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.

Community Conversations: Dialogue about Health

A New York Public Library branch hosted a series of health-related conversations, with scientists present to clarify the facts.

Apr 18, 2019

6 Places to Look for Program Inspiration

It’s not easy to keep library programming fresh, but these tips can help you find inspiration.

Apr 16, 2019

Call for Contributors: Community Engagement Book

The ALA Public Programs Office is seeking contributing authors for a book about community engagement in libraries.

6 Ways to Get More Library Funding

Throughout her years as director of a tiny library, Chelsea Price has picked up a few fundraising tricks.

Apr 11, 2019

100 Years of Women's Voting Rights

August 2020 marks the 100-year anniversary of the woman’s suffrage movement. Is your library celebrating?

Diverse Books Programs for Students

Inspired by the Read Woke movement, Calvert County Public Schools started a diverse books challenge.

The Free Library of Philadelphia built bridges with the community through a collection of rare Islamic texts.

On Location: Risks and Rewards of Taking Your Programs Outside

It can be tough to attract an audience to library programs held outside the library, but Palos Verdes Library District found the sweet spot.

Apr 1, 2019

Last-Minute Plans for National Library Week

National Library Week 2019 takes place April 7 to 13. There are plenty of quick, simple ways your library can celebrate.

Mar 28, 2019

Is your book club feeling stale or uninspired? What you need is a reboot: “Book Club Reboot: 71 Creative Twists,” published by ALA Editions.

Celebrate Walt Whitman

May 31, 2019, marks the 200th birthday of one of the most celebrated poets of all time.

Mar 28, 2019

9 DIYs for Your Summer Programs

Keep your out-of-school teens (and everyone else) busy with these fun and easy hands-on projects.