Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

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.

PLA Conference 2026: Recommended Sessions for Programming Librarians

Public library workers from across the country will meet in Minneapolis at PLA Conference 2026 from April 1 – 3. Here are our recommended sessions for programming librarians.

A New eCourse to Learn the Grant Process for a New Year

This first-of-its-kind ALA self-paced eCourse provides a comprehensive foundation in collaborative grantseeking, proposal development and submission

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.

Dec 20, 2022

They Want To Shut Us Down

Downers Grove (Ill.) Public Library staff reflect on threats that led to canceling Drag Queen Bingo.

Dec 19, 2022

4 Crafts To Highlight Culture and Traditions

Combine a cultural lesson with one of these four crafty hands-on activities.