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.

Libraries Rock

Haven't heard of the craze for painting and hiding rocks? You might be living under, well … a boulder.

A Small (but Mighty) Makerspace

Griswold Public Library — a small library — wanted a makerspace. They ended up making two.

Relight Your Programming Fire

From the old faithfuls to the less obvious, here's a list of spots to hit up when you need program ideas.

Engaging Community Partners in Program Planning

A Free Library of Philadelphia librarian shares how community engagement training helped her learn to ignite lasting partner relationships.

Jul 30, 2019

Improving Services for New Americans

More than half of new Americans use a public library more than once a week. How can we help them thrive?

Biking through History at the Library

Move a little, learn a little. Libraries are embracing programs that combine biking and local history.

Jul 18, 2019

The Power of Community Conversations

Erika R. Martinez shares how her library learned about, and worked to overcome, customers' feelings of disconnect in a fast-changing city.

Comics & Cosplay Club: An Itinerary

Malvern Public Library's Comics & Cosplay Club nights offer some fun, some learning and some friendly competition.

Top Terrific Takeaway Programming Ideas from ALA 2019

School librarians share the best programming ideas they took away from 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

Jul 11, 2019

ALA's National Study of Library Programs

Read the NILPPA white paper and share your feedback online.

Community Conversations: Lessons Learned

Community Conversations have stretched Mid-Manhattan Library staff to build community-mapping, partnership-building and facilitation skills.

Jun 27, 2019

ICYMI: Program Speed Dating with PLIG

Librarians shared their favorite programs at a fast-paced event at the ALA Annual Conference.