Library Leaders Conference - Knight Media Forum 2026

Each year, Knight Foundation and the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) convene library, civic and philanthropic leaders from across the country to explore the opportunities and challenges facing libraries.

This year, the Library Leaders Conference will take place on February 11-12, 2026 during Knight Media Forum. Knight Foundation is proud to support this opportunity for public library leaders to connect, collaborate and learn from one another. During this convening, we will explore how libraries can cultivate self-determination and a shared sense of community.

12:15: Lunch

12:30: Welcome & Opening Remarks

George Martinez, Knight Foundation
John Sands, Knight Foundation

12:40: Program Overview:

John S. Bracken, Digital Public Library of America
Tania Ríos Marrero, Digital Public Library of America

12:45: Session I: Reimagining a National Platform for Digital Collections

Designing a collaborative model for collecting, preserving, and expanding access to the nation’s digital cultural and historical collections

Tom Fay, Seattle Public Library
Mandy Knapp, State Library of Ohio
Felton Thomas, Cleveland Public Library
Charles Thomas, Knight Foundation, Moderator

1:15 Session II: AI and Libraries – Where We Are Now

AI developments and their implications for civil society and libraries

Janet Haven, Data & Society
Ben Lee, University of Washington

2:00: Breakout Sessions

Small-group discussions focused on AI, digital collections, and library funding

2:45: Break for Knight Media Forum Mainstage

5:15: Session III: Funders Panel

A conversation with grantmakers on priorities, trends, and opportunities

Donna Frisby-Greenwood, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Patricia Hswe, Mellon Foundation
Ambika Kapur, Carnegie Corp.
John Sands, Knight Foundation, Moderator

6:00: Reception

12:30: Lunch

1:00: Session IV: What Can We Stop Doing?

Exploring how leaders can identify which structures and processes still serve their missions and which have become barriers to change

Tina Walha, U.S. Digital Response
Marcia Walker-McWilliams, Tulane University
Michelle Rago, Digital Public Library of America, Moderator

1:45: Breakout Sessions

Small-group discussions focused on shared challenges and opportunities

2:30: Session V: Summary

Lisa Peet, Library Journal
Sonia Santana Arroyo, Florida International University
John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library
Tania Ríos Marrero, Digital Public Library of America, Moderator

3:00: Adjourn