Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

The Secret to Successful Program Promotion? Data.

Picture this: You work hard to plan an awesome program, but nobody shows up. You feel totally defeated, and you aren't sure what you could've done differently. The secret to success? Data.

Getting Started with Program Evaluation

Real, meaningful evaluation isn’t just a survey you tack on at the end of a program. It’s an integral piece of your planning process, right from the start. Once you learn to recognize the elements of evaluation and use them with intentionality, you’ll be able to continually grow the impact of your programs and your ability to tell their story.

Engagement and Advocacy Start with Community Mapping

Taking time to understand who you know — and who you don’t know — is a great way to begin your journey toward being a community-informed programming librarian.

New Landscape Report on the Current State of Library Programs for Older Adults

ALA has released a new landscape report to better understand the current state of library programming for older adults.

Jan 16, 2019

2019 National Day of Racial Healing

On Jan. 22, celebrate our common humanity and take action toward a more just and equitable world.

Jan 16, 2019

Open Educational Resources in the Library

School librarians Jennifer Sturge and Donna Mignardi explore how to use, promote and create programming around open educational resources.

Jan 15, 2019

From Community Conferences to Current Events Café: How an NYPL Branch Implemented Dialogue-Based Programming

The Jefferson Market Library shares how thoughtful programming made their branch a place for conversation in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.

Jan 11, 2019

Programs for Maternal Health

Help new moms adjust, make social connections and move their bodies during a critical time in their lives.

Jan 8, 2019

Partnerships: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

When embarking on a big community programming initiative, there's no reason to go it alone.

Jan 7, 2019

Skills for Community-Centered Libraries: Learning through Experience

Community-Centered Libraries ran a series of workshops where participants developed projects to practice specific skills related to their work.

Dec 28, 2018

Throw a Caldecott Prediction Party

Can your patrons predict the top illustrated children's book of the year?

Dec 21, 2018

Media Literacy at Your Library Learning and Prototyping Report

ALA has released a report detailing the activities and findings of the Media Literacy at Your Library project.

Dec 19, 2018

Partnering with Academic Institutions for Health and Wellness Programming

Partnering with local universities and colleges is a great way to bring high-quality health programming to your community.

Dec 17, 2018

APPLY NOW: Thinking Money for Kids Traveling Exhibition

Public libraries are invited to apply by Feb. 8, 2019, to be part of the national tour.

Dec 14, 2018

NYPL's Community Conversations: Dialogue-Driven Programming

New York Public Library undertook a pilot program to bring community conversations to branches around the city — with significant results.

Dec 12, 2018

Report Censorship (Even Programs!)

Books aren't the only items threatened with censorship. Report challenges to library programs to ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom.