Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Image

Our New Look

Welcome to the new (and, we think, improved) Programming Librarian!

Not to worry — beyond looks, not too much has changed. Programming Librarian, a website run by ALA’s Public Programs Office, is still here to provide you with everything you need to share, learn and be inspired to present excellent library programming for your communities.

Image

Apply Now: Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award

School librarians are invited to apply for a $5,000 award recognizing outstanding humanities programming in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Previously for school libraries serving grades K-8, this year’s Jaffarian Award is the first to include eligibility for school libraries also serving grades 9-12.

Nominations for the 2024 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award will be accepted until May 1, 2024. 

Image

8 Things Librarians Should Know: Working with Juvenile Detention Facilities

Things were going well with Amelia Jenkins’ teen book club. Conversations were flowing, and the kids were getting more comfortable with each meeting. Jenkins found a short story perfect for group discussion, so she printed out copies. When she arrived at the book club, story printouts in hand and ready to get started, the packets were confiscated – the story would not be read that day. Why? Staples. Jenkins had stapled the packets together.

Image

Moving Away From the Barrier of Program Registration While Keeping Free of Chaos

For many years, public libraries required phone or walk-in program registration to regulate the number of attendees and who to expect. It was a cumbersome process with no-shows and waiting lists, but it was a routine that had yet to be evaluated.

Join the "Books for All" Campaign

The “Books for All” campaign enables people all over the country to participate, including library systems.

Build a Better Book

Teens design accessible books and activities for people with disabilities.