Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Session 2: Breakouts 10:50-11:40 AM
Mystic AD
Passport to Programming: Connecting with Community through Programming
Presented by: Ericka Bajrami, The Farmington Libraries; and Patti Brady-Lux, The Farmington Libraries
As children's librarians we are always thinking of ways to connect our programming to the unique communities we serve. We'll share how we created two "passport" programs that connected our patrons to the diverse culture of our community and the (sometimes hidden) gems of our natural environment. We'll share what we learned through the process and our ideas for the future.
Sponsored by: CLA Members
Mystic BE
Ban This Book! Club
Presented by: Rebecca Harlow, Case Memorial Library
As a response to the rise in book challenges in her library’s school system, Rebecca Harlow of the Case Memorial Library created Ban This Book! Club – a discussion of banned books as both works of literature and objects of censorship. Hear how she created Ban This Book! Club and get tips on how to run a book discussion focused on empowering people to advocate for the books being challenged in their community and sharpen their skills in respectful discourse.
Sponsored by: CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
Mystic CF
A Tale of Two Towns: Strategic Planning for Community Libraries (Double Session)
Presented by: Evan Kingsley, Plan A Advisors; Caroline Mandler, Wilton Library Association; and Sheri Szymanski, Stratford Library Association
Two different towns and plans; two rigorous processes. Plenty of lessons for libraries that want to “do it yourself.” Directors of the Wilton and Stratford libraries will share big takeaways from their respective strategic planning experiences. A hands-on workshop will follow so every participant can take away practical research, analysis, and decision-making tools to build a strategic plan efficiently in-house.
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 1
Office Administrative Networking
Presented by: Kari Castelli, Scranton Library
We're a unique group and wear lots of hats! Join us and meet other administrative professionals. Share ideas, network, discuss challenges/solutions and compare hats!
Sponsored by: CLA Conference Committee
Conference Room 2
Reference & Adult Services Meetup
Presented by: Christie Mitchell, Ridgefield Library
The CLA Reference & Adult Services Section invites you to stop by to meet with other Adult Services librarians and share thoughts on the conference and other topics of interest.
Sponsored by: CLA Reference and Adult Services Section
Conference Room 3
Social Justice League Book Club
Presented by: Christy Billings, Russell Library and Rachel Tonucci, Bloomfield Public Library
Calling all allies! Sometimes, doing the work can be lonely and have you doubting your librarian superhero status. This roundtable is for any staff member who has run or is planning any social justice-themed book clubs at their libraries to share best practices, best books discussed, meeting norms, resources, and programs or calls to action that occurred after the discussions.
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 5
Biblio Boxes Across the Library
Presented by: Laura DiLullo, Farmington Libraries; Sage Gentry, Farmington Libraries; and Amy Pittman, Farmington Libraries
Have you seen those viral book boxes on social media? Want to find out how to start a book box program at your library? Stop by and hear how the Farmington Libraries started and expanded their Biblio Box program from Teen to Tween to Adult!
Sponsored by: CLA Children’s Section
Conference Room 6
Making the Library a Trans-Friendly Space
Presented by: Sarah McCusker, Canton Public Library
Learn best practices to make your library a safe and welcoming space for transgender and gender-nonconforming patrons.
Sponsored by: CLA JEDI Section
Conference Room 7
What Happened in Old Lyme? How to Prepare for Material Challenges
Presented by: Katie Huffman, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, Old Lyme
In June, the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library received a letter requesting reconsideration of 2 teen books signed by 135 residents, including elected officials. In July, the Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to keep the titles in question. Get the behind the scenes take on what happened and ways to prepare for and respond when it happens to your library.
Sponsored by: Intellectual Freedom Committee
