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 narrative of “The Dignity of Service: The Power of Social Entrepreneurship” interweaves the themes of servant leadership and social entrepreneurship to explore how these concepts can foster meaningful change in communities. It emphasizes the role of individuals and organizations in addressing pressing social issues, particularly poverty, through innovative and community-driven solutions.
“The Dignity of Service: The Power of Social Entrepreneurship” explores how servant leadership and social entrepreneurship can restore dignity and create meaningful change in communities. Nathan and Jeff share their journeys, insights, and practical strategies for tackling poverty through innovative solutions and community development. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they emphasize the importance of understanding the “why” behind our efforts, offering guidance and inspiration to those seeking to make a difference. This book is a call to action for individuals and organizations to engage in transformative service, fostering resilience and hope in challenging times.
Nathan W. McKie Sr. brings a wealth of experience in working with people across various career and personal environments. His father had him sell light bulbs door-to-door, exposing him to the challenges of cold-call selling. He worked alongside farmhands and was highly active in the 4-H Club, even winning a national contest. In college, he served as a camp counselor and sold formal favors to sororities and fraternities. After graduating, he joined the Air Force, where he completed a four-year stint, attained the rank of captain, and received the Air Force Commendation Medal.
In 2016, following a career in entrepreneurial ventures, corporate management, and volunteer service, he founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering social entrepreneurship. By cultivating strong relationships and building trust, he believes that a true sense of community can be achieved in both urban and rural settings.
Jeffrey Baker is joining this book to provide the additional perspective that will make it much richer in terms of a broader knowledge of fieldwork. Both Nathan and Jeff have entrepreneurial backgrounds and seek to foster a better understanding of the power that can come from a true service-oriented approach.
Additionally, our experience has helped us understand the potholes that await anyone who seeks to step out in faith. Profit was directed toward churches and, to some degree, businesspeople, who weren’t that interested in either social enterprises or social entrepreneurship. So, here’s the approach in Service: let’s develop the notion that servants are not weak or ignorant folks who can’t or won’t take on such projects. As we look at what it means to be a servant leader, we hope you will find yourself imagining how you can pursue your dream or objective with this approach.
Recently, “The Dignity of Service” by Nathan W. McKie, Sr. with Jeffrey Baker was displayed at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London from March 11-13, 2025. The London Book Fair (LBF), held at Olympia London, reportedly drew approximately 30,000 attendees and experienced a 10 percent increase in rights-center table sales. The event hosted over 1,000 exhibitors; however, providing an exact figure would offer more clarity and detail. The International Rights Center, which saw a 10-percent rise in sales compared to 2024, is said to have sold a total of 550 tables.
Library Journal Magazine (December 2024 Issue) also features “The Dignity of Service” by Nathan McKie Sr. with Jeffrey Baker. 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 updates on the latest developments in publishing, technology, and library management. Celebrated for its comprehensive reviews, Library Journal helps librarians curate diverse and engaging collections with confidence.
“The Dignity of Service” thus serves as an essential guide for aspiring social entrepreneurs and leaders. It highlights the importance of empathy, community engagement, and commitment to moral leadership as fundamental components in the quest to create impactful social change. The book invites readers to reflect on their roles within their communities and to cultivate a spirit of service that honors the dignity of those they aspire to help. This narrative not only informs but also inspires action, illustrating the profound power that social entrepreneurship can wield in transforming lives and communities.
