Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Program Inspiration: 9 Sources Not to Overlook (VIDEO)

With seemingly endless possibilities, how should you decide which programs to pursue? Tina Panik shares nine sources she uses to keep her calendar fresh and to meet the needs of her Connecticut community.

It’s Not Just Book Clubs Anymore: A Brief History of ALA’s Public Programs Office

For 34 years, the Public Programs Office encouraged libraries to think beyond the status quo—and gave them the resources to do just that.

8 Tips for Financial Fitness from Programming Librarians

Tips from programming librarians on how they keep track of what they’re spending, determine whether they’re using funds wisely, and seek financial aid from outside sources.

9 Tips for Staying Organized from Busy Programming Librarians

Successful programming librarians from around the country — none formally trained in project management — share their tips, tricks, and suggestions for staying organized in a library setting.

May 1, 2023

7 Steps to Community Engagement

A new report highlights the crucial steps libraries take to effective community engagement.

Apr 24, 2023

What Makes Library Partnerships Valuable

Library partnerships are valuable in many ways. Read about how libraries work with partners to design, plan and implement successful programs.

Apr 10, 2023

What Makes a Library Partnership Effective

Five factors are key to the development of strong and effective relationships between libraries and their partners.

Apr 5, 2023

Apply Now: Imagining Tomorrow

ALA invites grant applications for a brand-new Great Stories Club series featuring YA sci-fi titles.

Mar 27, 2023

How Libraries & Partners Collaborate

How can partnerships help libraries reach their programming goals?

Mar 13, 2023

Health, Media, and More: What Partners Help Libraries Do

Libraries pursue partnerships to create a wide range of programs. What do these partnerships focus on? Here's what 800+ libraries told us.

Mar 8, 2023

9 Places You Can Apply to for Program Funds

Looking to fund your library's programs? We've got you covered with nine places to start.

Mar 1, 2023

Reaching Teen Readers

Need some ideas for a creative teen program? Here are five unique ways to use the Great Stories Club.

Feb 27, 2023

Who do Libraries Serve? Defining the “Public”

In order to do public programming, libraries first need to have an idea of who “the public” they’re serving is.

Feb 17, 2023

A Weekly Escape Into Stories

Learn about the impact of the Great Stories Club and how to use the (free!) resources at your library.

Feb 13, 2023

Learning About Your Community Partnerships

Check out this overview of initial survey results on library partnerships.

Feb 6, 2023

Getting People Talking

What are libraries talking about? Learn about the variety of conversation topics that libraries are having with their communities.