Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Death Café at the Library: Where Strangers Meet to Discuss the End

A Death Café is a place where “people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death." And they are quite commonplace in libraries.

Our Top Picks for ALA Annual 2025 in Philly

Check out our recommended ALA Annual 2025 sessions that will spark fresh ideas and elevate your library programming game.

I Love Libraries: Real-Life Stories of Library Impact

Take action at ILoveLibraries.org and read through the following articles to inspire advocacy for our communities and libraries.

Unmasking the Joy of Reading: A School Library Twist on 'The Masked Singer’

A school librarian engaged students with a “Masked Reader” event, during which students guessed the identities of masked teachers, fostering an excitement for reading.

Oct 5, 2021

APPLY NOW: ARP Humanities Grants

Up to 200 U.S. libraries of all types will receive $10,000 for pandemic recovery. Apply by December 2.

SOAR Analysis

How can your library team use SOAR analysis to build on your community engagement?

Building Programs for the Long-Term

Capacity, sustainability and communication: these three factors lead to long-term success for programs.

Sep 24, 2021

Products To Create High-Quality Livestreams and Virtual Programs

Are your livestreams looking fuzzy lately? How's the sound quality? Here are some tech products that can greatly improve your virtual content.

Sep 22, 2021

Weather Emergency Preparedness

New Ulm Public Library is working with local faith communities to prepare for harsh weather emergencies.

Going Beneath the Cultural Iceberg

To communicate clearly with community members, it can be helpful to be aware of hidden layers.

Knowing Your Strengths: Community Engagement

Now is a great time to take a close look at your library programming team and assess your strengths and weaknesses.

Sep 10, 2021

Report on Library Programming

The new report marks ALA's next steps toward the creation of a programming curriculum.

Sep 8, 2021

Library in Tiny Alaskan Village Tackles Housing Shortage

Igiugig’s remote location creates a high cost of living. This is where the library steps in.

Sep 1, 2021

Let's Talk About It: Women's Suffrage

This ALA grant will help libraries discuss the history of women's suffrage. Apply by December 1.

Aug 18, 2021

Paying Program Participants for Equity

Librarian Nick Demske explains his approach to the stipend model as an opportunity to change the world.

Aug 23, 2021

Q&A With a Book Biking Librarian

Book bikes can start conversations and bring books and programs outside of the library's walls.