Clear, confident communication for your library
In our world of information overload, it can be difficult to cut through the noise and effectively connect with library users and stakeholders on important messaging. Whether you're promoting a new program or event, providing statements of library value to board members or voters, connecting with potential partners about a new community initiative, or answering a patron's email, these six tips can help set you up for success to communicate clearly and effectively to all the audiences that your library reaches.
Little Tea Library creates a café-like atmosphere
Do you have an old card catalog gathering dust in a storage closet? The Bay St. Louis Library in the Hancock County Library System in Mississippi put its old card catalog to good use by turning it into a tea library. This creative approach to repurposing outdated furniture into a new community space helps connect people, reaffirm the library’s place as a community hub, and establish a comfy, inviting café.
Free December webinars for library staff
It's a great time to put a learning opportunity on your calendar, and you'll have plenty of choices this month. Whether you're looking to pick up some programming ideas, sharpen your technology skills, or gather tips on curating a digital collection, there's something here to support your growth. The list, provided by the Maine State Library, includes a variety of webinar topics.
Quick wins to boost engagement with passive programming
Passive programming can be a win on so many levels—cost, staff time, return on investment, a multi-generational grand slam. The very passive nature of it means it is defined by how patrons engage with it. Passive programming invites opinions, creativity, and humor while creating community. Read on for ideas you can try right away.
Build your management toolkit: New webinars on hiring and supervision
Explore webinar recordings that provide library managers with support in effective hiring, onboarding, and supervising staff to retain a solid team. Watch three new webinar recordings provided by the Vermont Department of Libraries, available free in WebJunction's course catalog.
WebJunction highlights
Library Foundational Training (LiFT) (course series)
De-escalation strategies for Libraries, Archives, and Museum Staff (course)
How public libraries are teaching AI and digital literacy skills
Supercharged Storytimes (course)
Digital Collections Stewardship (course series)
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Upcoming webinars
08 January 2026
Generative AI and collection development policies: A proactive approach
Learn how to craft a collection development policy and create selection guidelines that address the rapidly growing amount of AI generated materials.
29 January 2026
Creating a culture of trust and bridgebuilding: One library’s transformation story
Learn about bridgebuilding from a library director and her community engagement coordinator as they share their library’s story of transformation from both perspectives.
09 February 2026
Inviting emerging adults into the library: Lessons from El Paso’s Centre Future
El Paso Public Library’s Centre Future blends mentorship, technology, and community in ways that traditional classrooms and job centers often cannot. Learn new ideas from Center Future’s youth fellows about how libraries can position themselves as an important part of emerging adults’ lives.