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 25, 2019

Libraries and Nonprofits: Making the Case

Develop high-impact health and wellness programming in your library by finding and working with nonprofits.

Jan 16, 2019

2019 National Day of Racial Healing

On Jan. 22, celebrate our common humanity and take action toward a more just and equitable world.

Jan 16, 2019

Open Educational Resources in the Library

School librarians Jennifer Sturge and Donna Mignardi explore how to use, promote and create programming around open educational resources.

Jan 15, 2019

From Community Conferences to Current Events Café: How an NYPL Branch Implemented Dialogue-Based Programming

The Jefferson Market Library shares how thoughtful programming made their branch a place for conversation in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.

Jan 11, 2019

Programs for Maternal Health

Help new moms adjust, make social connections and move their bodies during a critical time in their lives.

Jan 8, 2019

Partnerships: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

When embarking on a big community programming initiative, there's no reason to go it alone.

Jan 7, 2019

Skills for Community-Centered Libraries: Learning through Experience

Community-Centered Libraries ran a series of workshops where participants developed projects to practice specific skills related to their work.

Dec 28, 2018

Throw a Caldecott Prediction Party

Can your patrons predict the top illustrated children's book of the year?

Dec 21, 2018

Media Literacy at Your Library Learning and Prototyping Report

ALA has released a report detailing the activities and findings of the Media Literacy at Your Library project.

Dec 19, 2018

Partnering with Academic Institutions for Health and Wellness Programming

Partnering with local universities and colleges is a great way to bring high-quality health programming to your community.

Dec 17, 2018

APPLY NOW: Thinking Money for Kids Traveling Exhibition

Public libraries are invited to apply by Feb. 8, 2019, to be part of the national tour.

Dec 14, 2018

NYPL's Community Conversations: Dialogue-Driven Programming

New York Public Library undertook a pilot program to bring community conversations to branches around the city — with significant results.