Monday, April 27, 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026
Session 3: Breakouts
11:00-11:50 AM
Session 3: Breakouts
11:00-11:50 AM
Embedded Files
Thank you for attending the 2026 CLA Conference. A Post Conference Email will be sent out after May 4th.
11:00-11:50 AM
Mystic Ballroom AD
Mystic Ballroom AD
Hiring and Interviewing in Youth Services
Hiring and Interviewing in Youth Services
Presenters: Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library; Jennifer Needham, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library; and Stephanie Prato, Simsbury Public Library
This panel is for everyone who works in, hires for, or is curious about youth services. Experienced library managers will discuss navigating the interview process with grace, preparing to interview as an employer/candidate, current staff and skill trends, and employer/candidate red flags in a lively, casual setting. Audience questions encouraged.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Mystic Ballroom BE
Mystic Ballroom BE
The Legislative Process & CGA Web Page Orientation
The Legislative Process & CGA Web Page Orientation
Presenters: Jennifer Bernier, CT Legislative Library and Kate Byroade, Cragin Memorial Library, Colchester
Legislative librarian Jennifer Bernier will outline Connecticut's legislative process and how to use the Connecticut General Assembly's website to find answers to questions about legislation and nonpartisan office documents.
Sponsor: CLA Legislative Committee
Mystic Ballroom CF
Mystic Ballroom CF
A Killer Event: How to Host a Murder Mystery Fundraiser at Your Library
Double Session: 11:00 am-12:50 pm
A Killer Event: How to Host a Murder Mystery Fundraiser at Your Library
Double Session: 11:00 am-12:50 pm
Presenters: Kate Hellman; Emily Valin; and Sarah Zareski, Derby Neck Library
The lights dim. A scream echoes. Someone’s been murdered! Step into a live mini–mystery and learn how to craft suspenseful storylines, engage patrons with puzzles and clues, and raise funds at your own murder mystery dinner. You’ll leave with strategies, templates, and inspiration to create a memorable, mission-driven program your patrons will never forget.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Conference Room 1
Conference Room 1
Leveling up Student Success: Librarians Take on Study Skills
Leveling up Student Success: Librarians Take on Study Skills
Presenters: Tiara Arnold, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University and Lisa Thornell, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University
Fairfield University librarians address the need for holistic academic support by integrating study skills into the library’s teaching portfolio, a timely initiative given increasing demands on student success services. By positioning the library as a visible, proactive partner in academic success, this initiative models how librarians expand their role as leaders in fostering student learning.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Conference Room 2
Conference Room 2
Hydroponic Gardening Inside Your Library
Hydroponic Gardening Inside Your Library
Presenters: Holly Harwood, Meriden Public Library
Do you wonder what it is like to have a hydroponic garden in your library? Stop in for a talk about what it is like to care for and maintain a hydroponic garden in a library setting year-round. Learn about engaging your community around hydroponics in a fun and educational way.
Sponsor: CLA Public Libraries Section
Conference Room 3
Conference Room 3
Evolving Libraries, Evolving You: New Roles in Community Service & Your Path Forward
Evolving Libraries, Evolving You: New Roles in Community Service & Your Path Forward
Presenters: Mirja Johanson, Perrot Memorial Library; Diana Preece, Milford Public Library; Sunnie Scarpa, Wallingford Public Library; and Laura Vasselle, CT State Three Rivers
This panel explores the new roles, responsibilities, and positions emerging in today’s libraries. The discussion will cover how libraries assess needs for new programs and services, how to stay current with developments in the field, and practical steps to build the skills, training, and experience needed to expand your current role or transition to a new one.
Sponsor: CLA Career Development Committee
Conference Room 5
Conference Room 5
Taking Back the Narrative
Taking Back the Narrative
Double Session: 11:00 am-12:50 pm
Double Session: 11:00 am-12:50 pm
Presenters: Keith Michael Fiels, Former Executive Director, American Library Association; Laura A. Horn, Library Connection, Inc.; Alice Knapp, Ferguson Library; Ellen Paul, Connecticut Library Consortium; and Maureen Sullivan, Maureen Sullivan Associates
The sudden groundswell of opposition to libraries has left many feeling afraid and helpless. While the opposition is loud, there are many more individuals who love their library, but don't know how to express their support. Using the Ready, Set, Go! Model, participants will explore the essential components of building strong support for their libraries.
Sponsor: CLA Legislative Committee
Conference Room 6
Conference Room 6
A Career Corner That Builds Confidence in 5 Easy Steps
A Career Corner That Builds Confidence in 5 Easy Steps
Presenters: Karen Anderson-Fignon, EPICS, LLC.
Libraries are increasingly becoming the first place people turn when work no longer “fits.” Whether navigating layoffs, burnout, retirement transitions, or first-time job searches, patrons are seeking not just employment help — but clarity, direction, and confidence.
A simple, practical framework for creating a Career Corner that supports exploration, reflection, and informed next steps — using mostly what libraries already have.
Vendor Demo
Conference Room 7
Conference Room 7
Building Bridges: Making Connections with Autistic
Children and Their Families
Building Bridges: Making Connections with Autistic
Children and Their Families
Presenters: Lorette Feivelson, Farmington Libraries
Learn about the journey Farmington Libraries’ has taken to become more accessible to neurodivergent children and their families. Find out about our Adaptive Storytime and get the chance to listen to parents about what they want librarians to know about furthering accessibility!
Sponsor: CLA JEDI Section
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse