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.

Jun 29, 2017

Sarah Jessica Parker & Book Club Central

ALA's star-studded book club resource is a one-stop shop for engaging content and helpful information.

Keeping Tabs on Deadlines with Excel

How do track deadlines? If you’re making lists or plugging in Outlook reminders, there may be an easier way.

Quick & Easy Professional Development

Article discussion groups are perfect for offering quick and easy professional development for teachers.

Meet-huh? Getting Started with Meetup

Meetup.com can be a powerful community-building tool — if you know how to use it.

One Community: Celebrations of Indigenous History

How a library in Woodstock, NB (Canada) celebrates Indigenous history and culture all year long.

Jun 16, 2017

APPLY NOW: 'The Vietnam War' Program Kits

Apply now to receive a programming kit for "The Vietnam War," a documentary by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Digitization Events and Library Partnerships

Learn how your library can partner with area businesses to help patrons digitize, organize and share family photographs.

Summer Reading at a Small Tribal Library

How does a small tribe support children's literacy when patrons live far away and the library is out of shelf space?

Hosting a Long Night Against Procrastination

A late-night academic library program give students everything they need to plow through finals week.

May 25, 2017

IMLS Funds $500,000 ALA Research Project

Through NILPPA, ALA will study the characteristics, audiences, outcomes and value of U.S. library public programming.

Board Game Night: A Beginner's Guide

Get gaming! Learn how to develop and host a successful board game night for any and all ages.

May 24, 2017

ALA, Harwood Institute Announce 2017 Public Innovators Lab for Libraries

The fifth annual training will teach libraries of all types to lead community change.