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.

Jan 15, 2020

Downward-Facing Goat: Programs for Animal and Human Health

Who says the library has to be for humans only? These health and wellness programs serve our two- and four-legged friends.

Jan 13, 2020

The Tunnel Tour: Heading Underground

Springfield-Greene County Library's underwater creek tour brought folks into a rarely seen ecological world.

Jan 13, 2020

Rainy Day Ready: An Interview with Melanie Welch

A new book from ALA Editions explores how libraries across the country are empowering people to make sound financial decisions.

Jan 10, 2020

Earth Day 2020: The 50th Anniversary

Mark your event calendars: April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and its theme is climate action.

Jan 3, 2020

Looking to Cook? Instant Pots, Supermarket Dieticians and More

Equipment demos, visits from local cafe owners and other cooking programs have been a success at rural Winterset Public Library.

Dec 27, 2019

14 Budget-Friendly Classic Tabletop Games

If your New Year's resolution is to make your dollars stretch further, take note of these recommendations.

Dec 27, 2019

Tacony Library Celebrates Community Through Their Events

Through community partnerships, a Philadelphia branch library put on a Halloween celebration attended by thousands.

Dec 23, 2019

The Fight Against 'Nature-Deficit Disorder'

Researchers and policy makers are talking about the problem of “nature-deficit disorder.” Here's how your library can help.

Dec 20, 2019

Honor the Past, Embrace the Future: Exploring Services for Veterans and Their Families

Through Skills for Community-Centered Libraries, staff at the Free Library of Philadelphia explore how they can better serve veterans.

Dec 19, 2019

Tackling the Tough Stuff at Public Libraries

Libraries are the perfect places to discuss the past — particularly histories that are contested or messy.

Dec 11, 2019

Not Today, Santa

Are you swearing off holiday programs at your library? Here are a few winter program ideas to try instead.

Dec 6, 2019

Spotlight on 'Include': Takeaways from the 2019 AASL National Conference

Inclusion was a central theme at the nation's gathering of school librarians in Louisville.