If employee evaluations and reviews give you anxiety, hives, or worse—consider a different approach to supervision and evaluation of your most valuable resource (the people!) as a leader in a small and rural library. Ditch the “dread” element of performance reviews by establishing a strengths-based approach, aligning organization goals with employee goal setting, and using regular check-ins with purposeful and deliberate talking points to redirect less productive behaviors. This method does not rely on personality or on advanced training in human resource management, but it does rely on intention, on relationship, and on record-keeping. We will explore different timelines, policies, and documents for staff check-ins and evaluations, and we will also role play some specific challenging situations related to employee behaviors and performances. Participants will have access to our library’s attorney-approved and HR-approved documents.

Led by:
- Miriam Sisson, Director, North Douglas Library District

Libraries are for everyone, right? What happens when rural libraries are confronted with homelessness? Libraries must play to our strengths as community connectors and providers of trusted information. Homelessness prompted a group of community partners and library staff to think about how our library community could—and could not—respond. Participants will hear concrete examples of process, tools, and take-aways and will be invited to contribute their own ideas. It is vitally important to have this conversation in more rural communities. Think of this as a practical session on what you can do and how to be OK with what you can’t.

Led by:
- Bree Drapa, Director, Westford Public Library

Feeling overwhelmed when it comes to the hottest new reads for adults? Did you know many publishers have marketing teams devoted to libraries? This program will offer tips and resources to help you stay on top of current titles and trends. In this lively hour-long session, you'll learn how to read a book in five minutes (really!), how to get the most out of book reviews, and how to use the free assets from LibraryReads for collection development. We'll also feature information on how to get free advance reader copies and how to contact library marketing professionals to learn more about forthcoming titles of interest.

Led by:
- Rebecca Vnuk, Executive Director, LibraryReads
- Susan Maguire, Senior Editor, Collection Management & Library Outreach, Booklist
- Annie Mazes, Associate Director, Library Marketing, Hachette Book Group

Help relieve the burden on your front-line staff and empower patrons with our step-by-step guide for creating your own “How To Library” classes. Join us as we share how we developed a curriculum and engaged our entire staff in its implementation. These classes taught patrons about our catalog, online resources, website, and other lesser-known library features. We will also share successes and challenges from our experience, and attendees will leave the class with an action plan for creating a version of “How To Library” for their community.

Led by:
- Anne Booker, Assistant Director, Central Skagit Library District
- Millissa Macomber, ILS Administrator, Central Skagit Library District

Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another. Our library opened the doors to its new building on April 1, 2024, after raising more than $3.3 million to help fund construction. After a brief overview of design goals and features of the new library, this presentation will share lessons learned through a successful fundraising campaign, and provide practical suggestions for how to manage input and expectations during the building process.

Led by:
- Cari Cusick, Director, Newton Public Library

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, families, and adults. Walk away with at least 20 creative, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement library programs you can launch with minimal prep and maximum community impact. By the end of this session, participants will

1. Walk away with 20+ actionable program ideas for children, teens, and adults
2. Gain inspiration for low-cost, high-engagement events
3. Learn how to adapt a single idea across age groups
4. Discover strategies for collaboration and cross-promotion within and beyond the library

Led by:
- Julie Elmore, Library Director, Oakland City - Columbia Township Public Library
- Patty Collins, Consultant, Central Kansas Library System

We believe that how we gather matters. This interactive session offers space to pause, reflect, and connect through small, facilitated conversations. We’ll explore strategies for meaningful communication, managing stress, and staying grounded in our core values. Together, we’ll discuss practical ways to build intentional connections, support one another, and reframe our roles in the community. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or seeking renewal, this is a space to slow down, share ideas, and find the energy to move from surviving to thriving.

Led by:
- Jennifer Peterson, Library Community Facilitator, Unemployed
- Kieran Hixon, Senior Consultant, Library Development Office, Colorado Department of Education

In today's ever-changing and often challenging political climate, small and rural libraries face unique challenges in advocating for services, networking, securing funding, and ensuring continued relevance in their communities. In this session we will explore strategies for elevating advocacy, collaboration, community engagement, and resource sharing. We will introduce resources for grant opportunities, best practices, and identifying partners and allies to help libraries thrive, even in the face of adversity. Attendees will leave empowered to rise to these challenges together and equipped with the tools, resources, and confidence to make their voices heard in the political arena and to foster long-term sustainability.

Led by:
- Drew Wichterman, Library Director, Pickaway County Library (ARSL Advocacy Committee Co-Chair)

Learn how to extend your library superpowers with one simple act! Did you know there is a free, on-demand library service available to anyone in the United States who has low vision, dyslexia, or is blind? There is! This program from the National Library Service will tell you how to connect your patrons to one of the largest accessible recreational reading collections in the United States, filled with hundreds of thousands of books in audio and large print.

Led by:
- Alice O'Reilly, Chief, Collections Division, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress

In an era where communities are striving to do more with less, collaboration and communication are more vital than ever. This presentation will showcase how a rural public library became a hub of community engagement by launching Scottdale All Together—a quarterly gathering of representatives from local nonprofits, businesses, organizations, and the school district. By offering a consistent space for sharing missions, updates, and initiatives, this group has fostered a spirit of cooperation, built bridges across sectors, and sparked meaningful partnerships that benefit the entire community. Attendees will learn how a public library can serve not only as a place for books, but as a connector and convener for community progress. Specific programs and collaborations will be discussed.

Led by:
- Kristin Smith (Kristy), Director, Scottdale Public Library

Have you ever noticed a staff member arrive at work carrying a heavy attitude or looking visibly down? What happens when no one stops to ask, “How are you?” As library professionals, we often focus on serving our patrons, but it’s just as crucial to care for the team serving alongside us. In this heartfelt and practical session, I will share my intentional morning practice, “Good Morning, How Are You?”—a simple yet powerful staff check-in ritual that creates space for empathy, connection, and a better workday. In a time when workplace stress is heightened by social, political, and economic pressures, these small, intentional acts of kindness and concern have never been more important. Creating a supportive, emotionally aware team culture can serve as a stabilizing force amid the noise.

Led by:
- Wil'Lani A. Turner, Circulation & Career Services Coordinator, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System

This practical session equips rural and small library staff with essential tools to navigate patron privacy challenges unique to close-knit communities. We will explore legal requirements alongside the nuanced situations where local relationships and limited resources create privacy complexities. Through targeted scenario training, you will develop confidence in protecting patron information—including the gray area of youth services. By session end, you will know straightforward, implementable best practices with consideration for the distinct culture and constraints of your library.

Led by:
- Chelsea Coleman, Colleague on Call, Colorado Library Consortium

If you know more than the basics of cataloging and want to stop wasting time updating and fixing the errors in the catalog, this presentation is for you. Leverage your time and energy by advancing your cataloging skills. Start by diagnosing what is wrong with your catalog, deciding which of your local cataloging quirks to keep and which to ditch, determining how to improve your catalog using regular expressions, authority work, and how to fix your control fields. Save time by diagnosing, standardizing, and automating your cataloging with global updates. Don’t worry if you aren’t a professional cataloger—using tools and shortcuts will make cataloging a lot easier and quicker. In no time, your catalog will rise above and the results will impact all areas of your library.

Led by:
- Casandra Norin, Library Director, Seward County Community College Library

Explore how your library can become a hub for sustainability education by teaching the surprisingly simple, incredibly rewarding skill of mushroom cultivation. This session will guide you through the basics of growing mushrooms at home using low-waste, accessible materials—no green thumb required! We'll cover how to design a beginner-friendly workshop that empowers patrons to grow their own nutritious food while supporting environmental stewardship and lifelong learning. As part of the session, participants will take part in a hands-on activity to create mushroom grow kits using simple, sustainable materials—perfect for replicating in library programs or at home. You'll leave with practical knowledge of mushroom-growing techniques, ideas for hands-on programming, and tips for aligning these efforts with broader goals of sustainability, food security, and community engagement. Whether you’re a gardening novice or looking to expand your programming toolkit, come learn how teaching mushrooms can help your patrons grow more than just fungi—they’ll grow confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

Led by:  
- Skylar Dennis, Technology & Event Specialist, Destin Library
- Sydney Schermerhorn, Librarian, Destin Library; Theresa Dennis, Library Technician, Mary Esther Library

Perimenopause comes with changes to physical, mental, and emotional health that can impact an employee’s work performance and relationship with their workplace. While perimenopause will impact more than three-quarters of library workers, it continues to be a stigmatized topic, bringing embarrassment, shame, and frustration. This session will highlight the more than 100 perimenopause symptoms including the various physical discomforts, fatigue, and anxiety experienced during this life transition. Not only will information and resources provided educate and create awareness for all administration and staff, it will empower employees to stop suffering in silence and address their health needs. Learn how you can advocate for yourself, restore a sense of agency in the library workplace, and improve your quality of life and career.

Led by:
- Suzanne Macaulay, Program Director, OWWL Library System

Learn how to increase adult patron participation through consistent, accessible programming scheduled outside of traditional work hours. This session explores how to build impactful community partnerships, identify the best times and formats for adult programs, and tailor offerings to your community’s unique needs, from craft groups to anime and manga clubs. Additionally, we’ll discuss how directors and programmers can collaborate to create a flexible, non-traditional work schedule that supports the role of the programmer and facilitator while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Walk away with actionable strategies to expand reach and sustain adult programming in your library.

Led by:
- Melissa Duncan, Community Engagement Coordinator, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System

Are you ready for a speed round? Hear lightning-fast presentations to spark new ideas about ways to serve your community. More Spark Talks will be added soon!

Using Boundaries in Customer Service
By implementing practices learned in this program, participants will learn how to protect themselves during hard conversations with patrons. Using these practices involves learning your own boundaries and knowing when they have been crossed. Learn where your boundaries lie and how to enforce them in the workplace with patrons and staff. Then, learn what can be said and done to make sure these boundaries are not crossed again.

Led by:
- Emily Ott, Marketing Specialist and Teen Services, St. Marys Community Public Library

Yes, We Can Help You With That
Let us show you how we work with community partners to put the buzz words to work and provide several often overlooked services to our rural public library. From birth to senior citizens, our programming is focused on whatever our patrons need. Early literacy, home school, adult learning, HiSet Testing, help with government program applications... we try to cover it all. And how to pay for such things? We have an answer for that, too. We will talk about fundraising options, grants, and old-fashioned donations. Our library serves a town of 7,500 and a county of just over 20,000. We have to think inside the box, outside the box, without a box—and we want to share what we've learned with you.

Led by:
- Jeanette Kennedy, Director, Seminole Public Library
- Starla Cullum, Inter-library Loan Specialist, Seminole Public Library
- Kathryn Griffin, Benefit Trust Member, Seminole Public Library

Unlocking Social Services: Navigating FindHelp.org
Libraries are crucial in connecting communities with vital social services. This session explores FindHelp.org®, a free platform that bridges this gap with an extensive database, user-friendly interface, and multilingual support. FindHelp.org® empowers libraries and community organizations to effectively inform individuals about essential services, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of FindHelp, including insight into both its strengths and limitations. They will also see a live demonstration of the site.

Led by:
- George Strawley, Associate Librarian / Engagement Specialist, University of Utah / Network of the National Library of Medicine
- Dana Abbey, Associate Professor / Engagement Specialist, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus / Network of the National Library of Medicine

Stamped & Sealed: Bringing Government Services to Your Library
Learn how small and rural libraries can successfully implement notary, fingerprinting, and passport services to meet vital community needs. This session offers a practical roadmap for getting started, including legal requirements, staff training, workflow design, and tips for managing high demand with limited resources. Attendees will leave with templates, checklists, and promotional materials they can adapt for their own libraries. The session includes interactive discussion and real-world examples from a rural library that turned these services into trusted, revenue-generating offerings. Whether you're exploring new services or fine-tuning existing ones, you'll gain actionable strategies tailored to small library realities.

Led by:
- Dennis Andrejko, Service Specialist, Wilkinson Public Library
- Oliver Henry, Service Specialist, Wilkinson Public Library

Therapy animals can be a low-barrier tool to promote mental health in library spaces. Learn the process of developing and implementing therapy animal visits designed to support patron needs such as relieving stress and reducing social isolation. Attendees will learn the science behind therapy animal visits and their mental health benefits, best practices for partnering with certified therapy animal organizations, and practical considerations like scheduling, risk management, staff training, and accessibility. Whether you're just curious or ready to launch your own program, this session offers actionable insights, inspiring examples, and a compassionate lens for how libraries can become healing-centered spaces. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with therapy animals during the presentation and will receive a guide on how to run a successful program.

Led by:
- Tara Jankowski, Adult Services Manager, Worcester Public Library

Dealing with difficult patrons can challenge even the most seasoned library staff. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of handling problem behaviors, uncover common pitfalls, and share strategies to overcome hesitation and doubt. Whether you’re a part of a team or managing a library solo, you’ll discover the value of building a supportive network to navigate tough situations with confidence and professionalism.

Led by:
- Paige Crawford, Librarian, Shawano County Library
- Claire O'Brien, Library Assistant, Shawano County Library
- Nancy Bell, Library Director, Shawano County Library

Social media platforms offer a great way to communicate and engage with patrons, but creating and posting content can seem overwhelming. What types of content should I share? How often should I post, and where? How do I make the most impact with my limited staff time? This fast-paced session will allow participants to share their successes, failures and ongoing challenges. Through guided conversation, the presenter will share some social media tips and tricks, then ask the audience to add theirs. At the end, participants will take home a full list of ideas, tips, and tricks. Come ready to share!

Led by:
- Sara Richter, Library Technician II, Lonsdale Public Library

This session explores artful and subtle strategies libraries use to uphold intellectual freedom and access, from overt examples like the 1939 Alexandria Library sit-in to more behind-the-scenes methods like inclusive cataloging and strategic marketing. Using the mathematics of game theory, we’ll examine the various outcomes of acquiescence versus action, equipping participants to defend the values of librarianship into their daily work while navigating institutional and personal stakes.

Led by:
- Allyson Malik, Library Director, Oak Bluffs Public Library
- Clayton Cheever, Library Director, Morrill Memorial Library

In many of our communities, the library serves not only as a traditional library but also as a gathering place and community center. Our goal was to turn our library into a true destination for our patrons by building connections and increasing the fun! Learn how our library reenergized its programming efforts in 2024, ultimately doubling the number of programs offered and increasing our total patron count by nearly 20% in one year. You will leave with practical examples of inexpensive drop-in and passive programming that can lead to more visits and turn your library into a daily destination for your community.

Led by:
- Melanie Weigel, Library Director, Forsyth Public Library

Walk away with a well-organized list of program ideas taken straight from our sticky note-filled calendar. From wiggles and giggles to ASL and sensory storytime ideas, we hope to help make storytime fun—even for library staff! We will also touch on the ABCs of storytime and the children’s department to make storytime and beyond engaging and enriching for child and caregiver. We’d love to be a part of your library community, growing to be the best first library a child could have!

Led by:
- Krystal Groneman, Program Coordinator, Canyon Area Library
- Lizzy Beckett, Program Coordinator, Canyon Area Library

Our patrons read and enjoy a wide variety of authors, subjects, and genres, and even the most well-read library professional can have trouble keeping up. By leveraging websites, apps, and AI to assist with readers’ advisory, we can save ourselves time, provide excellent customer service, and avoid attempting to read books we don't enjoy! These tools can help us assist patrons, make booklists, create displays, and much more. We can also teach patrons to use these tools to find that next great read for themselves. You’ll also hear tips for ensuring AI-assisted information and content is accurate and quality.

Led by:
- Wendy Moulton, Director, Abilene Public Library

Are you ready for a speed round? Hear lightning-fast presentations to spark new ideas to help you plan and prepare for everything that might come your way, from floods to book challenges. More Spark Talks will be added soon!

Beyond the Books: Strengthening Rural Communities Through Library Engagement
Attendees will gain practical strategies for fostering meaningful rural engagement through library programs, outreach, and partnerships. This session will explore innovative ways to connect with underserved populations, address community needs, and create sustainable impact. Participants will leave with actionable tools and real-world success stories. Shared resources will ensure attendees walk away with fresh ideas, ready-to-use templates, and the confidence to implement new initiatives. Whether you’re looking to expand services, strengthen partnerships, or enhance community impact, this session will equip you with the skills to succeed.

Led by:
- Dr. Greg Carter, Library Director, West Plains Public Library
- Dianna Locke, Programming/Collection Development Librarian, West Plains Public Library

Libraries as Cooling Centers: Every Library Can Be One!
Your library can be a cooling center, even if you don’t use that term! As extreme heat events become more common even where people worry more about snow or ice than heat waves, libraries are adapting to welcome people who require shelter from heat. Before inviting attendees to share tips from their libraries, we’ll discuss heat risks, who is most affected, and challenges encountered in this work. Attendees will get ideas about incorporating this into existing library services, staffing needs, buy-in, and publicity. Emphasis will be on creative, inexpensive strategies. Not every library is air-conditioned, but every library can do something to meet this increasing need in their community!

Led by:
- Joy Worland, Consultant for Continuing Education and Small and Rural Libraries, Vermont Department of Libraries
- Kelly Metzger, State Data Coordinator, Office of Library & Information Services, State of Rhode Island

Library Freedom Project: Information Democracy for All
Library Freedom Project (LFP) provides libraries with skills focused on privacy, intellectual freedom, and information democracy. By working collaboratively with partners and institutions, this group of information professionals seeks to educate stakeholders and enact change in the field. Through webinars, intensive trainings, and other learning opportunities, library workers learn to be privacy advocates, all through a lens of harm reduction and practical application. All resources created by this community of practice—including past workshops, toolkits, printable handouts, and more—are available for free to any library. Learn how you can work with LFP and how this organization can support you as you advocate for and with your own community!

Led by:
- Tess Wilson, Deputy Director, Library Freedom Project

When You Find Yourself Underwater (Literally): Dealing with a Flood in a Small Library
On one of the coldest weekends of the year, a sprinkler head burst in our library breakroom and flooded the entire library. Overnight, our world was turned upside-down. And, unfortunately, we did not have a flood disaster plan. In this presentation, we will detail our response to the flood, discuss what went well and what did not at each stage of recovery, and highlight how we ultimately turned a disaster into opportunity. We will share our experience and the lessons learned along the way in each aspect of the process, including coordinating with multiple insurance companies, providing services when operating out of a limited space, maintaining clear communications with the public, fostering patron engagement with the library through social media, and using this opportunity to re-envision the library space and furniture needs. Attendees will leave with clear strategies on how to plan for disaster before it happens, how to cope when it does, and how to turn your worst experience into something positive.

Led by:
- Sara Richter, Library Technician II, Lonsdale Public Library
- Marguerite Moran, Director, Lonsdale Public Library

This session offers practical, low-cost ideas to support cognitive wellness, healthy living, digital literacy, scam prevention, and stronger community connections for older adults. No extra staff or big budgets are needed. This session is designed for library staff at all levels, and it includes hands-on activities, scalable program models, and real-life success stories from small and rural communities. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools, adaptable materials, and fresh inspiration to strengthen services for seniors. Come ready to share ideas and discover new ways to help older adults learn, connect, and thrive.

Led by:
- Melissa Shenk, Library Branch Manager, Horry County Memorial Library-Green Sea Floyds

In small and rural communities, libraries are much more than book lenders—they are lifelines for connection, education, and services. Yet with limited staffing, funding, and resources, small libraries often struggle to meet growing community needs alone. This session explores how meaningful partnerships with schools, health providers, local businesses, and civic organizations can dramatically expand a library’s reach and impact—without overextending staff or budgets. Participants will hear real-world examples of successful collaborations: from hosting community health clinics with local providers, to co-creating arts programming with nonprofits, to launching book clubs in local bars that bring in new audiences. We’ll also highlight the power of working with Rotary Clubs and other civic groups to co-sponsor events, fundraise, and build awareness. Whether your library has one staff member or ten, smart partnerships can help you amplify your mission.

Led by:
- Tara Filiatreau, Assistant Director, Nelson County Public Library

Three library system directors share candid stories from their leadership journeys, revealing how decision-making driven by nostalgia and emotion can perpetuate problematic behaviors and create roadblocks even worse than the ones we tried to avoid. These real-world examples will show how failing to address problems directly and quickly can turn small issues into major obstacles. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to identify and address problem behaviors before they snowball into bigger challenges.

Led by:
- Michael Hull, Executive Director, Southeast Oklahoma Library System
- Tim Miller, Executive Director, Western Plains Library System
- Gail Oehler, Executive Director, Southern Oklahoma Library System

Imposter Syndrome runs rampant in the library world, especially in those of us who are “accidental librarians.” Two years ago, we took you along on our journey of overcoming our personal self doubts, but we think it is time to revisit. In a world of unknowns, one thing we can be certain about is the need for confident, resourceful information specialists across the country. You are not an imposter. You are already doing all the things. It is our hope that session attendees leave with a positive outlook regarding their ability and place in the library world.

Led by:
- Amanda Doherty, Director, Mt. Pulaski Public Library District
- Lisa Thompson, Assistant Manager, Jessie Peterman Memorial Library in Floyd

Libraries play a vital role in the privacy journeys of our patrons, but teaching privacy with limited resources can be difficult! Library Freedom Project supports those who want to offer privacy programming in a way that recognizes both the comfort levels and tech literacy of their learners, at various scales to accommodate libraries of any size. We will share practical and easy-to-implement ways to offer impactful programming and resources about online privacy, the risks involved with sharing personal data, and more. Attendees will learn good practices and techniques for teaching privacy, and leave with several bite-sized lessons—adaptable for a range of ages and audiences—to take back to their institutions.

Led by:
- Tess Wilson, Deputy Director, Library Freedom Project

Participants will learn how our library’s staff collaborated on a strategic four-year model to completely rebrand the library from afterthought small-town book house to an anchor institution for Thomasville and beyond. The four-year model allowed the library to rise from a traditional small and rural library into a literacy-focused community center by emphasizing collaboration and low-cost dynamic, innovative programming. Attendees will be provided with tools and strategies to efficiently overhaul their own small and rural library model—such as specific examples of effective (award-winning) library programming, strategies for community visibility, and staff development.

Led by:
- Keaton Toney, Library Manager III / Branch Manager, Thomasville Public Library
- Cody Beck, Library Systems Support Technician, Thomasville Public Library

This panel will focus on challenges and opportunities recent advances in technology present for libraries and library communities. Moderated by Library Futures, the session will emphasize strategies that promote a technology-forward future, fight against corporate consolidation, and advance fair digital rights for libraries. Questions for the panel will be solicited via social media prior to the event, as well as from the audience during a robust Q&A. Though audience interest will guide the discussion, we expect conversation to include large language models (i.e., generative artificial intelligence or AI), immersive technologies, and vendor-implemented censorship tools.

Led by:
- Jennie Rose Halperin, Executive Director, Library Futures
- Jason Griffey, Director, Strategic Initiatives, NISO

Are you ready for a speed round? Hear lightning-fast presentations to spark new ideas for fun, fresh programs. More Spark Talks will be added soon!

How Your Library Can Rise Through the Solar System Ambassador Program
Looking for a unique and innovative way to make your library stand out for no cost? Come learn about the Solar System Ambassador program, a public engagement effort that increases awareness and excitement about science through NASA’s space exploration missions and discoveries with the people in their communities. Whether it is for storytime, teens, young adults, adults, or seniors, there is something for everyone who participates in this program. While this program has a far reach, it is perfect for library professionals in small and rural libraries.

Led by:
- Janine Jamison-Miller, Coordinator of Training & Development, Arkansas State Library

Creating a Book Garden: Grow Young Readers, Cultivate New Writers, See Your Community Bloom
Our library partnered with Nebraska Growing Readers & Unite For Literacy to install five book stands in our town. Learn how we provided free print books for kids and also free access to a digital library that provided narration in a plethora of languages. Hosting a writing workshop for local authors and supporting them during the publication process will produce books with local content, showing your community reflected in their book stands.

Led by:
- Jenny White, Library Director, Schuyler Public Library

Host a Pet Songwriting Workshop: A Joyful Library Program for All Ages
You don’t have to be a musician or a poet to incorporate writing pet songs into library programming! This talk will offer easy steps on how to lead a writing session that helps participants give new life to favorite melodies with lyrics celebrating their pets. Word play and music combine in this whimsical activity for both new and experienced songsters—purrfect for National Poetry Month. Imagine the fun when the library program culminates in a performance for those inclined to share their work. Furry muses could even attend if allowed in the library or the event is outside!

Led by:
- Joy Worland, Consultant for Continuing Education and Small and Rural Libraries, Vermont Department of Libraries

Creating Confident Code Queens with Girls Who Code
We wanted to develop more STEM programs in our library, but weren't sure how to include coding and programming, since none of our staff are coders. Then we discovered Girls Who Code! This free online program was created to provide computer science training for girls, women, and nonbinary individuals in an attempt to narrow the hiring gap for women in tech. Learn how we started a GWC club with two 6th graders and built it into a thriving weekly program over the course of a school year, and how you can utilize the GWC curricula and other resources to build a club that fosters sisterhood and confidence in its members.

Led by:
- Shawn Bliss, Director, Smithfield Public Library

Our libraries have weathered many storms—attacks on funding, book bans, and so much more. How can we shore up our institutions when resources are scarce? How can we avoid the pitfalls of the scarcity mindset that might keep us from recognizing the ports in the storm? By taking small steps and making a few big moves, we will find abundance in our communities that can help us advocate for our libraries. A panel of library leaders will share their experiences advocating for their small libraries. From developing essential and long-lasting community support to strategies for fundraising and beyond, we’ll examine tested practices for library advocacy that emphasize abundance in even the most lean and trying of times. Topics of this session will include powermapping for influence, fundraising and foundations, and community organizing to build a strong foundation of support. Objectives will include understanding real-world examples of advocacy, recognizing ways to develop lasting community support and advocates for libraries, and applying strategies for finding abundance when it comes to advocating for our libraries.

Led by:
- Betsy Gomez, Assistant Director, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
- MacKenzie Ledley, Executive Director, Pulaski County Public Library
- Patrick Bodily, Library Director, Independence Public Library
- Sharon Amastae, Trustee, New Mexico Library Foundation

Library Futures recently published a report on censorship efforts that analyzed content ban legislation, public hearings and reports, and interviews with information professionals from across the United States. Despite much conversation in our professional networks and in the news about the rise in book bans across the country, we found the censorship discussion in libraries often excludes the complex factors at play in the digital realm. This session presents key findings from our research study on digital censorship with new updates about changes in vendor policy plus the impact of federal executive orders and state legislation proposed since January.

Led by:
- Michelle Reed, Director of Programs, Library Futures

Discover what collection development is, what to know about policies, and how to handle complaints. Get ready to practice scenarios and hone your customer service techniques so that you're prepared should the time come. This session will leave you feeling empowered and better equipped to talk about collections with your colleagues and your communities. With book challenges increasing amid the political polarization nationwide, ensuring that your library has strong collection development policies and customer service practices helps to provide solid foundations to neutralize challenges.

Led by:
- Chelsea Coleman, Colleague on Call, Colorado Library Consortium
- Anna Szczepanski, Colleague on Call, Colorado Library Consortium

As library staff, you can feel that you wear many hats and need to do all the things, completely and well and for many small libraries—you have to! However, effective delegation will not only free up time and energy for your highest priorities, but allow all staff to become more effective in working together as a team. Delegation can create better workflows and balanced responsibilities, as well as create accountability and buy-in, no matter your position in the library. By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify the differences between delegation and work direction, recognize challenges to delegation and how to overcome them, and create and maintain a delegation process in their library.

Led by:
- Kristi Chadwick, Director, Ballston Community Public Library

Hear from a panel of six different librarians who have used volunteer partnerships to build up their respective communities, each with a different program. Whether it is implementing a volunteer program for the library, educating youth to gain excitement for future opportunities, or beautifying a city, there are many ways in which libraries can bridge gaps with community partnerships.

Led by:
- Tanner D Ames, Library Technician, Humboldt County Library - NV
- Margarita Moore, Youth Services Assistant, Lillian DesMarias Youth Library
- Andrea Eckerson, East Valley Branch Librarian, Lewis and Clark Library
- Manuel Pasillas, Library Director, Gilbreath Memorial Library
- Jean Markert, Library Director, La Conner Swinomish Library
- Shone Ellis, Branch Manager, Butte Falls Jackson County Library Services

Rural libraries have unique challenges, and one of those is finding ways to engage their community to design more relevant programs and services. Inclusive data practices offer an approach for rural libraries to talk with their community members about what is important and unique about the community and find ways to measure that. In this session, a panel of rural librarians will share their experiences on how community engagement strategies can help libraries gather and use data that more accurately reflects their communities. Panelists will share how they have begun to implement this approach in their own communities. Attendees will leave with a guide that will help them engage their community with these approaches.

Led by:
- Brenda Hornsby Heindl, Branch Manager, Liberty Public Library, Liberty, NC
- Amy Stone, Library Director, Bridgton Public Library
- Tamara Evans, Adult Services Librarian, Beaumont Library District - Beaumont, California

History is happening in your community. How can you document your community’s story, ensuring it will be available for future generations? Learn how small and rural libraries can take practical steps to implement community-focused local preservation projects. Through small group work and hands-on activities, we will discuss 1) planning preservation events and activities, 2) preserving web-based content, 3) digitization and digital preservation strategies, and 4) tools for getting started and implementation. Learn about Internet Archive’s Community Webs program, which provides free tools, training, and support for organizations engaged in community-focused preservation work—along with Vault, a low-cost, easy-to-use digital repository and preservation service. Leave with strategies and tools for implementing local preservation programs.

Led by:
- Anna Trammell, Program Manager, Community Archiving, Internet Archive
- Amanda McCabe, Program Manager, Vault, Internet Archive

-- More information to come! --