2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference

This program is about the grant Claymont Library and Howard County Library System received from ALA to present children's financial literacy programs in the library using games and story times.

Agriculture shapes Maryland’s identity — from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland, farms and foodways form the backbone of our communities. This workshop includes the stories of Maryland’s farms, fields, and food — the lived experiences of the people who grow, harvest, and sustain our communities. Through hands-on activities and examples from successful library-agriculture collaborations, this interactive workshop invites library professionals to explore how agricultural literacy can enrich library programs, collections, and community engagement. Attendees will leave inspired to plant the seeds of agricultural awareness in their own communities — ensuring that “Our Stories, Our Shelves” include the people who feed us all.

This session presents an innovative outreach model building shared communities through cross-sector partnerships with campus departments, public libraries, and high schools. We create a seamless service continuum, ensuring a student's story is supported from pre-college to graduation. By featuring familiar collections, like Young Adult (YA) works, we build familiarity. The academic library visits for high school students specifically normalize the space. This mutually beneficial approach expands all partners' reach, directly supporting student success initiatives crucial for campus recruitment and retention.

Host dynamic cooking programs for youth using everything from commercial kitchens to microwaves and no-cook setups. This session offers practical tips for planning one-hour culinary experiences that engage all skill levels. Learn how to set themes, incorporate storytelling, and add creative non-cooking elements to boost participation. Leave with resources and ideas to turn any library space into a flavorful, story-rich learning environment.

The stage is yours! Join us for a fun evening of karaoke - all singing skill levels are welcome!