Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Celebrate 150 Years of ALA: Our Top Picks for ALA Annual 2026

ALA Annual returns to Chicago to celebrate a milestone and shape the future of libraries. Are you going? See our top program picks.

Beyond the Red Carpet: How Local "Celebrities" Revitalized a Literacy Classic in Bienville Parish

For National Library Week, Bienville Parish Library celebrated everyday community members by making them the stars of their own READ™ poster.

Upping Your Game: Best Practices of Expert Programming Librarians

What does excellence in library programming look like? Find how-to articles summarizing best practices of seasoned programming librarians.

Getting Started with Program Evaluation

Real, meaningful evaluation isn’t just a survey you tack on at the end of a program. It’s an integral piece of your planning process, right from the start. Once you learn to recognize the elements of evaluation and use them with intentionality, you’ll be able to continually grow the impact of your programs and your ability to tell their story.

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.

Mar 15, 2018

Sisters in Spirit: Self-Defense and Trauma-Informed Yoga

The LP Fisher Public Library offered a free self-defense class followed by Yoga for Trauma.

Mar 14, 2018

APPLY NOW: 'The Great American Read'

Public libraries, apply by April 17 for grants to host programs around the upcoming PBS series.

Mar 8, 2018

Obscure Holidays: Fun for Everyone

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, anyone? Every day is an excuse to program with these holidays.

Feb 28, 2018

Promoting Your Event: A Timeline

Why reinvent the wheel? John Jackson shares his tabletable for promoting programs at his academic library.

Feb 26, 2018

Listening to Students Sound Off about Books

Kids say the darndest things. Capture those quotable moments with a Voice of Students wall.

Feb 21, 2018

Is Your Library 'Ready Player One' Ready?

Connect with "Ready Player One" fans in time for the movie release in March 2018.