You’re Invited:
Book an Author In Real Life at ALA Annual Conference 2026
DATE:
June 27–29, 2026
TIME:
7:00–9:00 AM
Location: Chicago, IL.
Exact times and location details will be shared upon registration. Events are held at a venue adjacent to McCormick Place.
Format: In-person
Target Audience: Current librarians
Cost: Free for librarians
Replay: No replay or recording available.
Free coffee. Fresh pastries. Real conversations.
Before the conference floor opens each morning, Book an Author is hosting intimate author-librarian gatherings — without the noise of the exhibit hall.
100% Free for Librarians
You are our guest. Just show up, grab a coffee, and meet an author.
What to Expect
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a conversation. Come as you are.
Event Schedule
Events take place across the final three days of ALA Annual 2026 — before the conference floor opens each morning. Attend one session, two, or all three. Each morning will feature different authors.
| DAY | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | June 27 | 7:00–9:00 AM |
| Day 2 | June 28 | 7:00–9:00 AM |
| Day 3 | June 29 | 7:00–9:00 AM |
Exact times and location details will be shared upon registration. Events are held at a venue adjacent to McCormick Place.
Why Librarians Love These Events
Meeting an author in person before booking them makes all the difference. You get a real sense of who they are and how they’ll connect with your community.
— The philosophy behind Book an Author IRL
The exhibit hall can be overwhelming. Our IRL events give you a quieter, more intentional space to:
- Discover authors you might not find on a crowded show floor
- Have a real conversation about programming ideas for your community
- Evaluate authors as speakers and partners in a low-pressure setting
- Start the conference day energized, caffeinated, and connected
Reserve Your Free Spot
Enter for a chance to win prizes ($50–300 value)!
Questions? membersupport@bookanauthor.com