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.

Apr 12, 2018

NILPPA Update: How Do We Learn to Run Library Programs?

Informal vs. formal, on the job vs. in the classroom — 1,200 programming librarians tell us how they learned to do their jobs.

Human Battleship

Inspired by a school gym class, this life-size version of the classic tabletop game is fun for all ages.

Fact vs. Opinion for Middle-Schoolers

Help young people distinguish fact from fiction with these information literacy resources.

Apr 3, 2018

What Skills Make for Good Programming?

We asked 1,200 library workers which skills they used to plan library programs. Here's what they told us.

Bullet Journaling for Everyday Organization

Bullet journaling may not be for everyone, but we can all learn from some of its basic methods.

Bookmark Design Contests

A bookmark design contest highlights students' artistic talents — and provides a nice creation to give away in the library.

Mar 28, 2018

NILPPA Update: The Wide and Wild World of Programming

Through the National Impact of Library Public Programs Assessment (NILPPA), ALA is quantifying the impact of library programming.

Libraries Rock: Music Therapy for All Ages

Incorporate the Collaborative Summer Library Program's rockin' theme with a music therapy program.

Breaking through the Busy: Tips for Getting the Students Who Already Do Everything

Students are busy. Here are some tips for getting the most over-extended kids into the library (or bringing the library to them).

Don’t Do It All Yourself: Creating Health Fairs through Partnerships

A new blog series on health-related library programming kicks off with tips on hosting a heath and wellness fair.

Book Tastings in the Library

Are your students hungry for good books? This low-budget activity gives kids a chance to sample new titles.

Is Your Online Reputation Ready?

Help teens and young adults manage their digital footprints with these tips and lesson plans.