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.

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.

Failure: You Can Plan on It!

Failure happens. But, as Neil Gaiman says “If you’re making mistakes, it means you’re out there doing something.” 

A Free Library of Philadelphia branch builds community through a local photography project.

National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month celebrates poems and poets, with annual events taking place nationwide in April.

Bilingual Market Storytime

Here's what LP Fisher Public Library learned when they brought storytime to the farmers' market.