Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

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.

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.

Jul 9, 2020

Presenting Virtual Library Programming in Uncertain Times

Hannah Schmidl reflects on her experience of quickly pivoting from in-person to virtual programming and how this new skillset will stick around.

Jul 6, 2020

Apply Now: Community Connect

ALA and Capital One invite rural libraries to apply for Community Connect: Digital Access at Home grants.

Jul 1, 2020

Apply Now: Resilient Communities

Be part of a new pilot program to help public and academic libraries address the climate change crisis.

Jun 24, 2020

Grab-and-Go Bags from Magical Lands

Meservey Public Library staff created take-home activity bags based on famous literary lands.

Jun 24, 2020

Wisconsin Deaf Storyslam

Milwaukee Public Library's award-winning event invited Deaf people to share personal stories.

Jun 17, 2020

Ready for a Changing World: Design Challenges, Virtual Learning and Climate Change

Participatory design can be a powerful way to center youth voices as our society confronts major changes.

Jun 11, 2020

Anti-Racism in My Rural Library

In a conservative Iowa town of just 250, Chelsea Price is striving to make her tiny library inclusive.

Jun 10, 2020

Tell Us about Your Virtual Programs!

ALA’s Public Programs Office is looking for unique virtual programs for an upcoming book.

Jun 10, 2020

Virtual Programming Resource Round-up

We compiled a list of some of the best (free) virtual programming resources from across the library field.

Jun 9, 2020

3 Must-Have STEM Gadgets for Your Makerspace

Where should you spend your limited dollars to ensure the best possible experience for your STEM learners?

Jun 8, 2020

Our Picks for ALA Virtual 2020

Check out our don't-miss sessions for programming librarians at ALA Virtual.

Jun 5, 2020

Acts of Care in Times of Unrest

How can we take care of ourselves and others during this stressful time?