Webinars

Free Webinars

Partnering with the National Library Service to Provide Materials and Services to People with Print Disabilities
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Panelists: Morgan Pershing, Mike Marlin & Lisa Lepore

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) believes in its mission—“That All May Read”—and wants to partner with public libraries to esnure that reading is essential and accessible to everyone. The NLS regional libraries have access to a massive library of hardcopy and downloadable, accessible, navigable audio or braille books, digital playback equipment, and other assistive technology to distribute freely on long-term loan. All material is circulated at no cost through the Free Matter for the Blind postal subsidy. In this free webinar, you will learn how to partner with NLS to provide free reading materials in alternate formats to better serve your communities, empowering existing and prospective patrons to benefit as lifelong readers. More…

Paid Webinars

Health Literacy and Public Libraries
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Panelists: Emily Vardell & Deborah H. Charbonneau

Public libraries need practical, evidence-based approaches to health literacy to combat the spread of health misinformation, and better connect with their communities to improve health outcomes and equity. This webinar will provide an updated look at health literacy to equip librarians with the information and tools their communities need. Featuring a panel of experts on health literacy in diverse communities, this webinar will highlight the important role health literacy has in achieving health equity, promoting social justice, and eliminating health disparities. Learn how public libraries can address health equity through cultural competence, collections, purposeful outreach, and partnership programs. More…

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Host a Repair Café in Your Library
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Panelists: Larissa Brookes, Gabrielle Griffis & Elizabeth Knight

Learn how your library can host a Repair Café (or fixit-clinic, fixit-fair, or other community repair event). Public libraries and Repair Cafés are natural allies and together can foster a culture of repair, reuse, and resourcefulness while strengthening community. In this webinar you'll learn what a Repair Café is and how to start one, including recruiting volunteers, ensuring you have necessary supplies, and promoting and managing your event. The presenters will also share insights, strategies, and best practices for establishing and nurturing a Repair Café in your library, using our own events to demonstrate what to do (and what not to do!). More…

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Public Libraries Supporting African American Writers
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Panelist: Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango

As the go-to destination for book lovers, public libraries offer a wide collection of materials, including those authored by local writers. However, not all writers are well-represented. African American writers are often underrepresented in libraries, especially in local author sections. To address this issue, libraries must assert intentional efforts through outreach and community collaborations to welcome African American writers into their collections. One of the barriers that African American writers face is a lack of representation, which can lead to a lack of exposure and make it difficult for them to gain a following. Additionally, they may face issues related to publishing, marketing, and distribution. In this webinar, you will learn how to help overcome these barriers by consistently providing resources and support to African American writers. This includes providing workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. More…