Our New Look
Welcome to the new (and, we think, improved) Programming Librarian!
Not to worry — beyond looks, not too much has changed. Programming Librarian, a website run by ALA’s Public Programs Office, is still here to provide you with everything you need to share, learn and be inspired to present excellent library programming for your communities.
Apply Now: Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award
School librarians are invited to apply for a $5,000 award recognizing outstanding humanities programming in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Previously for school libraries serving grades K-8, this year’s Jaffarian Award is the first to include eligibility for school libraries also serving grades 9-12.
Nominations for the 2024 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award will be accepted until May 1, 2024.
8 Things Librarians Should Know: Working with Juvenile Detention Facilities
Things were going well with Amelia Jenkins’ teen book club. Conversations were flowing, and the kids were getting more comfortable with each meeting. Jenkins found a short story perfect for group discussion, so she printed out copies. When she arrived at the book club, story printouts in hand and ready to get started, the packets were confiscated – the story would not be read that day. Why? Staples. Jenkins had stapled the packets together.
Moving Away From the Barrier of Program Registration While Keeping Free of Chaos
For many years, public libraries required phone or walk-in program registration to regulate the number of attendees and who to expect. It was a cumbersome process with no-shows and waiting lists, but it was a routine that had yet to be evaluated.
Learning About Your Community Partnerships
Check out this overview of initial survey results on library partnerships.
Getting People Talking
What are libraries talking about? Learn about the variety of conversation topics that libraries are having with their communities.
They Want To Shut Us Down
Downers Grove (Ill.) Public Library staff reflect on threats that led to canceling Drag Queen Bingo.
4 Crafts To Highlight Culture and Traditions
Combine a cultural lesson with one of these four crafty hands-on activities.
For Teens, by Teens: TikTok Time
What's cooler than teens making promotional TikToks for the library while earning community service?
Libraries and the Humanities
Don't miss out on a partnership! Libraries are perfect programming partners for cultural engagement.
Hybrid Programming Resource Round-up
This list has the resources you need to help plan hybrid programs.
Remixed Classics: Scriptwriter's Handbook
This free guide makes it easy for teens to remix a classic piece of literature and make it their own.
Our Picks for LibLearnX Conference 2023
Headed to New Orleans for LibLearnX? Check out these sessions for programming librarians.
5 Things to Know: State Humanities Councils
What do you know about your state humanities council? These 5 things will help you with programs or grants.
Promoting and Evaluating: Creating Standout Hybrid Programs
How can you promote and evaluate your hybrid programs so they become standouts in your programming lineup?
Are Libraries Neutral?
The media often focuses on how libraries are safe spaces. How true is this idea?