In a polarized society, how can libraries provide a home for civil discourse about important community issues? This hands-on workshop will give you the tools to host a focused civil conversation at your library: a Braver Angels debate. This format provides an easy, adaptable structure for digging into an important local or national issue with your community. The structure alternates speeches and questions using an impartial chair. This session will cover what a Braver Angels debate is, how to select a good topic for one, and how to identify a chair. Attendees will also participate in a Braver Angels debate.
Intellectual Freedom is one of the core values of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society. It guarantees the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. These rights are being challenged at an unprecedented level in libraries of all kinds all across America. This three-hour workshop will include presentations and breakout sessions with hands-on exercises. Join us to learn about the spread of mis- and dis-information and the role library workers play in the fight. Gain strategies for standing up for our values during crisis conditions and organizing against attacks on libraries.
This program will center community building and trust as some of the most effective strategies for creating safe, inclusive environments inside libraries. We will explore how deepening relationships with self, co-workers, and patrons can result in not only more successful de-escalation attempts, but also reduced frequency/intensity of disruptive incidents. The program will build on theories of conflict transformation, restorative practices, and human-centered approaches to responding to harm. Real life scenarios and success stories will be shared.
I was a librarian at Frederick County Public Libraries for 15 years, the last 9 as Branch Manager of the Frederick County Adult Detention Center Library. For the last three years, I have been the librarian at Springfield Hospital Center, the state psychiatric facility, in Sykesville... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am EDT Room 203
Dive into the world of Teen After Hours. Join us to explore innovative after-hours programming designed to provide a space for teens to hangout and thrive. Participants will evaluate current teen spaces, assess local needs, and develop a proposal and plan for their own program. Don’t miss the chance to create a wave of change in your community!
Welcome to the wonderful world of quirky and fun independent games. This presentation will outline the critical elements needed to design and execute an indie game festival at your library. Learn why this event benefits community stakeholders, the library, and small video game developers in your area!
Battle of the Books is not just for kids! Join Carroll County Public Library staff Nadine Rosendale, Lisa Picker, and Andrea Berstler to hear how much fun you and your grown up customers can have at a Battle of the Books After Hours. This workshop will walk you through the planning process including steps for book selection, writing questions, marketing, and promotion. With over 400 participants for the 2024 Battle After Hours season, CCPL will share with you what they have learned for a successful book trivia event.
What does homeschool programming look like in today’s public libraries? How can we create, update, and better market our homeschool programs? How do we reach a diverse cross-section of the homeschool community with our program offerings? Our panel of youth services librarians from all over Maryland will tackle these questions and more.
Learn about AACPL’s year long, peer leadership institute. Staff members explore topics such as strategic thinking and decision-making, collaborative leadership, change management and innovation in libraries, advocacy and communication skills, diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership all through a variety of discussions, hands on activities and workshops. This helps grow new leaders and share valuable expertise while providing fresh innovative ideas and thoughts for more seasoned leaders who are new to our organization.
