Build LGBTQIA+ centered spaces, programs, and services and learn the power of partnerships this November with our two can't miss courses!

Create a more equitable and affirming space for everyone by learning how to create dynamic partnerships and build LGBTQIA+ centered programs and practices.

Course Overview: How to Build LGBTQIA+ Centered Spaces, Programs, and Services

Create a more equitable and affirming space for everyone by learning the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities of the LGBTQIA+ community. Research shows that programs, partnerships, practices, and curricula that center LGBTQIA+ people benefit heterosexual and cisgender people, too. This course will teach you how to navigate difficult conversations and advocate for LGBTQIA+ people, books, and programs, even and especially in the face of censorship challenges. You will also learn how to develop robust LGBTQ-centered programs and instruction alongside strategies for building connections with your local queer community.

After you attend this interactive online course and workshop, you’ll be able to:

Understand and implement the differences between inclusive and affirming programs
Make yourself visible as an LGBTQIA+ advocate and ally
Establish queer affirming outreach programs and practices
Build and maintain authentic, non-transactional relationships with LGBTQIA+ communities and organizations
Create trans and gender nonconforming programs, spaces, and services
Advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in materials and services
Manage censorship challenges that might arise in your library or classroom
Understand the tenets of queer theory and how it can be applied to your everyday work
Reimagine and revise your programs and services from a queer perspective to better serve your entire communities

Featured Sessions

"Inclusive and Affirming: How to Create LGBTQIA+ Centered Programs and Instruction"

led by: Jacob

McWilliams (He/Him)

"How to Build and Maintain LGBTQIA+ Community Partnerships and Outreach Practices"

led by: Nicholas Brown (He/Him)

"Queer Bootcamp: Intro to LGBTQIA+ Terms, Issues, and History" led by: Shambricia Spencer (she, her)

Check out the full program here.

Course Overview: Improve Library Service Through the Power of Partnerships

Collaborations can help maximize your impact on your community. Whether you want to begin outreach to form new partnerships or you want to expand current collaborations, this course will teach you the tools to create school, community, and public alliances to drive equitable access to information, improve community outcomes, and achieve learning goals. You’ll learn from the experts how to find partnerships, develop a plan of action, and enact your plan over 3+ weeks through live keynote sessions and an interactive online classroom environment.

After you attend this interactive online course and workshop, you’ll be able to:

Create intentional, relational, and sustainable community partnerships
Understand the continuum of collaboration and plan for your individual context
Plan for non-transactional partnerships that center relationships
Have a template for contracts, agreements, and other logistical needs
Build coalitions between your library and community stakeholders
Understand and plan for the nuances of partnerships in highly targeted contexts, including public libraries, school libraries, higher education, and rural and small libraries