As the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference came to an end, excitement built for an event that promised to be both dynamic and transformative. Set against the backdrop of the Pennsylvania Convention Center last June 26-30, this year’s conference served as a vital gathering for thousands of library professionals and advocates from around the globe.
The ALA dedicated to enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all, embodied this mission through thought-provoking sessions and meaningful community connections. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with forward-thinking librarians, explore innovative ideas, and collaborate on strategies that would shape the future of libraries.
In response to the growing challenges faced by libraries, including an unprecedented surge in book challenges, the ALA developed a comprehensive clearinghouse of resources to support library professionals and advocates. This initiative empowered attendees to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that the fundamental right to access diverse literature was upheld.
Citi of Books (COB) was thrilled to be part of this prestigious event representing 18 books from our remarkable authors! Among the standout selections that made a memorable impression with its insightful approach was “Holy Rollers” by Dr. James Irwin Wallace.
James Wallace, Ph.D., has spent his career practicing as a clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, and sport psychologist. He has practiced golf a lot, too, with little success. He has earned his knowledge of aikido by serving as the chief instructor (Sensei) of two dojos in Southern California and one in Ithaca, NY, before running the Colgate University Aikido Club in Hamilton, NY, the past quarter of a century.
He lives there with his wife, Colgate University Professor Ann Jane Tierney, and he teaches P.E. courses in wellness, as well. They have two young adult daughters, Jasmine and Gemma, striving to live well in Virginia and Colorado, respectively. Dr. Wallace is the author of a nonfiction book about the physical and mental aspects of athletics, On Target: Comparative Challenges of Sports & Games, along with several magazine articles about aikido.
See eqpsych.com and drjimswhims.home.blog for more information from Dr. Wallace, who is also available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
“Holy Rollers” circled on Max Azure, a professional golfer working for the Rolling Greens Golf Club, enjoys his life with a Zen philosophy and a keen sense of humor. He spends his days giving golf lessons, training aikido, matching wits with his best friend Mitch Treasure, and attempting to qualify for the upcoming U.S. Open. But all that changes when one of his regulars, Pastor Puttnam, is found dead on the thirteenth green; the police declare it an accident, but Max isn’t convinced.
As more members of the local clergy are found dead, Max and Mitch team up to try and catch the culprit, but will they be able to find out who is behind the murders before another member of their community is lost? “Holy Rollers” combines dark suspense, psychology, and humor in this ace of a novel that will leave you guessing from tee time through the back nine.
“Holy Rollers” also made its appearance during the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), the world’s second-largest book fair and Asia’s most influential publishing event. A remarkable celebration of literature, showcasing an impressive collection of over 220,000 titles that highlight both Chinese and international works.
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As we looked back on this year’s event, we were eager to continue building connections and advocating for access to diverse narratives in every library across the nation, sparking conversations that inspired fresh insights and impactful action.
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