Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Q&A: 3 Expert Librarians Share Their Summer Reading Décor Secrets

We asked three librarians with decades of combined experience planning large-scale summer reading décor to share their advice and go-to materials.

Reader Voter Ready: Support Voter Engagement Through These Program Ideas

Libraries are nonpartisan, but they are not indifferent. Libraries play an important role in ensuring voters are prepared to participate in local, state and national elections. Check out these program ideas to support voter engagement at your library.

Aging Together: What Libraries Are Learning About Serving Older Adults

Whether working in large urban systems or small-town libraries, four library workers emphasize that older adults are not a niche audience. They are a vital part of the library community.

Apply Now: 2026-27 Cohort of the Yiddish Book Center's Public Libraries Program

Apply to join a cohort of public library workers to explore how Yiddish literature can provide a springboard for powerful cultural conversations.

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.

Apr 12, 2018

Human Battleship

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

Apr 5, 2018

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.

Mar 30, 2018

Bullet Journaling for Everyday Organization

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

Mar 30, 2018

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.

Mar 28, 2018

Libraries Rock: Music Therapy for All Ages

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

Mar 21, 2018

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).

Mar 20, 2018

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.

Mar 19, 2018

Book Tastings in the Library

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

Mar 16, 2018

Is Your Online Reputation Ready?

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