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.

Aug 15, 2018

Health Programs through Partnerships

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

Aug 2, 2018

Collaborating with Local Businesses

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

Jul 31, 2018

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.

Jul 23, 2018

Programming Ideas We Learned at ALA

We braved hot and steamy NOLA to attend the ALA Annual Conference. Here's what we learned.

Jul 19, 2018

Cursive Writing Course

Have schools in your area stopped teaching cursive? Help kids (and adults) rediscover the disappearing art.

Jul 19, 2018

The Power of Human Stories: Fresno County Public Library and the Harwood Institute

Fresno County Public Library finds ways to expand its scope and reach new audiences and underserved communities.

Jun 28, 2018

Partnering with Hospitals & Health Care Systems

Libraries across the country are working with local health care providers to offer creative health programming.

Jun 14, 2018

Literary Games

Books and games — a winning combo. These four easy literary games will keep kids (or adults) guessing.

Jun 13, 2018

Sneaky Tactics

Try some covert methods to let teachers know about all the resources your school library has to offer.

Jun 12, 2018

NILPPA Update: Academic Degree Programs and Public Programming

As part of ALA's review of the library programming landscape, we explored requirements in library degree programs.

Jun 5, 2018

Books to Get Kids Moving

Want to add movement to your story time? Here are six titles to get you off on the right foot (pun intended).