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.
Covid-19 and A Preacher’s Love Letters by Dr. Serenus T. Churn, Sr. is a poignant collection of letters written during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book serves as a source of hope, comfort, and encouragement for a congregation facing unprecedented challenges. Each letter conveys messages of faith, resilience, and positivity, aiming to guide readers through the fears and uncertainties brought on by the pandemic.
Recently, the book was displayed at the 2025 London Book Fair (LBF), held at Olympia London from March 11–13, 2025. The event reportedly drew approximately 30,000 attendees and experienced a 10 percent increase in rights-center table sales. Over 1,000 exhibitors participated; however, providing an exact figure would offer additional clarity. The International Rights Center, which saw a 10 percent rise in table sales compared to 2024, reportedly sold a total of 550 tables.
Additionally, Covid-19 and A Preacher’s Love Letters was featured in the December 2024 issue of Library Journal magazine. Library Journal (LJ) is one of the most respected and widely read publications in the library field. It serves as an indispensable resource for librarians, library professionals, and information specialists, offering in-depth reviews, previews, and news about the latest developments in publishing, technology, and library management.
This masterpiece is highly praised by Michael Radon of the US Review of Books, who acknowledges that
“While certainly, the difficult and unpredictable events of the pandemic years are not easy for anyone to forget, it is important to remember the various ways in which people came together to support and keep each other going. This book serves partially as a testament of faith and works and also a historical document of sorts. Each letter is effectively paired with a pertinent Bible verse but often incorporates other teachings or examples from scripture designed to give readers hope and strength to face unprecedented obstacles. Though the specific challenges of 2020 and 2021 have been tackled and conquered, the lessons of those days still have relevance and parallels even now, and this book will inspire its readers to be grateful for the things that kept them going then while also finding the strength to keep going today.”
