The 2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, held from June 26–30 in Philadelphia, was a powerful, high-energy gathering of over 14,000 librarians, educators, authors, and exhibitors from around the world. Taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the event pulsed with a sense of urgency and purpose. At its heart were timely conversations about intellectual freedom, democracy, and the evolving role of libraries in society, topics that felt especially resonant in the current political climate.
At the conference, ARPress made a memorable impression on attendees with a vibrant and inviting booth that celebrated the power of storytelling. Nestled among hundreds of publishers, their exhibit stood out for its emphasis on bestselling titles and authentic, diverse voices. Visitors were drawn to ARPress’ carefully curated collection, which spanned memoirs, self-help, children’s literature, and thought-provoking nonfiction. What truly brought the exhibit to life were the personal connections, librarians, educators, and book lovers engaged in meaningful conversations with ARPress representatives.
Among the most talked-about titles were inspirational memoirs that offered hope and perspective, empowering self-help books that resonated with both personal and professional audiences, and heartwarming stories that emphasized kindness, resilience, and diversity. Each of these reflected ARPress’ mission to publish meaningful stories that matter, books that stay with readers long after the final page.
The energy at ALA 2025 was unmistakable. From panels on intellectual freedom to networking across the bustling exhibition floor, the conference offered a platform for publishers like ARPress to connect directly with those who bring books into communities: librarians. For ARPress, the highlight wasn’t just showcasing bestselling books, it was building lasting relationships with the people who champion them in schools, libraries, and bookstores nationwide.
Amid the innovation, the emotional core of the conference remained clear: librarians are not just keepers of books, they’re frontline defenders of access, free speech, and community well-being. Whether through panels on book bans, hands-on zine workshops, or impromptu hallway conversations, the spirit of collaboration and resilience was ever-present.
From the cheesesteak-fueled streets of Philadelphia to the packed session rooms, ALA 2025 was more than a conference, it was a reaffirmation of why libraries matter. And with the 150th anniversary celebration already on the horizon for 2026 in Chicago, the momentum is only growing.
Looking ahead, ARPress is building on the momentum from Philadelphia and is set to appear at several other international book fairs throughout 2025. With an expanding catalog and a deepening connection to its readers, ARPress continues to bring powerful stories into the hands of those who need them most. ALA 2025 was more than just an exhibit, it was a celebration of books, voices, and the shared love of reading.
“To Be a Rose” by E. B. Mason (Anne Bowen) is a deeply moving memoir that recounts the author’s journey through adversity, survival, and the power of resilience. The book details Mason’s experience traveling to Afghanistan as an advisor, his unexpected battle with a life-threatening illness, and his arduous recovery upon returning home. Through this powerful narrative, readers gain an intimate look at the struggles he faced, the strength he summoned to fight for his life, and the profound ways in which this experience transformed him.
It is a powerful and evocative novel that explores the complexities of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of identity. Through a beautifully crafted narrative, Mason takes readers on an emotional journey, following a protagonist who must navigate life’s unexpected challenges while seeking personal growth and fulfillment.
“To Be a Rose” teaches readers that personal growth is a journey, not a destination. Finding oneself is not about reaching a single moment of clarity but rather about embracing the journey of growth and self-awareness. Just as a rose blooms despite the thorns, true beauty lies in resilience, courage, and authenticity.
Recently, “To Be a Rose” by E.B Mason (Anne Bowen) was displayed at the 62nd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3, 2025. The Bologna Book Fair is renowned for facilitating networking and fostering partnerships that shape the future of publishing. Held annually in Bologna, Italy, the fair is recognized as one of the most important international events in the publishing calendar.
Last March 11-13, 2025, “To Be a Rose” by E.B Mason (Anne Bowen) was displayed at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London. For more than 50 years, The London Book Fair has been a pivotal event in the international book trade calendar and a key springtime gathering for the publishing sector. Year after year, both exhibitors and visitors return to foster relationships, acquire industry knowledge, and establish the direction for the year ahead.
Also, “To Be a Rose” was featured in the February 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) magazine. The New York Times Book Review is a weekly magazine supplement included in the Sunday edition of The New York Times, where professional critics review current fiction and nonfiction books. It is considered one of the most influential and widely read book review publications in the world. Essentially, it serves as a dedicated section within the newspaper, offering in-depth analyses of new books.
Pacific Book Review recommends the notable book “To Be a Rose” by E. B. Mason (Anne Bowen). Pacific Book Review wrote in its review:
“To Be A Rose isn’t an easy book to pin down, which is probably what makes it linger. It’s part war memoir, part near-death account, part dreamlike meditation on survival. Author E.B. Mason writes from the aftermath of something most people don’t come back from, and you can feel that in every line – he’s not trying to craft an inspiring arc or a polished narrative. He’s trying to tell you what it was like.”
