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.
“It Was Nevada” by Tony Lesperance is a hard-hitting book following the adventures of Terry Hope from his earliest days to his ultimate goal of working on a Nevada cattle ranch. Yet, fate has strange ways, and Hope soon finds himself at the University of Nevada, pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture, and just as suddenly, he finds himself on the staff as an assistant professor.
Terry soon realizes that Nevada agriculture is in jeopardy. Dirty politics, federal intervention, and a host of other questionable factors are at work. He and his close Basque friend, Peio “Pete” Echegoyen, gradually grew into strong positions at the university. Together, they set out to do their utmost to protect Nevada agriculture. Hope convinces the dean of agriculture that the university must seek out and obtain a working cattle ranch. It’s now or never! Nevada’s livestock industry is under siege. The goal is obtained, but ultimately at a terrible cost to not only Hope but Nevada agriculture as well.
Author Tony Lesperance was born and raised during the height of the Depression, but his father made sure that he would learn how to deal with his world. As a teenager, Tony was shipped to Nevada by his father to work on a ranch to give him direction in life. His teenage diversion turned into a lifelong love for Nevada, particularly Nevada ranching and farming.
“It Was Nevada” by Tony Lesperance is recommended and advertised at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) page. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) empowers people to choose how they live as they age. More than 100 million Americans are aged fifty and older, and people want their money, health, and happiness to last as long as they do. AARP is a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans, which creates real possibilities for enhancing the quality of life for all as we age—not just serving our nearly 38 million members—is the mission.
In partnership with Author Reputation Press, Tony Lesperance, author of “It Was Nevada,” held a successful book signing event during the 2024 Los Angeles Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California. The Los Angeles Times held its much-awaited annual Festival of Books last April 20–21, 2024. Take in captivating exhibits, book readings, musical performances, and much more! Book lovers will find this festival to be an absolute paradise.
“It Was Nevada” by Tony Lesperance was also among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 at Frankfurt, Germany, on October 18-22, 2023. The Frankfurter Buchmesse is reportedly known as the world’s largest trade fair for books, opened its doors to participants around the globe celebrating books and their authors. The massive book fair also celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.
“It Was Nevada” introduces the audience to the state’s most prominent industry in the past and recounts its battle for survival as Nevada transitions from the most rural to the most urban state in the country. Additionally, the reader gets a glimpse of some of Nevada’s darker aspects. It’s up to you to judge whether the crazy trip through Nevada history’s pages is real or made up.
