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.
How’s My Driving? Why Every Other Driver Doesn’t Seem to Have a Clue by Steve Dziadik is a book designed to encourage readers to raise their level of defensive driving awareness. The author draws on some of his family’s unfortunate driving experiences, using them where appropriate for added emphasis. The benefit to the reader is an opportunity to empathize with his family’s pain—and learn from it.
Author Steve Dziadik experienced two life-threatening accidents early in life, both of which he and his family were fortunate to survive. For the past 13 years, he has owned and operated a driving school in Florida, teaching defensive driving techniques to thousands of young and older drivers alike. His life experiences and unique perspective on driving safety create a combination that makes his insights both instructional and engaging.
The author hopes that by the end of this book, you will understand—and perhaps even appreciate—how its goals could benefit you, especially if you internalize the lessons and share them with others by driving more safely.
His chapter on “Automobile Insurance 101” breaks down coverages in a way that is both digestible and practical. Discovering after a crash what protection you should have had can be devastating.
“Driving safely is no accident.” Understanding and practicing that principle can lead to a safer, happier commute for everyone.
