Convention and Expo Keynotes
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Ruta Sepetys
Opening Keynote – Ruta Sepetys
Wednesday, November 19 | Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland
Join us for an inspiring keynote from internationally acclaimed author Ruta Sepetys, known for her powerful historical novels that give voice to underrepresented stories from the past.
Sepetys is a New York Times bestselling author whose award-winning historical novels have been published in more than 60 countries and translated into 40 languages. Recognized as a “crossover” writer, her books resonate with both young adults and adult readers around the globe.
Sepetys is renowned for shedding light on underrepresented moments in history and giving voice to those whose stories are often left untold. She is a recipient of the prestigious Carnegie Medal and her books have won or been shortlisted for more than 40 literary awards.
Born in Michigan to a Lithuanian refugee and raised in a family of artists and storytellers, Sepetys is passionate about the power of history to foster empathy and global connection. Her work has earned her invitations to speak at NATO, the European Parliament, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and diplomatic embassies around the world. She was also awarded the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Fellowship for her research on human resilience.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Andre Norman
Thursday Keynote – Andre Norman
Thursday, November 20 | Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland
Renowned author and motivational speaker Andre Norman will share his powerful story of transformation on Thursday, November 20.
Growing up in a tumultuous household, Andre Norman found himself with too much idle time and too few positive influences, eventually becoming entangled in gang life. That path led to a staggering 100-year prison sentence while he was still in high school. Behind bars, he quickly climbed the ranks within the prison gangs—until a 2½-year stint in solitary confinement forced him to confront the reality of his choices.
It was in that isolation that Norman had a profound realization: he had become the “king of nowhere.” From that moment on, he made a life-changing commitment—not just to leave prison, but to walk a radically different path. His goal? To one day attend Harvard. It began with a single step: teaching himself how to read.
Since his release from prison in 1999, Norman has emerged as a powerful voice for resilience, redemption, and leadership. In his keynote, Norman will share hard-earned insights on overcoming adversity, the power of personal responsibility, and how anyone, regardless of background, can rise to become a leader who never quits.
Friday, November 21, 2025
Peter Reynolds
Closing Keynote – Peter Reynolds
Friday, November 21 | Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland
Award-winning author and illustrator Peter Reynolds will deliver the closing keynote at the 2025 Convention and Expo. Reynolds is best known for beloved titles like The Dot, Sky Color, and Going Places, which have empowered millions of children (and adults!) to embrace their creativity and find their voice. Through storytelling and illustration, Reynolds invites readers to color outside the lines, think differently, and make their mark, a message that resonates within the library world.
In his keynote, Reynolds will share powerful stories from his life and work, including how a single teacher changed his trajectory by noticing his creative spark. He’ll explore the intersection of art, math, and science; the magic of finding a kindred spirit (or “twin”); and how libraries can continue to ignite the creative potential in every child.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his books, Reynolds’ message will leave you inspired, energized, and reminded of the essential role libraries play in fostering imagination and connection.