Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Libraries as the Connective Tissue in Addressing the Digital Divide

Through ALA's Community Connect initiative, libraries in small towns have enhanced internet access for underserved populations, opening doors for patrons and increasing the visibility of libraries as key hubs in their communities.

Q&A: 3 Expert Librarians Share Their Summer Reading Décor Secrets

We asked three librarians with decades of combined experience planning large-scale summer reading décor to share their advice and go-to materials.

Reader Voter Ready: Support Voter Engagement Through These Program Ideas

Libraries are nonpartisan, but they are not indifferent. Libraries play an important role in ensuring voters are prepared to participate in local, state and national elections. Check out these program ideas to support voter engagement at your library.

Aging Together: What Libraries Are Learning About Serving Older Adults

Whether working in large urban systems or small-town libraries, four library workers emphasize that older adults are not a niche audience. They are a vital part of the library community.

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.

Dec 12, 2018

Don’t Throw It Out! Fix It at a Repair Café

At Repair Cafés, volunteers make broken items like new again — and keep them out of landfills.

Dec 12, 2018

8 Ways to Save Money on Programming in a Tiny Library (Part 2)

A small programming budget doesn't need to hold you back. Here are more tips for programming on a shoestring.