Discover clever programming ideas for virtual, distance, and remote settings in our new Public Programming in the Pandemic online course. In our three-week interactive course, learn how to create a virtual escape room, host drive-in video games, and put together take-home adventure kits for your library. You’ll hear from both youth and adult services librarians on the programming that is working to engage and serve their community virtually or at a distance. 

In the workshop, you’ll come up with three replicable program ideas for your library and a plan to implement them with personalized feedback from an expert librarian.

The speaker program runs on Tuesdays, March 23, March 30, and April 6, 2-4pm ET (recordings available).

Register today!

Part 1: Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 2–4 pm ET

Session 1 | 2:00-2:45PM ET
The Changing Landscape of Library Services
An overview of how the pandemic has impacted public library programs and services, and what libraries are doing to meet the needs of their patrons during this unprecedented time. Hear about creative solutions to libraries’ most urgent challenges in this comprehensive session with Erica Freudenberger, Outreach Consultant for the Southern Adirondack Library System (NY). You’ll come away with actionable ideas and inspiration to move you forward into the next stage of programming in a pandemic--and help combat the overwhelm.
Speaker:

Erica Freudenberger, Outreach Consultant, Southern Adirondack Library System, Saratoga Springs, NY, and 2016 LJ Mover & Shaker

INTERMISSION | 2:45-3:00 PM ET

Session 2 | 3:00-4:00PM ET
Great Program Ideas You Can Steal Part I
Clever Programming for Virtual, Distance, and Remote Settings
Learn from what other libraries are doing and adapt it to your own needs in this exciting session. You’ll hear dynamic program ideas from libraries that have planned and executed them with great success.

Part 1 | 3:00-3:20 pm ET
Virtual Escape Rooms
Speaker:

Alicia Woodland, Young Adult Services Manager, McMillan Memorial Library (WI)
Karmen Kelly, Library Assistant, McMillan Memorial Library (WI)

Part 2 | 3:20-3:40pm ET
Drive-In Video Games

Dianne Connery, Director, Pottsboro Library (TX)

New Session! Part 3 | 3:40-4:00 pm ET
Take-Home Adventure Kits
Amy Wander, Head of Outreach Services, Lafayette Public Library (LA)

Part 2: Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 2–4 pm ET

Session 1 | 2:00-3:00PM ET
Great Program Ideas You Can Steal Part II: Clever Programming for Virtual, Distance, and Remote Settings
Learn from what other libraries are doing and adapt it to your own needs in this exciting session. You’ll hear dynamic program ideas from libraries that have planned and executed them with great success.
Speakers: 

Part 1: Creative Ideas from Princeton Public Library (plus, how to get the word out!)
Janie Hermann, Adult Programming Manager, Princeton Public Library (NJ)

Part 2 | 2:30-3:00 pm ET
New Session! Community Libraries and Economic Development
Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director, Conneaut Public Library (OH)

INTERMISSION | 3:00-3:15 PM ET

Session 2 | 3:15-4:00 PM ET
Practical Approaches to Handling the Digital Environment
Over the last year, we’ve all become familiar with Zoom and other meeting platforms, but are we using these platforms to their full potential? In this practical session with Ben Drain and Nathaniel Rasmussen of IT Services at the Schlow Centre Region Library (PA), you’ll learn how to navigate the digital environment like a pro. From dealing with security issues, to managing break-out rooms, you’ll find out all you need to know to level-up your Zoom game.
Speakers:

Ben Drain, IT Services Technician, Schlow Centre Region Library, State College, PA
Nathaniel Rassmusen, Head of IT Services, Schlow Centre Region Library, State College, PA and 2018 LJ Mover & Shaker

Part 3: Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 2–4:15 PM ET

Session 1 | 2:00-2:45PM ET
New Session! Engaging Low-Tech Patrons and Removing Barriers to Access
Now that much of our programming and services have transitioned to virtual and remote settings, how do we work with our low-tech patrons to ensure they have access to the services they need at the library? In this session, you’ll learn how some libraries have engaged their lower-tech patrons and made sure that this vulnerable group isn’t left behind when it comes to digital offerings. You’ll also hear how to address other barriers to access that have intensified as a result of the pandemic and come away with ideas for how to remove them.
Speaker: 

Lo Smith, MLS (they/them/theirs), Coordinator of Digital Equity and Emerging Tech Programs and Outreach Department, Enoch Pratt Free Library (MD)

INTERMISSION | 2:45-3:00 PM ET

Session 2 | 3:00-3:45 PM ET
Essential Services: Addressing the Need-To-Haves
Library programs can provide great virtual enrichment opportunities in toddler storytimes, teen makerspaces, adult crafting circles, and much more, but what about the essential services that libraries provide? Though these services are often the most vital ones the library offers, the question of how to deliver them remotely can be especially challenging. When it comes to assisting with job hunting, citizenship prep, and how to apply for health insurance, libraries have had to innovate to ensure their patron populations are supported. In this session, you’ll learn how to deliver these vital programs with the urgency they require.
Speaker:

Tammy Westergard, Project Director, U.S. Department of Education Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant Program, Supporting and Advancing Nevada's Dislocated Individuals, Project SANDI (NV)

Session 3 | 3:45-4:15PM ET
What’s Next? Evolving Sustainably Into the Future
In this interactive closing session of our workshop, participants will engage in conversation with a library expert to discuss what we’ve learned, crystallize our takeaways, and come up with ideas for how we can move into the future of librarianship with confidence.
Speaker:

Lauren Comito, Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Brooklyn Public Library (NY)

View Full Program

Group rates are available.
Send your team and increase your impact!

Contact libraryjournal@edmaker.co for group rates.