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 Book of Mary” by Michael P. Closs takes a fresh, critical look at the Protevangelium of James, one of the earliest texts detailing the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Closs meticulously analyzes historical manuscripts, including Syriac and Greek sources, to explore how this ancient work influenced early Christian beliefs and shaped traditions about Mary’s life, from her miraculous birth to her role in the story of Jesus.

Beyond textual analysis, “The Book of Mary” delves into the broader historical and cultural context in which these writings emerged. Closs examines the role of women in early Christianity, the influence of Jewish traditions on Marian narratives, and how later theologians built upon these foundational stories. He presents a balanced approach, acknowledging both the strengths and the limitations of historical interpretations while inviting readers to consider the Protevangelium as more than just legend—it is a window into the spiritual mindset of the earliest followers of Jesus.

Michael P. Closs is a retired professor at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He is also a Catholic deacon who has served in both Canada and Mexico. Closs’ work is thoroughly researched and carefully crafted. He opens with background on the Gospel of Mark, who likely drew primarily from the Protoevangelium, especially in relation to the Messianic Secret. After this introduction, Closs presents the Protoevangelium itself, based on Mary’s testimony regarding her birth, childhood, Immaculate Conception, and the birth of Jesus. The full text is included, with footnotes for each verse providing historical context, biblical parallels between Mary’s story and Old Testament figures, semantic insights, and interpretations of key events.

The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends The Book of Mary: A Commentary on the Protoevangelium of James, Second Edition by Michael P. Closs. Here’s a review from the USRB that highlights:

“This is a thorough, insightful, and diligent commentary on an ancient text that is not widely known yet forms the basis of the Gospel stories Christians are intimately familiar with. Closs gently encourages readers to think critically about the stories they may have taken for granted, to ‘insert ourselves into the narrative,’ as he states at one point. He shows great compassion for the historical figures, noting, for example, that the Immaculate Conception of Mary ‘would be a nightmare for any woman, to find herself pregnant and not know how it happened. The entire scene is very spiritually painful to both Joseph and Mary.’ He provides bold critiques of other scholars but offers sufficient evidence to back up his conclusions. He also anticipates criticism of his own positions by preemptively providing solid resources and background for his arguments.