Programming
Thursday, January 22
This track is geared toward tips on library programming.
Thursday, January 22
This track is geared toward tips on library programming.
9 a.m. - RISE (Really Incredible Simple & Easy) Programming
Looking to boost your programming calendar without burning out? This high-energy, idea-packed session delivers a fast-paced mix of plug-and-play program ideas for children, family, and adults. Walk away with at least 20 creative, cost-effective, and easy-to implement programs you can launch with minimal prep and maximum community impact, in addition to ideas about how to scale the programs up or down based on your library and community needs.
Learning Objectives:
Julie Elmore, Director, Oakland City - Columbia Township Public Library (Indiana)
Patty Collins, Consultant, Central Kansas Library System (Kansas)
Looking to boost your programming calendar without burning out? This high-energy, idea-packed session delivers a fast-paced mix of plug-and-play program ideas for children, family, and adults. Walk away with at least 20 creative, cost-effective, and easy-to implement programs you can launch with minimal prep and maximum community impact, in addition to ideas about how to scale the programs up or down based on your library and community needs.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover plug-and-play program ideas for all ages
- Determine how to scale programs up or down based on community needs
Julie Elmore, Director, Oakland City - Columbia Township Public Library (Indiana)
Patty Collins, Consultant, Central Kansas Library System (Kansas)
10:30 a.m. - No One Came to My Program: Recovering from Poor Attendance and Other Program Failures
Program failure happens to every librarian at some point or another. Maybe you crafted a thoughtful, exciting event, only to have no one attend. Maybe your performer no-showed. When a program fails, it's easy to feel like a failure yourself - but there are ways to recover. We'll discuss common types of program failures, what causes them, and how to regroup when something goes wrong. Attendees will come away with active strategies to build stronger, more flexible programs that can rebound even in the face of disaster.
Learning Objectives:
Chelsey Roos, Children's Librarian, Santa Clara County Library District (California)
Program failure happens to every librarian at some point or another. Maybe you crafted a thoughtful, exciting event, only to have no one attend. Maybe your performer no-showed. When a program fails, it's easy to feel like a failure yourself - but there are ways to recover. We'll discuss common types of program failures, what causes them, and how to regroup when something goes wrong. Attendees will come away with active strategies to build stronger, more flexible programs that can rebound even in the face of disaster.
Learning Objectives:
- Comprehend ways to recover from program failures
- Gain active strategies to build stronger and more flexible programs
Chelsey Roos, Children's Librarian, Santa Clara County Library District (California)
1 p.m. - Stronger Together: Building Community Partnerships That Strengthen, Not Strain Library Programming
Truly impactful library programming partnerships go beyond surface-level collaboration—they are built on mutual benefit, shared purpose, and deep understanding of community needs. This webinar will guide library staff through the process of creating and sustaining community partnerships that are meaningful, strategic, and effective. Whether you're launching new initiatives or strengthening existing relationships, this session will provide actionable tools and strategies to ensure your partnerships are as impactful as the programs they support.
Learning Objectives:
Isa Small, Programming & Communications Services Manager, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, (Wisconsin)
Truly impactful library programming partnerships go beyond surface-level collaboration—they are built on mutual benefit, shared purpose, and deep understanding of community needs. This webinar will guide library staff through the process of creating and sustaining community partnerships that are meaningful, strategic, and effective. Whether you're launching new initiatives or strengthening existing relationships, this session will provide actionable tools and strategies to ensure your partnerships are as impactful as the programs they support.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify partners whose missions and audiences align with your library’s goals
- Engage partners early in the process to co-create programs informed by their insight into the target community
- Move beyond asking for co-promotion—tap into your partner’s knowledge, relationships, and expertise to shape programming from the ground up
- Establish shared goals, clarify roles, and build in tools for accountability and evaluation
- Maintain partnerships that are equitable, transparent, and adaptable over time
Isa Small, Programming & Communications Services Manager, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, (Wisconsin)