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Three days. 131 unique public libraries in attendance. Dozens of sessions that reimagined what’s possible for the online library experience.
BiblioCon ’25 brought together library professionals from across North America, both in Toronto and online, for conversations that are shaping the digital future of public libraries. Whether attendees gathered in person at The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel or joined virtually from their homes and libraries, the collective energy, curiosity, and collaboration were palpable.
A Theme That Hit Home: The Future of the Online Library Experience
This year’s theme struck a chord with library leaders, tech and community services, and marketers alike. Across every track and breakout, one truth became clear: libraries are redefining what connection and trust look like in a digital world shaped by constant change.
Sessions examined how innovations in AI, eReading, and personalization can be grounded in public library values of privacy, inclusivity, and access for all. Attendees came away from the sessions with inspired and actionable ideas for elevating their library's digital presence to a space more welcoming, intuitive and engaging.
"This was hands-down the best conference I’ve attended. Unlike many library conferences that struggle to offer content relevant to both large and small library systems, this one nailed it. The sessions were timely and impactful, covering topics like AI, personalization, and data security that resonate across the board. I had the chance to connect with a wide range of professionals from across North America and walked away with fresh insights, practical strategies, and a stronger network." - Robert Simeon, title, Mississauga Library
The tone was set with the keynote on day one, highlighting the challenge to think beyond technology as a tool and towards a vision of it being a bridge to connect patrons, stories, and communities. From there, conversations flowed seamlessly into practical sessions that explored readers’ advisory, marketing automation, and data-driven decision-making.
(Above) Steve Till-Rogers, Director Digital Strategy and CIO at Toronto Public Library, and Marty Tarle, General Manager of BiblioCommons, sharing insights on the evolving digital landscape for public libraries during the keynote.
Highlights That Defined the Week
The Executive Strategy Track delivered powerful discussions among library leaders navigating the crossroads of innovation and integrity. Sessions like Beyond the Buzz: Pragmatic AI That Respects Library Values and Patron Trust and Advances in Personalization: Bringing the Patron Closer to the Library revealed how forward-thinking libraries are testing, adapting, and leading technology with intention.
(Above) Vicky Varga, Executive Director, Collections, Marketing, and Technology, shared how Edmonton Public Library is predicting customer churn with the help of AI.
In library-led sessions, folks from libraries of all sizes shared real-world strategies: from usability testing at Johnson County Library to a full-scale rebrand at Saint Paul Public Library. Each session demonstrated how creativity and collaboration drive meaningful change, even when resources are limited.
(Above) John Larson, Digital Library Coordinator at Saint Paul Public Library, walks attendees through the library’s brand evolution, showcasing how its visual identity has transformed over the years to reflect a more modern, inclusive, and community-centered library experience.
Meanwhile, Office Hours on the last day of the conference gave attendees dedicated time with BiblioCommons Product Managers. Attendees and BiblioTeam members discussed everything from feature requests to long-term digital planning. For many, it was an opportunity to map out what comes next for their library’s digital ecosystem and get detailed answers to product questions.
Beyond the Sessions
For those in Toronto, every hallway conversation, breakfast meetup, lunch chat, and evening gathering became an extension of the learning experience. The Swag Swap was a hit this year, sparking inspiration as attendees exchanged t-shirts, bookmarks, puzzles, stickers, and other creative giveaways from their libraries.
(Above) A creative display of library swag, from buttons and bookmarks to t-shirts and puzzles, at this year’s popular Swag Swap table.
The Evening Reception set a fun collaborative tone, giving first-time attendees a chance to meet one another and repeat attendees to reconnect with familiar faces. Between sessions, attendees explored Yorkville’s lively mix of restaurants and Toronto’s other downtown attractions, making this year’s conference as memorable socially as it was professionally.
Virtual participants joined live sessions, office hours, and Q&As, proving that the BiblioCon community extends far beyond the physical event. The chat windows were buzzing with insights, questions, and shared experiences that reflected the same energy as the in-person conversations.
A Collective Effort Worth Celebrating
It truly takes a village to bring BiblioCon to life! A special thank-you goes to our BiblioCon ’25 Co-Chairs, Stephanie Chase (Constructive Disruption), Michael Colford (Boston Public Library), and our partner library Committee Members, whose leadership shaped this year’s program and ensured diverse perspectives were represented throughout.
Big thanks go out to Committe Members: Anahi Bravo, Las Vegas Clark County Library District, Adult Services Assistant, Caitlin Tracey-Miller, Cincinnati Public Library, Data Analyst, Daniel Caschera, Oakville, Manager of Technology, Jessica Trenary, MARINet, Systems Administrator, Liz Foreman, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Content Team Leader – Marketing, Nathan Pauley, Daniel Boone Regional Library, Information Technology Manager, Remington Steed, Kent District Library, Webmaster, Shawn Farrell, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, ILS Analyst.
And to our BiblioCommons Planning Committee: Chantel Clayton, Customer Success Manager, Cori Nicholls, Technical Writer, Eliana Franco, Director, Marketing, Erica Reynolds, VP, Customer Success, Jackie Miles, Team Lead, Customer Success, Kati Polodna, Implementations Specialist, Miri Harsonsky, Partnership Development Lead, Valini Kissoon, Marketing Campaigns and Events Manager. Your teamwork, creativity, and dedication made every detail, from behind-the-scenes logistics, virtual session support, and on-site coordination run seamlessly. We also extend our gratitude to the BiblioCommons speakers who took the stage to share insights on our product roadmap, AI initiatives, engineering best practices and security, and the future of the online library experience. Their sessions offered attendees a transparent look into where our platform is headed and how we’re continuing to evolve in partnership with libraries. The collaboration across all departments reflected the same community spirit that BiblioCon celebrates each year.
What Comes Next?
The conversations sparked at BiblioCon ’25 are just the beginning. Libraries are entering an era where technology and trust must coexist, and this community is leading that change.
Sessions that were recorded will be available to all registrants next week. If you were unable to join us this year, a separate access option will open in the coming weeks for those who couldn’t make it.
In 2026, we will return to a fully virtual format, but, fear not, BiblioCon ’27 will give us another opportunity to come together in person. Either way, both will be chances to connect and grow together as library innovators and community builders.
Wherever you join from, one thing is certain: BiblioCon will continue to be the place where libraries come together to imagine and create the future of the online library experience.