From developing fine motor skills, to building vocabulary, to introducing STEM concepts, to improving social-emotional skills, art programs can contribute enormously to early childhood learning and literacy development. But planning and running art programs for young children at the library can feel overwhelming, especially if you feel like your own art skills peaked in kindergarten. In this half-day workshop, you'll learn step by step how to plan and run an art program for toddlers and preschoolers, and get hands-on practice with two art projects designed for young children at libraries.
While AI represents potential, it also poses real harm. As information professionals, library workers have a responsibility to understand this technology and the implications of its widespread use. Library Freedom Project will present strategies for those curious about the use of AI in their institution, opportunities to share stories and experiences of AI, approaches to assessing the privacy risks AI poses for our communities, and resources for continued learning. Participants will work together to build actionable frameworks for analyzing, designing, and implementing AI policies in their libraries that support the values of the communities we serve and of the profession at large.
Ready for some tips and tricks for usable changes that can help you better serve your patrons and your staff? Our panel will discuss practical ideas on how to create these safe spaces and implement real change in your system, and we'll all learn from each other through interactive small group discussions. In light of recent political attacks on the diverse communities that libraries employs and serves, this training will equip, empower, and inspire library staff to support and advocate for the intersectional LGBTQ+ community inside and outside of our libraries.
Are you looking for fresh ways to include queer literature in your readers' advisory? You can move beyond stories where LGBTQ+ people are seen as unusual and instead explore those that present queerness as being as normal as heterosexuality. We will discuss Queernorm (or Queer normative) fiction, how it got started, and why it is important to include in your Readers' Advisory. During this discussion, we will provide book talks for our favorite Queernorm titles and provide you with lots of other resources including book/author recommendations, websites, and other forms of media.
Librarian I, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Spauldings Branch
Teresa Miller (she/her) is a librarian at the Spauldings Branch Library of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS). She received the MLA Emerging Leader Award in 2021 for founding PGCMLS's LGBTQ+ work team. This team has developed library services and staff training... Read More →
In response to the community’s reading crisis, Cecil County Public Library developed Reading Buddies, a literacy initiative where trained volunteers are partnered with elementary students to provide 1:1 reading support. Students work with volunteers to build and practice reading skills, gain confidence, and develop a shared love of reading. Due to its success, CCPL used LSTA funding to create a Tool Kit so Reading Buddies can be easily replicated in any community. Participants will learn how Reading Buddies addresses the reading crisis, get a “sneak peek” of the Tool Kit, and learn more about piloting Reading Buddies in the future.
Empower your community by implementing Kindergarten Gear Up—a 10-week, library-led program developed in partnership with local schools to support underserved preschoolers and their caregivers in building the skills and confidence needed for kindergarten readiness. This structured program equips library staff with school-readiness strategies and provides families with engaging, skill-building activities that lay the foundation for school success. Children focus on outcomes such as body and spatial awareness, cooperation, growth mindset, and positive group dynamics. Caregivers benefit through advocacy, confidence-building, peer-to-peer learning, and a supportive learning community that strengthens their connection to both the library and local schools.
Learn how to create a fun, educational afterschool snack program for kids and teens using your library’s cookbook collection! This session will guide librarians through planning and running hands-on snack-making workshops that teach basic cooking skills, promote healthy eating, and engage youth with library resources. Discover tips for selecting kid-friendly recipes, organizing supplies, ensuring safety, and building partnerships. Perfect for libraries of all sizes—no kitchen required!
No foundation? No friends group? No problem. Learn how your library can use Library Giving Day as a springboard for year-round advocacy and donor engagement—without dedicated fundraising staff. Discover simple messaging strategies that empower staff, trustees, and board members to turn everyday conversations into increased public funding and private support. You'll leave with practical tools to launch or grow fundraising efforts, energize stakeholders, and build lasting community investment—all tailored for libraries of any size.
