleagues. Basically, extra. 

Tickets available during registration or on site and includes one drink of your choice in addition to a good time. Additional drinks are available for purchase from the cash bar. 

Awards Ceremony: Tuesday, April 30th

Mystic Ballroom CF @ 8:00-8:45 AM

Join us in celebrating our library colleagues as we give out the CLA Awards and Scholarships.

This event is free for attendees.

Extra Exhibits Time: Tuesday, April 30th

Marriott Ballroom: 8:45-9:15 AM

Enjoy extra time in the Exhibit Hall with our vendors!