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
Hotel Block Booking Discount Available ONLY until March 30 at 4:00 PM.
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; Stephanie Prato, Simsbury Public Library; Jennifer Needham, Berlin-Peck Memorial 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
Ditching Dewey for a Word-Based System: A Librarian’s Guide
Ditching Dewey for a Word-Based System: A Librarian’s Guide
Presenters: Anne Henriques, Head of Adult Services, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library; Andrea Raynor, Digital Services Librarian, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library
While you may already know about libraries who “Ditched Dewey,” what you may not know is HOW they actually did it. We’ll share all the details about timelines, planning, logistics, and marketing involved in the creation and implementation of The Pecking Order, our word-based cataloging system that’s intuitive, easy to understand, and has led to quicker and better patron service.
Sponsor: Technical Services Section chairs, Christine Rinaldi & Ann Victor
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, Sarah Zareski, Emily Valin
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: Lisa Thornell, Head of Library Outreach & Communications and Tiara Arnold,
Research Services Coordinator, 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 engage your community around the hydroponics in a fun and educational way.
Sponsor: CLA Public Libraries Section
Conference Room 3
Conference Room 3
New Directions in Serving Library Communities:
How to Prepare for New Roles
New Directions in Serving Library Communities:
How to Prepare for New Roles
Presenters: Sunny Scarpa, Director, Wallingford Public Library, Diana Preece, Reference Librarian Milford Public Library, Laura Vasselle, Three Rivers College, Mirja Johanson
Moderator: Head of Technical Services, Perrot Memorial Library,
This session about the emerging roles and positions in the workplace as libraries adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. The panel discussion will include current library trends, how libraries assess the need for new programs and services, and how to gain the training, skills and experience to move into one of these new roles.
Sponsor: CLA Career Development
Conference Room 5
Conference Room 5
Taking Back the Narrative
Taking Back the Narrative
Presenters: Laura Horn, Library Connection, Inc.; Keith Michael Fiels, Former Executive Director, American Library Association; Ellen Paul, Connecticut Library Consortium; Alice Knapp, Ferguson Library
Moderator: 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: Kate Byroade and Rebecca Harlow, Co-Chairs, CLA Legislative Committee
Conference Room 7
Conference Room 7
Building Bridges: Making Connections with Autistic
Children and Their Families
Double Session: 11:00 am-12:50 pm
Building Bridges: Making Connections with Autistic
Children and Their Families
Double Session: 11:00 am-12:50 pm
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
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