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.

Learn to Skateboard

Teen librarian Colleen Whittall takes her teens to the skate park — with nary a book in sight.

Sep 21, 2018

Dear Banned Author: You Make a Difference

Send a note of encouragement to the author of a banned book through ALA's Dear Banned Author campaign.

Mixed-Age Play

Mingling different age groups enables kids to learn from one another in new ways.

The Cooperative Extension System

Partnering with your local Extension can bring endless programming possibilities to your library.

Sep 5, 2018

APPLY NOW: Great Stories Club

Apply by Nov. 16 to be part of the Great Stories Club series on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation.

The Amazing Library Race

Teach your students about the library's resources with a competition inspired by "The Amazing Race."

Aug 15, 2018

Just Breathe: Kids and Meditation

Adults aren't the only ones who get stressed. Help kids be more mindful with tips from Mallika Chopra.

Aug 16, 2018

Free 'Great American Read' Guide

Download this 60-page guide for ideas and resources for programming around the PBS series.

Health Programs through Partnerships

A study finds that partnerships were key to San Jose Public Library's successful health programs.

Collaborating with Local Businesses

As long as they aren't selling anything, local businesses can be excellent partners for health programming.

So Many Books, So Little Time

Overwhelmed by your book pile? School librarian Annie Ruefle shares how she conquers her reading list.

Jul 26, 2018

The Programming Pulse: Notes from ALA Annual 2018

ALA's NILPPA research team shares what they learned at the 2018 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.