ARPress

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.

The author, J. Lynn Currie, did undergraduate studies in philosophy and theology at Lincoln Christian University. He received a B.A. and M.A. in psychology from the University of Illinois at Springfield, with an emphasis on social psychology and research design. His master’s paper was a review of research on religiosity.

He taught at the community college. He has worked as a job training counselor, research analyst, and program evaluator with various government programs. He serves in the church as a youth group sponsor, deacon, and teacher. Lynn and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church in Decatur, IL.

In his book, “I Believe In Santa Claus And I Believe In God : Why I Believe,” Mr. Currie discusses how it can be difficult to share the reasons he believes in God, which is what motivated him to write this book. The main thesis is that it makes as much scientific and logical sense to believe in God as not to believe. He accepts that you may disagree with his choice, but hopes you will consider that belief is not necessarily a delusion or something that ruins everything.

With some discussion about what we mean by belief and God, he presents the reasons and evidence that support his belief. Some reasons to believe are based on things he doesn’t believe. He doesn’t believe that nothing produces something, that matter has always existed, or that intelligence, consciousness, emotions, and a sense of morality arose from inanimate matter.

Mr. Currie believes that there is evidence of design in creation and life that points to God. These things require an autonomous, intelligent, external to our time and space entity, God. He also believes that the arguments against God are not adequate to negate the plausibility of sensible belief. He believes in free will. 

A person can choose to believe or not. Either choice is based on a person’s understanding of the evidence and faith.