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.

Apr 25, 2020

Distanced, but Connected

With most libraries closed and patrons stuck at home, it may take new strategies to reach your patrons.

Apr 23, 2020

Tried-and-True Online Tools for School Library Programming

How can we utilize the online tools we might already know how to use for programming during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Apr 21, 2021

Multi-Sectoral Coalitions for Health: Bringing Public Libraries to the Table

Noah Lenstra explores multi-sectoral coalitions and how libraries can play an important part in the health of their communities.

Apr 21, 2020

7 Ways to Celebrate Nature while Social Distancing

COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into springtime plans, but you can still help your patrons commemorate Earth Day safely.

Apr 20, 2020

Risks and Rewards of Online Lectures

Libraries are turning to videoconferencing during the pandemic, but there are risks — like Zoombombings.

Apr 17, 2020

Ways to Celebrate National Library Week

It's still on -- and it's happening now. Grab some graphics and let's celebrate the great work you do.

Apr 17, 2020

Do Humanities Matter in a Crisis?

People rarely call in the humanities experts during times of crisis — but libraries are doing exactly that.

Apr 15, 2020

Ready-to-Go Story Times for Earth Day 2020

It's not too late to celebrate Earth Day. All you need are these videos and a YouTube or Facebook page.

Apr 8, 2020

Why 2020 Is Not the Year to Skip Earth Day

The question has become: What kind of world do we want to build on the other side of this crisis?

Apr 7, 2020

From Crafts to Masks: Empty Makerspace Makes Protective Gear

Tom Green County Library is closed, but their makerspace is busy making face shields and cloth masks to fight COVID-19.

Apr 6, 2020

Local History in the Time of Coronavirus

Librarian Monique Sugimoto encourages residents to document and share their experiences from the pandemic.

Mar 31, 2020

Book Club Going Virtual?

Are you taking your book club online? Here are a few points to consider before taking the plunge.