Continuing Education Archives

Are you new to adult programming or looking to expand your library’s offerings for adults? This overview covers programming from start to finish, including finding speakers, handling contracts and negotiations, and tips for staying organized. We’ll discuss the challenges of accessibility, formats, and budgets, and talk about what makes a “good” program.

Presented by Jez Layman, Programming Librarian at Elmhurst Public Library.

The spirit of collaboration is a natural force within humanity. This webinar celebrates the spirit of collaboration and aims to deepen our understanding of its value. It offers tips and best practices to help build new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships with families, organizations, and public officials.

Due to a blip in technology at the beginning of this webinar, the following is the complete description of the first thought exercise:

This session explores practical, learner-centered approaches to teaching digital skills in spaces without dedicated computers. Learn how to use discussion-based classes, smartphone-friendly topics, and adaptable class formats to offer impactful instruction and build your community’s digital confidence—no lab required.

Are your patrons passionate about true crime, murder mysteries, and thrilling investigative stories? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to create an unforgettable experience that taps into their curiosity and love for suspense. In this session, you will learn how to craft intricate and immersive storylines, designed to capture the attention of your audience while also seamlessly blending important STEM concepts and literacy skills.

Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods who has transformed our understanding of nature-deficit disorder; Westchester Public Library (IL), who deliver nature programming on a tight budget; and Anythink Libraries (CO), who are creating a dedicated Nature Library branch focused on immersive nature-based learning, explore and demonstrate the vital role libraries can play in nurturing a deeper connection to nature.

In this two-part series, Heartland Forward uses their experience collaborating with The Public Library Association to create Getting Started with Telehealth, a new training module available on DigitalLearn.org, to give an overview of telehealth services and teach you how to use the training module to help your patrons.

Topics covered will be: 

Dungeons & Dragons is more popular now than ever before, with new players coming to the hobby every day! Join Dungeon Master Luke to learn how to start and maintain a D&D club at your library! Webinar will include: 

-Why run a D&D club at your library? -The benefits of playing RPGs, including facilitating creative problem solving and teamwork 

-How to play D&D -Discuss the roles of the Dungeon Master (DM) and their players, and cover the core mechanic of D&D: the d20 roll 

Arielle Raybuck, auditorium coordinator for Northbrook Public Library, will present on Zoom pre-production communication practices to ensure smooth programs, Zoom settings that will expand your program options, and the application of livestreaming using Zoom and YouTube.

This presentation was recorded live on Thursday, June 17, 2021, and is 50 minutes in length.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have reimagined ways to engage their communities and provide valuable learning experiences through physical and virtual Grab & Go/Take & Make/DIY Kits. A panel of librarians will share their resource-making success stories to serve young people of all ages, offering resources and answering questions on how to level up your own kits.

This webinar was recorded on February 15, 2021, and runs for approximately 90 minutes.

Many libraries have turned to virtual programming as we practice social distancing. While it is vital that we engage patrons in virtual environments, how can we measure the impact and success of these programs? Nationally recognized library technology consultant and author Nick Tanzi leads a discussion of what data libraries can collect and how to interpret that data. This presentation was recorded on January 14, 2021, and lasts approximately 65 minutes.

Learn how to bring your programming from in-person to online. Two librarians will walk you through the steps to create and execute virtual programs, including scheduling, marketing, budgets, and program ideas including live, recorded videos, and passive programs. A Q&A will follow.

This webinar was recorded on April 29, 2020, and runs approximately 85 minutes.

As things change rapidly, libraries are having to quickly adjust our in-person book clubs advisory services online. Becca Boland of Skokie Public Library will talk about what libraries are already doing (and what is working) and discuss ideas for the future.

This webinar was recorded on April 22, 2020, and runs approximately 70 minutes.

Staying cooped up at home has led to creative thinking throughout the library world. Youth departments in public libraries are leading the way with live and prerecorded e-storytimes for patrons. E-resources are being shared via social media and email. Now that your library has these services situated, what next? Gather some fresh ideas about virtual services and programming BEYOND e-storytimes and rhyme videos. Attend to your patrons social-emotional needs by responding in a trauma-focused way through Lincolnwood Public Library's intentional programming and messaging.

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