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 17, 2019

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.

Jul 4, 2019

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.

Jun 27, 2019

Bringing 'American Creed' to Your Library

Public libraries can apply to host community conversations around the PBS documentary "American Creed."

Jun 26, 2019

Trivia Night at a Tiny Library: It Can Be Done!

Library Director Chelsea Price struggled to get adults to programs — until "The Office" trivia night.

Jun 19, 2019

Scouts Can Help Make Your StoryWalk® Grow

Working with scouts is a fun way to bring StoryWalks to your community.

Jun 19, 2019

Changing Landscapes: Information Evolution

To quote Bob Dylan, "the times, they are a changin'" — and information literacy in schools is more important than ever.

Jun 18, 2019

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Community Engagement

As the Free Library strives to be more community-centered, staff reflect on how individual and collective trauma have impacted patrons.

Jun 17, 2019

APPLY NOW: Traveling Exhibition for Libraries

"Americans and the Holocaust" will travel to 50 U.S. public and academic libraries from 2020 to 2022.

Jun 14, 2019

Community Conversations: Failing Forward

Someone once said that if you're not failing, you're not trying. When it came to our Community Conversations program, we certainly tried.

Jun 13, 2019

When Programming Isn’t Fun Anymore

Burnout: the struggle is real. Here are tips for getting rejuvenated when library life leaves you tired.