Welcome to the Upcoming Events page, where we showcase Georgia's in-person and online continuing education opportunities sponsored by GPLS and associated organizations. These opportunities are tailored to meet the needs of our busy professionals, and most sessions are recorded and archived for later viewing.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, or explore new areas of interest, our continuing education offerings have something for everyone. Our experienced presenters are committed to helping you achieve your goals, and we provide a supportive and collaborative learning environment to ensure your success.
So why wait? Register to attend the listed events and start learning. We look forward to helping you achieve your full potential.
Time: Friday, May 16, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Library 2.0
We have mixed feelings that big technology breakthroughs will either "wreck" or "revolutionize" education, and now the focus is on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a BIG technology breakthrough. Before the machinery of education typically absorbs technologies into the system (often turning them into shadows of their transformative potential), there’s a robust discussion about both the benefits and potential drawbacks of that technology on teaching and learning—a pedagogical debate that reminds us of our enlightened hopes for schooling to bring out the potential and capacity of every student and to encourage their ability to think, reason, and participate actively in society.
Junie B. Jones: Celebrate the Mischief and Magic of Childhood
Time: Monday, May 19, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
Join us for a lively virtual author panel featuring author Colleen AF Venable and illustrator Honie Beam, adaptors of the Junie B. Jones graphic novels, plus other special guests who share a passion for the iconic Junie B. Jones series. Through engaging discussions, our panelists will explore the humor, heart, and valuable life lessons found within Barbara Park's cherished books. Attendees will enjoy insights into character development, the importance of relatable storytelling for young readers, and the cultural impact of Junie B. Jones in fostering a love for reading. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the series, this promises to be a delightful celebration of childhood curiosity, creativity, and the joy of mischief. You won’t want to miss this special event, happening on Monday, May 19 at 2:00 pm ET!
Dealing with Distractions: New Approaches for Time Management
Time: Monday, May 19, 2025, 4 pm Eastern (1 pm Pacific | 2 pm Mountain | 3 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
GovLoop
We’ve never been more distracted. Incessant notifications, emails, calls, pings, deadlines, meetings and competing priorities make staying focused nearly impossible. Yet, as a supervisor, it’s crucial to be able to manage these distractions while meeting team objectives. The key is to master time management. Much like our learning styles, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing our workloads and calendars. Join us to hear from a career expert about how to drown out the distractions and focus on your tasks and your team.
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 11:30 am Eastern (8:30 am Pacific | 9:30 am Mountain | 10:30 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Connecticut Library Consortium
Let’s chat about how we can get more adults into graphic novels—how to display them, promote them, and make them accessible to a wider audience. We’ll also brainstorm ideas for Summer Reading 2025 and how we can make it fun and engaging for everyone!
The Readers’ Advisory (RA) Roundtable seeks to provide a welcoming platform on which to share information about new and forthcoming titles and to help members stay current on innovative ways to provide RA. No prior knowledge of RA is necessary to attend. All are welcome.
The SPLASH Method & How to Use It to Create World Class Content
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9 am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Training Magazine Network
So much content is painfully boring. We're on a mission to break the boring out of B2B content. It starts here with the SPLASH Method. The way to check your content for stand out properties and promotion that will let it sing and dance.
Interview Strategies, Insights, & Winning Answers - Roundtable Discussion
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 12:30 pm Eastern (9:30 am Pacific | 10:30 am Mountain | 11:30 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
NNLM
Academic and health science librarian interviews are often an all-day affair. It’s a marathon not a sprint. So how do you make sure you make a good impression? Join SCC ECLI for an open discussion on navigating interviews. We’ll discuss tips for preparing for an interview presentation, handling difficult interview questions, and explore questions to ask your potential future employer. This roundtable will offer early to mid-career librarians the opportunity to discuss strategies and insights for preparing for interview questions. Come discuss what has helped you ace as an interviewee or what the search committee is looking for in a winning answer.
Leveraging AI to Streamline Operations for Nonprofits
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
TechSoup
Explore how AI tools can enhance operational efficiency for nonprofits. Learn practical strategies for automating repetitive tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and driving organizational impact. Gain actionable insights into implementing AI solutions tailored to nonprofit needs.
Reducing & Responding to Staff Stress and Trauma
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Library Journal
Library leaders and supervisors are facing an urgent challenge: how to protect and support staff who are increasingly affected by workplace stress and trauma. From public service burnout to crisis incidents and staff shortages, libraries are navigating complex realities that impact morale, retention, and overall team wellbeing.
Getting Started with Kanopy
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
OverDrive
Join OverDrive's Training team for this live session to learn how easy it is to get your patrons started with Kanopy, the streaming video solution for your library. This session will include:
Instructions on accessing Kanopy
A live walk-through of the user experience
Answers to frequently asked questions from end users
Where to find Kanopy marketing and help resources
Duration: 45 minutes
Note: We understand the timing may not suit everyone but signing up ensures that a recording is sent the day after the live session so you can view at your convenience.
Spotlight on Early Reading
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
Whether they are learning the alphabet, sharpening their literacy skills through decodable texts, or just beginning independent reading, providing young people with resources to help ignite their interest in books and learning is crucial. Join Booklist on Tuesday, May 20 at 2 p.m. ET for a free, one-hour webinar featuring new titles that will help educators, school librarians, and parents fill their shelves. Kicking things off with phonics and decodable texts, we'll make our way through all the stages of early reading, including picture and chapter books, with titles from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, DK, Holiday House, and Flutterbee Education Group, home of Bellwether, BearPort, Jump! and Kaleidoscope books. Register now! Moderated by Julia Smith, Booklist’s Books for Youth senior editor.
Social Media Book Camp (Day One)
Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Firespring
This two-day webinar series combines our Social Media 101, 102 topics, and includes more resources for you to elevate your social media presence. Attendees will receive a Social Media Boot Camp Workbook and get additional Q&A time with our experts each day.
May 20 | Day One
We’ll teach you practical tips and tools for extending your cause and mission via social media. We cover the basics of using social media for your nonprofit organization and give you handy tips for the most useful social media platforms for nonprofits.
May 21 | Day Two
Now it’s time to use social media to stand out from the crowd. You’ll learn a few advanced social media tips and tricks, elevate your social media presence through micro strategies and activate your advocates.
Each day lasts for 90 minutes.
NCompass Live: Small Adjustments for Big Changes
Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nebraska Library Commission
Hear about the programs that have influenced one library’s community, including diversifying collections, creating spaces for different age groups, implementing food security programs, getting outside of library walls, implementing 24-hour book pickup, and offering take-home crafts, all on a small budget in a small building. You’ll look at how some of the programs were planned and work together as a team to share successful programs and identify other ways to make big changes with small adjustments.
Presenter: Brenda Hornsby Heindl, Director/Librarian, Liberty (NC) Public Library.
Note: Registration closes Monday night, May 19th.
From the Territory of Montana to the Republic of Vietnam: Researching Native American Veterans in the National Archives, 1881–1966
Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
National Archives
Native Americans have a long and distinguished history of service in the United States Armed Forces. Using a host of records from across National Archives facilities, this talk will explore how National Archives records can be used to reconstruct their lives and service, using case studies from the Indian Wars, World War II, and the Vietnam Conflict.
Cultivating AI Literacy in Your Patrons: How to Help Patrons (And Yourself!) Adapt to Our Ai-Driven World
Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Artificial Intelligence is here! We and our patrons are engaging with it every day, whether we know it or not. In this workshop, librarian Terezita Reyes Overduin will share strategies and resources for cultivating AI literacy in yourself and your patrons.
Participants will engage with the concepts, impacts, limitations, and ethical implications of generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, and come away with strategies for learning more about these tools and how to spark curiosity in your patrons about the impact AI has had on our world.
This program is part of PCI’s collaborative learning project with California Libraries. (CALL).
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Palace Project Office Hours
Time: Friday, May 23, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Palace Project (Lyrasis) & Angela Stanley of GPLS
Palace Project staff and Angela Stanley of GPLS will have office hours on May 23rd at 10am.
eRead Georgia Palace Project Office Hours
Friday, May 23 · 10:00 – 11:00am
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/equ-ocnf-vrg
Or dial: (US) +1 650-449-9709 PIN: 805 747 760#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/equ-ocnf-vrg?pin=7925759848045
Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9 am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nonprofit Leaning Lab
This presentation cover grants projections for 2025 and analyzes trends from the previous year. Our time is primarily focused on regulatory changes to watch, addressing uncertainty for government grants, and the actionable steps organizations can take to protect their work and communities while we navigate the current turmoil. We also include tips for relationship building and strategies for sustainability.
Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
With so much out there to read, what’s the best way to find engaging and fun new titles for your book club? By coming to our free one-hour webinar! Join us on Tuesday, May 27 at 2:00 pm as representatives from Bloomsbury, Europa Editions, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House and Dundurn Press share their hottest upcoming titles that your book club is sure to love! Susan Maguire, Senior Editor, Collection Management & Library Outreach for Adult Books will moderate. Don’t hesitate, register now!
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
Time: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
GrantStation
For most nonprofit employees, versatility is not just an asset, it’s a necessity. This is especially true if you work for a small to medium-sized nonprofit. Very likely, your role extends far beyond your job title. As an executive director, you’re not only the leader of the organization but also an active participant in its various functions. As a development director, your responsibilities likely encompass much more than just proposal writing. As a program director, you are busy running the programs in addition to securing additional funds to sustain the programs. Maximizing your grant success while balancing your other responsibilities is essential to the success of your nonprofit. During this webinar, GrantStation President Alice Ruhnke will share practical strategies to generate additional funding requests for nonprofit organizations with limited staff.
Time: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
Humans are social; however, we are in an epidemic of loneliness. Social prescribing is a model of care that empowers health professionals to formally prescribe non-clinical community activities, like the arts, movement, nature, and service (volunteering) to improve patient health. Social prescribing is intended to broaden the health professionals' toolkits rather than to replace pharmacological measures. Libraries can be part of that toolkit.
Join Rebecca Hass and Tammy Turner as they share several social prescribing initiatives and projects inspired by global models and research on the health benefits of meaningful activities and social connection.
Rebecca will present examples of community health partner initiatives and projects including Healing Library Kit: Death of a Loved One and take a deeper dive into the successes and challenges experienced at Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Public Library and their work with Tammy Turner, including Annapolis Pediatrics, Hospice of the Chesapeake, and Care Prepared.
You’ll leave this session with not only an understanding of the growing trend of social prescribing but also with ideas of ways to integrate library usage into our communities’ well-being tools.
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
Appy Hour 2.0
Time: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a productivity guru, or simply curious about the latest app trends, join us for an engaging and interactive webinar where we dive into the world of apps. In this session, we will explore a curated selection of apps handpicked by our hosts. We will be featuring a variety of apps during the webinar, with some being recommended for their practicality and excellence, while others have been selected to inspire interesting conversations and diverse viewpoints.
This blend ensures that our session will not only introduce you to valuable apps but also encourage engaging discussions and the sharing of different perspectives among participants.
Be ready to share your favorite apps with fellow participants and get inspired by new recommendations from others.
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Health Programming at Your Library
Time: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
NNLM
Join us for ideas on how to create health programs for libraries and community/faith-based organizations in this 90-minute webinar. First, we’ll discuss the purpose of conducting health outreach programs for libraries and how to plan a program using a logic model. Then, we’ll brainstorm potential partnerships for health programming and outreach and learn how resources from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and other reputable agencies introduce community members to health resources in fun and engaging ways. Finally, we’ll share examples of successful programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors using NLM and National Institutes of Health resources that will activate your interest in collaborating and engaging your community in health outreach programming.
Please note: This webinar lasts 90 minutes.
Fundraiser Chad's Favorite Free (or Cheap) Fundraising Tools
Time: Thursday, May 29, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Productive Fundraising
Join fundraising master trainer, Chad Barger, ACFRE, ACNP for a fun, fast-paced session where he will highlight the free (or inexpensive) tools that he uses to make fundraising easier and more efficient. Over 15 tools will be discussed and demonstrated ranging from apps to websites to gadgets to books and more. It’s your chance to look under the hood and see how Chad works and serves his nonprofit clients on a daily basis.
A Vision for Success: How Large Print Leads to Reading Breakthroughs
Time: Thursday, May 29, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
Looking for a simple solution to get students reading? Offering large print books can make a big difference for all students including those with ADHD and visual processing issues.
In the latest large print efficacy study, the format made positive impacts on both student reading skills and confidence, eliminating stress surrounding reading and sparking enjoyment of books.
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Julie A. Evans, lead researcher and CEO of Project TomorrowⓇ, and Amy Dix, a mother and a PA and Health Sciences PhD, as they discuss their experiences, key data points, and using large print as a prescriptive learning accommodation.
Register for this free, one-hour Booklist webinar on Thursday, May 29 at 2 pm ET. Moderated by Booklist's Adult Books senior editor, Annie Bostrom.
NCompass Live - Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries
Time: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nebraska Library Commission
Imagine grocery shopping at a Dollar Store. That’s a reality for people living in rural food deserts. The Southern Adirondack Library System and the Comfort Food Community food pantry launched the Farm‐2‐Library initiative to reduce food waste by gleaning at local farms, distributing the produce through rural libraries where food scarcity, lack of food pantries, and transportation limit access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Since launching in 2017, we've shared more than 230,000 pounds of fresh produce, creating and deepening relationships with the community while fostering renewed interest in library services by previously reluctant users.
Presenters: Erica Freudenberger, Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development, New York State Library and Jack Scott, Outreach and Technology Consultant, Southern Adirondack Library System.
Note: Registration closes Monday night, June 2nd.
Self-Care Made Simple: An Overview of Why and How to Replenish
Time: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Self-care is so much more than a manicure or massage. It is how we restore, replenish, and nurture ourselves. It involves tough aspects like saying no, setting boundaries, assertive communication, as well as gentle restorative practices such as relaxation, laughter, and nourishing our soul.
Join wellness coach Laura Greco and learn more about taking care of yourself...for a change.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
• identify 3 benefits of practicing self-care
• name 4 self-care techniques
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Kanopy Town Hall for North American Public Libraries
Time: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
OverDrive
Join us for an engaging Kanopy Town Hall Webinar, where we’ll share the latest updates and insights to help you make the most of Kanopy’s offerings.
In this session, we’ll cover:
New Content Additions – Discover the latest films, documentaries, and series now available on Kanopy.
Product Updates – Learn about recent platform enhancements designed to improve user experience and accessibility.
Marketing Materials – Explore fresh promotional resources to help you drive engagement and awareness.
Our team will provide an inside look at what’s new and what’s ahead, followed by a Q&A session where you can share your feedback and ask questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connect with the Kanopy team!
And lastly, if you have specific questions that you’d like us to answer during the webinar, please ask them in the registration form.
Duration: 60 minutes
Audience: Public library partners.
Note: We understand the timing may not suit everyone but signing up ensures that a recording is sent the day after the live session so you can view at your convenience
Resources and Strategies to Protect Older Adults from Fraud and Scams
Time: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
WebJunction
Panelists will highlight free resources available for libraries to help patrons combat fraud and will share experiences hosting effective fraud prevention workshops.
Scams, fraud, and exploitation have harmful consequences for anyone, but the impact can be especially devastating for older adults, who may not be able to earn back what they’ve lost. In addition to financial loss, many victims of fraud also experience psychological harm. In this session, panelists will highlight free resources available for libraries to help patrons combat fraud and share experiences hosting effective fraud prevention workshops in partnership with local law enforcement. You’ll leave feeling empowered to help older adults in the community protect themselves from the constant pressure of fraudsters.
Presented by:
Emily Mross, Business Librarian and Library Outreach Coordinator, Penn State Harrisburg Library, and Chair, RUSA Financial Literacy Interest Group
Kristi Chase, Reference Librarian/Archivist, The Free Library of Northampton Township (PA)
Lyn Peters, Director of Communications, Financial Education & Outreach, Washington (state) Department of Financial Institutions
Time: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
This webinar will cover the definition of human trafficking and its forms, the risks, the language, unacknowledged victims, identification and myths.
Creating Learner-Centered Tutorials
Time: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
Online tutorials are nearly ubiquitous in the library learning world – but are they effective for learners? How difficult are they to create? In this webinar, Hannah Gascho Rempel and Maribeth Slebodnik will introduce you to the process of creating learner-centered tutorials in order to increase their impact and effectiveness.
They will share ideas about how to streamline the design process while still producing an effective tutorial. They will also emphasize accessibility principles to reach a wider audience and assessment in order to evaluate and reinforce learning.
In this session they will:
Introduce the ADDIE model of instructional design as a guide for focusing on learner needs and planning your tutorial design process.
Share about the types of information to gather ahead of time to shape your tutorial to match your audience’s needs.
Illustrate how designing learning objectives can help you focus on choosing and organizing tutorial content in learner-centered ways.
Show how to find and develop accessible content.
Discuss best practices for assessing learning and impact of your tutorial.
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
Nurturing Potential: A Toolkit for Engaging Unsupervised Youth and Teens in Your Library
Time: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Are you passionate about transforming your library into a haven for all, including unsupervised youth and teens? Join us for an insightful webinar where we dive into innovative strategies to engage and positively influence these young minds. Hear from Tiffany Duck, experienced public library manager and David Duck, Youth Development and Preventative Services Manager as they share expert insights, real-life success stories and practical techniques that foster respect, creativity, and community.
Attendees will learn about:
Practical tips to engage teens
Actionable items to support youth and teens at the library
Resources to enhance your professional toolkit
Who will benefit from this program?
All staff that interact with unsupervised youth & teens at the library
Anyone who wants to become a champion for youth engagement!
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Beyond the Basics: Unlocking the Magic of Libby
Time: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
OverDrive
Discover how to get the most out of Libby in this interactive deep-dive session. We’ll explore everyday features that make Libby powerful yet simple—plus answer common questions and walk through real-life scenarios.
You’ll learn about searching, managing loans and holds, using Libby with multiple libraries, tags, syncing across devices, app settings, help, and more.
Perfect for anyone who supports others using Libby — or just wants to feel more familiar with its everyday magic.
Duration: 60 minutes
Audience: Public library, academic, corporate partners
Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Libby. Consider watching our Getting Started with Libby webinar for a thorough overview.
Note: Times shown in Eastern Standard. We understand the timing may not suit everyone but signing up ensures that a recording is sent the day after the live session so you can view at your convenience
Executive Function Tools to Support Independent Living
Time: Monday, June 16, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PACER Center
A wide range of assistive technology (AT) can be used to support teens and adults with disabilities to complete tasks at home or at work. We will demonstrate apps and devices that help with reminders, timers, and visual and audio prompts. Join us to learn about tools that can help individuals function more independently at home or on the job.
Random House Children’s Books Fall 2025 Preview
Time: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
Mark your calendars! Tuesday, June 17 at 2:00 pm ET is the Random House Children’s Books Fall 2025 Preview! Join us for a 30-minute spine-tingling panel featuring page-turners from the brightest stars of the upcoming Fall thriller lineup, including Jennifer Niven, Kiersten White, Jihyun Yun, and E. Lockhart moderated by a Booklist editor! Unravel the mysteries of their unique writing styles, discover the inspiration lurking behind their books, and hear all about the jaw-dropping twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The remaining 60-minutes will showcase exciting previews of Fall 2025 titles, presented by the RHCB School & Library team. Best of all, it’s free and open to all bookworms—so register today!
NCompass Live: Outreach at Any Size
Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nebraska Library Commission
Small and rural libraries and library systems can engage in meaningful outreach, even with limited personal, time, and budget. This program will introduce ten successful outreach programs—including staff time, costs, and outcomes—implemented by a small library system. Learn how you can scale down (or up) to make a similar program (or programs!) work for your library—no matter its size. Tips, tricks, and lessons learned included!
Presenter: Suzanne Macaulay, Program Director, OWWL Library System, Canandaigua, NY.
Note: Registration closes the evening of Monday, June 16th.
More Money, More Programs: Getting More Funding for Your Library through Grants, Fundraisers, and City Officials
Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
In libraries of any size, every dollar counts, and you often have to stretch that dollar as far as you can, especially when it comes to programming. So how can you write a grant proposal that will have a foundation throwing money at your library? What are some great fundraising ideas that haven’t been done a thousand times before? And what is the secret to asking people for money without seeming pushy or greedy?
Join Chelsea Price to discuss all these things and more. Chelsea will delve into some common myths about asking for money, the importance of the library/city relationship, grant-writing tips, and some out-of-the-box fundraising ideas from her library and others.
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
Libraries for All: Accessible Library Services for Children with Disabilities and their Families
Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Whether large or small, rural or urban, all library communities serve children with disabilities. Developing an awareness and understanding to the needs of kids with disabilities and their families is vital for providing relevant and impactful library services to all. This webinar shares ideas for programs, collections, and services that welcome and support kids with disabilities and their families. Attendees will also learn about ways you can make their existing library programs more inclusive for all.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Learn national statistics of disability prevalence in their communities
Learn about the concepts of library accessibility, inclusion, and equity as it relates to children with disabilities
Gather at least 5 library service ideas to support kids with disabilities and their families
Learn at least 3 strategies to make their existing library programs more inclusive for kids with disabilities and their families
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Time: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
Objectives of this webinar are to learn how grief affects children at different developmental stages. The Do’s and Don’ts of trauma informed responses. And how to best support grieving youth and families.
Navigating Grief in the Library: Compassionate Communication and Support Strategies
Time: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Through this program we will consider how to address the sensitive topic of grief in professional settings, offering practical guidance on how to communicate with empathy and provide meaningful communicative support. Grief is a complex human experience.
We will consider strategies for fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment while maintaining respect for individual experiences.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Recognize the many ways forms of grief in our library workplace.
Understand how to provide supportive communication techniques with respect.
Develop strategies for creating a supportive work culture that acknowledges and accommodates grief.
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Storytime Success: Crafting Engaging Sessions from Start to Finish
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Learn to craft the winning formula for captivating storytimes! Explore the essentials of book selection, rhymes, music, movement, visual aids, and smooth transitions. This session will delve into best practices for tailoring storytime content to different age groups—babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—using developmentally appropriate materials.
Discover innovative ways to incorporate creative activities, engaging props, and go-to resources to keep your storytimes fresh. Plus, learn strategies for managing diverse crowd dynamics and adjusting on the fly to ensure an engaging and interactive experience for all. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned storytellers looking to refresh their approach.
What attendees will learn:
Best practices for selecting books for read-alouds for storytime
How to choose rhymes, movement songs, and activities that are engaging and age-appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Tips for managing crowd dynamics and adapting storytime to the needs of different audiences
Techniques for creating smooth transitions that keep young participants engaged from start to finish
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library was given the opportunity to become a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2023 when the branch first opened. Branch Manager, Shelby Peak, and Children's Librarian, Sarah Tadsen, both disability advocates in their community, will share Fort Ben's story of pursuing accreditation and the impact this process has had on the branch staff, the local community, and the entire IndyPL system.
Fortifying Your Library: Protecting Your Library and Staff through Policy
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
Al Hayden offers practical advice for strengthening, revising, and evaluating your library policies.
Libraries are in need of updated policies now more than ever. Strong policy is one of the best ways to protect library staff, prevent issues, and keep unpreventable issues from escalating too far.
Join Al Hayden for this webinar, which will offer practical advice for revising your library's policies with:
Essential policies every library should keep updated
Tools to evaluate the strength of the policies you have now
Guidelines to consider when revising your policies
Suggestions for training staff on your updates
Communicating policy to patrons
Attendees should leave with actionable ideas to strengthen, revise, and evaluate library policy manuals.
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
The Power of Partnerships: Planning a Successful Community Meet & Greet at Your Library
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
This training equips library staff with the skills to plan, execute, and follow up on a community meet and greet with local organizations and stakeholders. The session will cover event planning, effective partner engagement, hosting strategies, and sustaining relationships to enhance community collaboration.
Participants will also learn how to create a welcoming and productive networking space that fosters meaningful partnerships, promotes library resources, and encourages collaborative programming.
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Elevating Your Game as a Professional
Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Use the information from this interactive session to stand out from everyone else as a top-level professional. Learn about the four A's that will help you develop your professional image as a competent and trusted resource within your organization or in any setting.
As a result of this program, attendees will learn how to:
• Hone their communication skills and understand how and when to communicate effectively
• Maximize their professional presence in person and virtually
• Leverage emotional intelligence to build a positive and professional image
• Bring their A-game to work as a knowledgeable and esteemed top-level professional
This session will teach you how to use your skills and professional image to maximize the potential you possess and position yourself as a valued employee within your organization.
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Meetings that Matter: Seven Steps to Running an Effective Meetiing
Time: Wednesday, July 23 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
David Dodson describes seven steps you can implement to create meetings that matter.
The meeting started late and went over the scheduled time. Attendees were updated on events that had already occurred. Speakers talked too long and repeated themselves in unstructured presentations. Those on video tried to surreptitiously knock off some email while trying to appear fully present. No forward-facing decisions were made.
If any of this sounds familiar, know that it does not have to be. Join best-selling Author, CEO, and Stanford faculty member David Dodson as he describes seven steps you can implement to create meetings that matter.
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
Trauma-Informed Libraries -- What are they, why do they matter, and how do we become one?
Time: Wednesday, July 23 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Trauma-Informed Libraries has become a buzz word in the field and seemingly everywhere, but what exactly does it mean? In this webinar, we will take deep dive into providing easy to digest explanations of what it means to be trauma-informed, why does it matter, and simple, actionable steps that professionals working in libraries can take to implement at their libraries from small scale to large scale.
Trauma and traumatic events impact approximately 90% of adults in the United States. And according to the large-scale study conducted in the late 1990s by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, traumatic events that occur in childhood otherwise known as Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impacted 64% of the study participants and that those traumatic events in childhood later impacted health outcomes for adults.
Trauma is ubiquitous, so what do we do about it? Join Bea Forkan and find out.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Understand key definitions as it pertains to both trauma and trauma-informed practices.
Understand the importance of cultivating a trauma-informed philosophy at your organization and as part of your work style.
Learn how to implement strategies at your organization.
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Trauma-Informed Care or Services for Teens in the Library
Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Libraries are uniquely positioned to play a support role to teens who have experienced trauma. Libraries can be a familiar, welcoming environment that can encourage autonomy and healing.
This webinar will go through the basics of trauma-informed care and provide specific examples of programs and practices for librarians to make a safe and calm atmosphere for teens.
As a result of this program, attendees will learn:
Basics of trauma-informed care
Communication practices
Basic mindfulness techniques that can be added to library programs
Ideas for library programs with a trauma-informed care lens
Library collection and display suggestions
Ideas for partnerships to create a trauma-informed library
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
10 BIG Time Management Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Time: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all that you have to do at work or around the house, then this webinar is for you! There are some common mistakes that people make when managing their time, but you can avoid them and learn how to “create” more hours in the day. Reduce stress with these practical time management and organizing tips and techniques and see how you can get things done!
Attendees will learn how to:
Become more aware of how they’re using time
Handle email more efficiently
Look ahead proactively
Handle interruptions and distractions more effectively
Who will Benefit from this Program:
All Staff who want to get more out of their day at work or home
Managers who want to handle email better
Any volunteer or staff who feel overwhelmed
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
How to Organize Anything
Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Ever wonder how some people can be so organized? Being disorganized is not a character flaw! As a child you may not have learned these skills, but you can learn them now. With the 5-step “C.L.E.A.R.” methodology, you can organize anything at work or home including your papers, things, and space.
It’s easier to get organized once you know how. In this program, you'll learn tips that can be applied immediately in your life so you can reduce stress, clear clutter, and reap the rewards of a calm, more productive, and enjoyable day!
Attendees will learn how to
Use a methodology to get organized
Stay organized with helpful, easy tips
Get motivated to make some changes
Who will Benefit from this Program:
All Staff who want to get more organized
Managers who want to have less stress
Any Volunteer or Staff who feels overwhelmed
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Nontraditional Lending to Aid Your Community’s Environmental AND Safety Efforts
Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
The increasing damage and length of our severe weather events is concerning for all of us. How do we begin helping our communities to be sure they’re ready before disaster strikes? One way is with a new free kit created for the Maine State Library (MSL) by The Healing Library (THL)!
In 2020 the Maine State Library received a grant to support deepening their science programming from NASA. Join us to learn about the grant and about the kit that it created. It features three sections centered around disaster preparedness: Before Severe Weather, During Severe Weather, and After Severe Weather. Each section is filled with tips to stay as physically and emotionally safe as possible, all while instilling a love of nature in our children.
As a result of this program, attendees will learn:
How the Maine State Library got involved in the grant
The Maine State Libraries' thought process in striving to offer a wellness-centered initiative that included The Healing Library
What’s inside the Severe Weather & Climate Engagement Kit to help your community and ideas for deploying the kit in your community
Who will Benefit from this Program:
Youth Services Staff Members
Community Engagement Staff
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
Inclusive and Impactful: Reinventing Your Meeting Culture
Time: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Meetings should be productive and have a purpose. Many times, staff members dread meetings and would rather do anything but attend them.
This session will introduce and reaffirm various components of hosting and attending meetings. We will discuss group dynamics, active listening skills, conflict management, creating an inclusive environment, and communicating clear meeting guidelines, instructions, and outcomes.
Attendees will be able to discuss methods to avoid and what works well in their organization’s settings.
Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.
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