Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

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.

The Secret to Successful Program Promotion? Data.

Picture this: You work hard to plan an awesome program, but nobody shows up. You feel totally defeated, and you aren't sure what you could've done differently. The secret to success? Data.

Engagement and Advocacy Start with Community Mapping

Taking time to understand who you know — and who you don’t know — is a great way to begin your journey toward being a community-informed programming librarian.

New Landscape Report on the Current State of Library Programs for Older Adults

ALA has released a new landscape report to better understand the current state of library programming for older adults.

8 Tips for Financial Fitness

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

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

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.

Call for Advisors: A Year of STEM

ALA is seeking six librarian advisors with expertise in serving early learners, curating book lists and offering STEM programming to support a new project.

Behind the Scenes with MPL's TikTok

Milwaukee Public Library's social media presence is famous beyond the library world. We went behind the scenes with the duo behind their videos.

Know Your People

By knowing their people, empowering staff and building strong partnerships, the Gail Borden Public Library turns every exhibit into a shared experience of learning and connection.