October 1

SLCP Meet Up: Energy (Sustainable Libraries Initiative)
This month's meetup topic discusses the use of energy in the library space! Whether it's finding ways to reduce your electricity expenditure, make heating and cooling systems more efficient, or make the swap to renewable energy solutions - using energy sustainably can be a challenge. Join us to learn helpful tips from fellow SLCP members, join a discussion about sustainability, and ask general or topic-specific questions.

Meet People Where They Are: Building Safe and Connected Library Outreach (Library Journal)
Today, libraries are increasingly extending their services beyond the walls of their buildings to reach people who may face barriers to accessing traditional library resources, whether because of transportation, geography, age, disability, or limited internet access. Outreach programs, mobile libraries, bookmobiles, and community-based services allow libraries to meet people where they are. But successful outreach takes more than simply bringing services into the community. It requires thoughtful coordination, staff safety, reliable connectivity, and the ability to provide meaningful technology and digital literacy support in the field. Register now to discover practical strategies for building outreach services that are safe, connected, inclusive, and sustainable. You’ll leave with actionable ideas for strengthening your mobile and community-based programs, supporting staff in the field, and bringing meaningful library services to the people who need them most.

Turning sector benchmarks into messages that connect (Bloomerang)
Giving is growing while donor counts stabilize, yet most fundraisers struggle to turn that insight into action. Tim Sarrantonio, Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, walks through the latest sector benchmarks, then shows how the ten Generosity Archetypes help you read the motivations behind your donor behavior and craft messages that reinforce why people give.

Volunteer Recruitment: Recruitment Messaging (Idealist)
This workshop will walk you through developing a targeted, compelling recruitment message for an open volunteer role. Targeted messaging helps you attract the right volunteers to help you meet your mission. In this Workshop we'll use the Volunteer Persona you created to develop that target recruitment messaging and to lay the groundwork for a follow up communication plan. We'll build on ideas and concepts introduced in the Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Kick Off, and the Position Description and Volunteer Personas Workshops. Please plan on attending or watching those sessions before attending this session. Come with the position description(s) and volunteer persona(s) you've developed and you'll use those to build your targeted Recruitment Messaging. This is part 4 of the Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Series.

When Behavior Doesn’t Make Sense: A New Way to Respond by Alyssa Blask Campbell (Early Childhood Investigations)
You’ve said it before: “They’re not listening.” “They’re overreacting.” “They know better than this.” And yet, the behavior keeps showing up. What if the behavior is not about defiance or choice at all, but about a nervous system that needs something different than what we are offering? In this session, you’ll learn how to differentiate between sensory-driven and emotionally driven behavior so you can respond in ways that support regulation instead of escalating the moment. We’ll walk through the nine sensory systems and explore how they show up in the classroom, often in ways that are misunderstood or mislabeled. You’ll begin to recognize the patterns beneath the behavior and better understand what a child’s nervous system may be communicating in real time. From there, we’ll shift into practical, in-the-moment strategies you can use right away to support regulation, connection, and learning. This work is not just about children. As educators, your own nervous system plays a critical role in how you respond, teach, and connect. You’ll leave with tools to support not only your students, but also yourself and your team, helping the classroom feel more manageable, connected, and sustainable.

October 5

Before You Adopt AI: Five Questions Every Nonprofit Should Answer First (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
Nonprofits are being encouraged to adopt AI, but readiness is about more than choosing tools. Before implementation, organizations need to consider leadership, capacity, governance, and organizational priorities. This session explores a practical approach to thinking about AI readiness and offers a roadmap for beginning mission-aligned conversations that support responsible adoption.

Shifting From Traditional Giving to Strategic Investment (GrantStation)
Confusion is rippling through the federal grant landscape, and funding priorities are shifting fast. As a result, more organizations are pushed to compete harder for private and corporate dollars. Join Alice Ruhnke as she unpacks the key funding trends reshaping the field and shows you how to align your proposals with what funders want now: economic value, innovation, and long-term sustainability. This session is ideal for nonprofit professionals, grantwriters, and development staff who want to better understand how to align their proposals with emerging funding priorities.

Asset-Based Mathematics Instruction: Rewriting a Child’s Math Story (edWeb)
It's not uncommon in math classrooms to emphasize what students are missing rather than what they bring. This edWebinar explores how an asset-based approach shifts that lens, recognizing that every student brings strengths, experiences, and resources that can serve as a foundation for new mathematical learning. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-5 educators.

School Improvement: From Plans to Performance Across K-12 Districts (edWeb)
Leaders whose schools were designated for improvement this year likely have access to critical funding they haven’t yet tapped—and a shrinking window to use it. Every fall, states designate a new cohort of schools as low-performing, opening eligibility for federal Title dollars, including Title I School Improvement funds. Most leaders know the money exists, but what matters most is accessing it quickly, allocating it with a purpose, and driving meaningful local results. School-level leaders and district administrators overseeing improvement plans, funding allocation, and instructional strategy will gain valuable insights from this edLeader Panel. You’ll gain perspectives from experts who track funding policy, help districts translate policy into funding strategy, and have led implementation at the district level. This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

October 6

Let Books Be: A Global Conversation on the Freedom to Read (IFLA)
Banned Books Week 2026 calls on us to protect every person’s right to seek, access, and share information without censorship. This year, we are highlighting the vital role of public and school libraries as frontline defenders of intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, and the freedom to read. Join IFLA MLAS and FAIFE for an international discussion on book challenges, intellectual freedom, and the critical role of libraries and library associations in safeguarding democratic access to knowledge worldwide. Together, we will explore how public and school libraries are responding to censorship pressures and continuing to serve as essential spaces for learning, inquiry, and diverse perspectives.

From Professional Development Alliance: Cultivating Organizational Change Through Conflict Transformation (ASERL)
Academic library managers often feel pressure to resolve conflicts quickly – but fast fixes can miss root causes, erode trust, and allow problems to recur. This session introduces conflict transformation, a peace-building framework that moves beyond resolution to address the underlying dynamics driving workplace disputes. Drawing on frameworks including Dispute System Design, reframing, and community agreements, attendees will leave with practical, person-centered strategies for navigating team conflict and cultivating sustainable organizational change. Through interactive polls and a reflective worksheet, attendees will identify their own conflict management style and begin mapping a transformative approach to a real or anticipated workplace challenge.

How AI Is Rewriting the Rules for Nonprofit Websites and What You Should Do About It (TechSoup)
The way people find and evaluate nonprofits online is changing faster than most organizations realize. AI-powered search tools are now answering questions directly, rather than sending people to websites, which means the old rules for getting found online no longer apply. At the same time, the standards that donors, grantmakers, and search engines use to evaluate your website have raised the bar significantly. Most nonprofit websites were not built to meet those standards, and the gap is growing. In this session, Tapp Network will walk through what these changes mean for your nonprofit and what to do about them. Topics include: How AI search is changing the way supporters and funders find organizations like yours and how to make sure yours shows up; What the new baseline looks like for nonprofit website performance, accessibility, and security; How to evaluate whether your current site can meet these standards or whether a rebuild makes more sense; What modern nonprofit website platforms offer that older builds cannot.

Pedro Martín Virtual Classroom Visit With Student Q&A (Mackin)
Join us for Mackin’s Storyteller Spotlight as we welcome Newbery Honor Award- and Pura Belpré Award-winning creator, Pedro Martín. His books, Mexikid and Mexikid Dreams, are based on his online comic series of the same name. During this free virtual visit, Pedro will read aloud from his new book, Mexikid Dreams. His reading will be followed by a spirited Q&A, giving students a chance to ask questions about his books.

Fall in Love with Series Nonfiction (Booklist)
It’s that time of year again! The weather is cooling, and the leaves are changing. If you’re looking for series nonfiction to cozy up with this fall, then join us for this free, one-hour webinar! Representatives from Cherry Lake Publishing Group, The Creative Company, North Star Editions, Nomad Press and Flutterbee will share their best upcoming series nonfiction titles! Julia Smith, Senior Editor for Books for Youth, will host. Register now!

Future Foundations: Building & Design Insights (Library Journal)
Libraries have evolved far beyond quiet reading rooms. Today, they serve as dynamic community hubs that support programming, meetings, technology access, partnerships, after-hours services, and a growing range of user needs. As libraries strive to welcome and serve people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, many existing facilities no longer align with how libraries and communities function today. In this webcast, leading architecture firms will share key insights from recent library design projects, highlighting how human-centered design can create spaces that are both inclusive and adaptable. Through real-world examples, presenters will explore strategies such as biophilic design, neuro-inclusive planning, and universal design, demonstrating how thoughtful spaces can balance collections with collaboration, accommodate evolving programs and services, and create a welcoming and inclusive space for all community members.

The Quiet Giant: Activating eBooks for Student Success and Research (Choice360/ACRL)
In this webinar, Julie Murphy of Illinois State University and Christine Andressen of the Medical University of South Carolina will explore the distinct value of ebooks and how libraries can activate them throughout the university experience. Together, they will discuss changing attitudes toward ebooks and the role that their convenient access plays in furthering student success. They will also share practical activation strategies, such as how to connect assigned readings to available ebooks at the library and how to bring ebook collections into clearer view for faculty and staff.

Q&A Session: Everything You Want to Know About Social Media and Your Nonprofit but Are Afraid to Ask! (CharityHowTo)
Join digital fundraising expert and best-selling author, Jeremy Haselwood, for a live Q&A session about social media. There are a lot of blogs and videos about social media content and ad creation, but what do NONPROFITS really need to know? Whether you are a beginner at social media or an all-out expert, all questions are welcome! This is a unique opportunity to get valuable insights and tips that will help the overall strategy and execution of your organization's social media. 

October 7

Reciprocity in Practice: Closing the Loop Between Donors, Funds, Grants and Community Impact (Blackbaud)
Many community foundations still rely on one aging system to manage donor records, the general ledger, endowment calculations, donor-advised funds, grantmaking and fundholder reporting. That worked for a time, but it is harder to justify as fundholders expect faster answers, boards want clearer impact data and reporting demands keep growing. Join Blackbaud and FundMiner for a practical hour on a more connected approach. We will show how purpose-built systems can work together so information moves without rekeying, and you will see working software rather than screenshots. Register today to save your spot!

The Bottom Line: New Biz & Finance Reads (Library Journal)
Business and finance books are always useful, guiding readers in times of boom and bust. Whether they help us better understand the current economic landscape or show readers how to plan for the future, whether they offer a guide to finding success in business or to wrestling your life back from it, these titles will appeal to a broad array of patrons. Join us to hear about some of the most compelling business and finance titles for general readership coming this fall and spring.

Random House Children's Books Spring 2027 Preview (Booklist)
Mark your calendars for a fun-filled event! Join us for the exciting Random House Children’s Books Spring 2027 Preview, starting with a 30-minute conversation with Mary Pope Osborne, creator of the MAGIC TREE HOUSE, including the latest installment, MAGIC TREE HOUSE HISTORY'S HEROES #1: THE GREATEST FOSSIL FINDER. Mary Pope Osborne will appear in conversation with Jenna Lettice, senior editor at Random House Children’s Books. They will discuss the newest Magic Tree House series, which is perfect for fans of adventure, history, and friendship. The first book highlights resilience and demonstrates how following one’s passion can change the world. After the panel, stay tuned for a full hour of sneak peeks at all the exciting titles coming in Spring 2027, brought to you by the RHCB School & Library team. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to all booklovers—so don’t miss out and register today!

Grow Here: The Framework for Internal Mobility (Training Magazine Network)
It is a fact, today there are less opportunities to move up in an organization. But there are more ways to grow besides up. Leveraging the work by Dr. Bev Kaye, find out how to build an internal mobility solution that addresses three audiences: the employee, their manager and the organization and build the retention and growth needed for today.

Library Manager Training: Tracking Reader Trends (Follett)
See the reports and data you can use to track reader trends for collection development purposes. Gain insights to reader preferences to help increase interest in new materials you purchase. Who Should Attend: District or school Library Administrators and staff.

Mapping the Journey to Lead from the Library (All4Ed)
This is a six-part (October 7 - November 18) professional learning webinar series designed to support librarians as leaders, collaborators, and change-makers—at the heart of their schools and communities.

Libraries are more than physical spaces—they are safe havens, innovation hubs, and the backbone of our schools. Librarians are uniquely positioned to lead digital, media, information, and AI literacies; champion equity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom; foster meaningful collaboration with educators, students, and families; and design learning environments that center student voice, well-being, and belonging. Grounded in the Future Ready Librarians® Framework 3.0, this series empowers you to lead from the library with confidence, clarity, and purpose—strengthening your role as a catalyst for teaching, learning, and innovation across your school community.

October 8

Volunteer Recruitment: Recruiting on Idealist (Idealist)
This session will build on the previous workshops to help you take the recruitment messaging you've created from your Persona(s) to help you set up the perfect opportunity on Idealist. Please plan on attending or watching those sessions before attending this session. Come with the recruitment messaging you've developed and you'll use those to build your Volunteer Opportunity on Idealist. This is part 5 of the Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Series.

Why Identity Is the Foundation of Mission Success (GovLoop)
Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and agencies are eager to take advantage of its potential. But as AI adoption grows, so do the challenges of securing users, data, applications, and autonomous agents. In this new environment, identity is no longer simply an access management tool. It's a critical component of mission resiliency. Join us online to hear government and industry experts from Okta’s Identity Summit as they discuss how agencies can build a secure foundation for AI adoption, manage machine and human identities at scale, and maintain trust across increasingly complex environments.

From Reactivity to Regulation: A 3-Layer Framework for Emotionally Responsive Classrooms by Dr. Yehudis Smith (Early Childhood Investigations)
Every classroom moment carries emotional weight. When a child melts down, refuses, pushes, cries, or shuts down, it’s easy to focus on compliance or quick fixes. But what if behavior is not a discipline problem, but a stress signal? In this dynamic and practical session, you will learn how to shift from reacting to behavior to responding with clarity, steadiness, and intention. Emotionally Responsive Practice (ERP) offers a research-informed, classroom-ready framework that helps you understand behavior through a nervous system lens—both in children and in yourself. You will explore how your own regulation shapes the emotional climate of your classroom and why your presence is often more powerful than your words. Shift from managing behavior to guiding children with connection and clarity. Rather than offering surface-level behavior tips, this session strengthens your capacity so your responses feel grounded, confident, and developmentally aligned. You will leave with practical tools you can use immediately—and a deeper understanding of how connection and regulation transform classroom culture.

Drawing Better Maps: Navigating the Youth Librarianship Landscape in the Age of Book Challenges (Booklist)
The landscape of youth librarianship that we are navigating has changed drastically over the past few years, partly due to the extraordinary surge of targeted attacks on this space by book-banning groups. From coordinated book challenge efforts to the growth of partisan book rating websites, library workers are facing immense scrutiny, pressure, professional risk and personal abuse for offering books that reflect all readers. How can library workers navigate this stifling environment while also advocating for young readers? Find out during this Banned Books Workshop jointly hosted by ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom and Booklist. Led by experts in the field, these sessions will address the state of the youth and teen services spaces and focus on support and resources available to keep your team prepared. The event will begin with a special author interview with George M. Johnson. Register now! Sponsored by Penguin Random House Library Marketing and Shell Education.

Session 1: Author Spotlight (2-2:50 pm)

Interview with George M. Johnson. George M. Johnson (they/them) is an Emmy nominated, award-winning, and bestselling Black nonbinary author and activist. Their debut memoir, All BOYS AREN'T BLUE, was a New York Times bestseller and garnered many accolades, but it has also been attacked by censors hundreds of times since release. Their debut adult memoir, AND IF I DIE BEFORE I WAKE, will be available in November.

Session 2: Navigating the Teen Services Space in the Age of Book Challenges (3-3:50 pm)

Get tips about how to defend queer representation, comics, and YA in the teen space.

Session 3: Challenges in School Libraries (4-4:50 pm)

Learn how to utilize support from your colleagues, administration, and local grassroot and preexisting parent groups to defend your collection and keep books on the shelf.

Adding Dimension to Science Assessment: Engaging Students, Capturing Deeper Learning (edWeb)
Science assessment can go beyond measuring what students know to revealing how well they can apply the dimensions of modern science education standards, such as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Join us for an edWebinar with nationally recognized science education leader Cary Sneider, Ph.D., to explore the potential of scenario-based science assessments to evaluate your students' disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs).

Three-dimensional (3D) assessments are essential because they help identify what's working, what needs improvement, how to provide useful student feedback, and which parts of a unit should be kept or modified. Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies for creating assessments that reveal deeper understanding, drive instructional decisions, and help students connect science learning to the real world. This edWebinar will be of interest to middle and high school science teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, and administrators.

Beyond Burnout: Rediscovering Joy, Purpose, and Sustainability in Education (Follett)
Technology leaders are often brought into district initiatives after key decisions have already been made, limiting their ability to anticipate challenges, align resources, and maximize impact. This session explores how technology leaders can move beyond implementation and become trusted strategic partners who help shape district priorities from the very beginning. Educators enter the profession with passion and purpose, yet the demands of today’s schools can make it challenging to sustain that enthusiasm over time. This session moves beyond simply identifying the causes of burnout to explore practical strategies that help educators and leaders cultivate joy, strengthen resilience, and build sustainable habits for long-term success. Through reflection, real-world examples, and actionable ideas, participants will discover how small shifts in mindset, culture, and daily practice can create healthier learning environments where both educators and students thrive.

October 13

Building Organizational Capacity Through Shared Understanding (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
Every nonprofit depends on people working toward the same goals. When knowledge is scattered across programs or only in the minds of a few people, it's challenging to make good decisions, communicate consistently, and adapt to change. This interactive workshop explores shared organizational understanding as a practical capacity-building strategy that helps organizations preserve knowledge, improve impact, and build long-term resilience.

Less Data, Less Risk: How to Safely Manage Your Nonprofit's Data in the Age of AI (TechSoup)
Join us for Less Data, Less Risk, a conversational session designed to help you confidently clear the digital clutter. We'll walk through a simple, step-by-step approach—assess, govern, then adopt—to help you figure out exactly what data you need to keep and what you can safely stop storing. You'll leave with practical examples tailored to different nonprofit roles and the exact blueprint to create a simple "data asset inventory" with your team this month. You do not need to be an IT expert to join us! This is a practical, jargon-free conversation grounded in everyday nonprofit realities, designed to make your daily work easier and safer without requiring a massive budget or technical background.

How to host a job fair at your library (WebJunction)
Public libraries are uniquely positioned to support workforce development and connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. This session will guide attendees through the process of planning, promoting, and executing a successful job fair at their library. Drawing on real-world experience, the presenter will share practical strategies for engaging community partners, attracting employers, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for job seekers of all backgrounds. As the Career Librarian at Champaign Public Library, Cat Purcell specializes in assisting people perfect their resumes and cover letters. She provides career advice as well as hosts monthly Career Lunch + Learn sessions, two community job fairs and loves to make connections between quality job seekers and community organizations!

Building AI Literacy in Elementary Schools: Teach Students to Question, Not Just Prompt (edWeb)
How should districts introduce AI to elementary students without sacrificing safety, critical thinking, or the role of the educator? This edWebinar helps district and school leaders move beyond the question of whether students should encounter AI and toward a more intentional conversation about how to introduce it responsibly. Attendees will explore the foundations of age-appropriate AI literacy and consider what young learners need to understand before AI becomes another everyday learning tool. Led by digital literacy leader Dyane Smokorowski, the session will challenge common assumptions about AI and demonstrate how curiosity, skepticism, and student agency can become the foundation for responsible AI use. Through practical classroom examples and interactive activities, attendees will see how AI can give students something to think about rather than doing the thinking for them. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-5 teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

Fall and Winter Picture Books (Booklist)
We firmly believe there is no such thing as too many picture books. So why don’t you find some more to add to your collection at our latest free, one-hour webinar! Join us to hear Simon & Schuster, Gnome Road Publishers, Charlesbridge, and Random House Children’s Books present their upcoming picture book titles! Senior Editor of Books for Youth, Ronny Khuri, will host. Don’t miss it, register now!

Trustworthy AI Starts With Trusted Asset Data (GovLoop)
AI is only as trustworthy as the information behind it. As agencies move from AI experimentation to real-world implementation, many are discovering that the biggest challenge is not the model itself. It’s ensuring that AI draws from accurate, current, and authoritative data. Without a trusted source of truth, AI can produce inconsistent results, amplify outdated information, and erode user confidence. Join us to learn how agencies can establish trusted data foundations that improve AI accuracy, transparency, and accountability. Experts will share practical strategies for creating a single source of truth that supports responsible AI adoption, stronger governance, and better mission outcomes.

Introduction to Individual Giving (Candid Learning)
Historically, in the United States, individual giving has been the biggest source of private giving, far outpacing foundation or corporate giving.   A sustainable nonprofit organization has diversified funding streams, and individual donors can play an important role. If you or your organization is new to individual giving, this course is for you. We’ll provide you with an overview of the fundraising landscape and walk you through the key components of an individual giving program.

Geography & Map Division Virtual Orientation: GIS and Geospatial Resources (Library of Congress)
Join us for a virtual orientation exploring the geospatial resources of the Geography and Map Division. Get an introduction to geographic information systems, spatial data formats and the division’s geospatial work.

October 14

Creating a Person-Centered Library: Supporting High-Needs Patrons While Caring For Staff (Niche Academy)
In this webinar, Beth Wahler provides an overview of best practices for how libraries can support both high-needs patrons and simultaneously support their staff. Participants will be able to: Articulate the changing needs of library patrons and how these impact staff; Learn strategies for assessing your library’s unique needs; Discuss helpful programs, collaborations, and/or services for supporting high-needs patrons; Apply concepts discussed to determine best next steps for your own library; Anticipate potential barriers to change.

From Chronic Absenteeism to Engagement and Belonging: Measurement Matters (edWeb)
What if chronic absenteeism, disengagement, and disconnection are signals that something about the student experiences needs to change? K-12 district and network leaders, school leaders, and teachers who attend this edWebinar will explore what authentic student engagement and belonging look and feel like from the student perspective. Attendance data tells you who is present and who is not. Behavior data tells you who is following the rules and who is not. Achievement data tells you who is meeting standards and who is not. But what data provides insight into a student’s learning experience and whether a student feels they belong? Engagement and belonging are hard to measure, but they are linked to student success and essential to understand if we want to help students thrive in school. In this edWebinar, we will explore practical approaches for understanding, measuring, and taking steps to improve student engagement and belonging. The moderator, Sue Holmes from LEAP Innovations, will introduce the LEAP Learning FrameworkTM, a free tool that makes learning science and research actionable in real-world classrooms. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.

October 15

Library Advocacy Across Political Landscapes: How Library Associations Navigate Political Contexts to Influence Policy and Decisions (IFLA)
Library associations around the world advocate within very different political, governmental, legal, and policy environments. There is no single model for effective library advocacy. However, there is much that we can learn from others in developing an approach that works in any given context. This global IFLA MLAS web event brings together library associations from different regions to explore how they map and navigate their political and policy landscapes, engage decision-makers, adapt advocacy strategies and messages, and find pathways to influence. Through real examples from their countries, speakers will share how advocacy has contributed to policy, legislation, funding, or government action—and what others can learn from their experiences. Event moderated by Loida Garcia-Febo, Chair Management of Library Associations Section

An Orientation to Legal Research: Federal Legislative History (Library of Congress: Law Library)
The Orientation to Legal Research Series provides a basic introduction to legal sources and research techniques. These orientations, taught by legal reference librarians, are typically offered once a month on a rotating basis. This entry in the series provides an overview of U.S. federal legislative history resources, including information about the methods of identifying and locating them. In tackling this area of research, the focus will largely be on finding these documents online.

Volunteer Recruitment: Follow-Up Communications (Idealist)
This workshop will walk you through developing a follow up communication plan after someone has expressed interest in a volunteer role. We'll discuss messaging, cadence, and explore tools to help automate this communication. This Workshop builds on ideas and concepts introduced in the Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Kick Off, and the Position Description, Volunteer Personas, and Recruitment Messaging Workshops. Please plan on attending or watching those sessions before attending this session. Come with everything you've developed so far and you'll use that work to build your Follow Up Communications plan. This is part 6 of the Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Series.

Booklist Comics Preview (Booklist)
Comics are constantly on the rise in popularity and it’s no secret why! From their accessible format that can boost individual reading goals to their book group appeal, comics have a unique power to build community, connect emotionally with readers, and foster global perspectives. But with so many fantastic titles coming out and only so much money in your budget, how do you know what to choose? Join us for Comics Preview showcasing must-add titles from Random House Children’s Books, Penguin Young Readers, Oni Press, Yen Press, and Mad Cave Studios. This event will present titles for all ages covering romance, sf/fantasy, horror, nonfiction, and more! Register now! Moderated by Booklist’s Books for Youth and Graphic Novels editor Sarah Hunter.

Undercounted Impact: Where Collection Development, Scholarly Communications and Real-World Research Impact Meet (Choice360/ACRL)
Academic research is cited far more often in policy documents, technical reports, and other real-world literature — produced by governments, NGOs, and industry — than most citation analyses capture. As a result, traditional citation reports undercount the reach of institutional research into policy and practice. At the same time, real-world literature feeds back into the scholarly record more than most realize, as references in journal articles reveal — yet much of this valuable content is not yet systematically collected and preserved. In this session, three specialists in research impact, library practice, and real-world literature will look at what this citation traffic reveals, why conventional bibliometric tools miss it, and why it creates a shared opportunity for collection development, bibliometrics, and research offices. They will explore how collecting real-world literature can help researchers find evidence and perspectives they might otherwise miss, enrich their research, and increase its potential impact — while also helping research offices and institutional leadership see where their institution’s published research is being used in policy and practice. Designed for librarians who don’t yet think of themselves as “impact” specialists as well as those already working in bibliometrics and research assessment, the session offers practical starting points for extending the library’s role from providing access to research to tracking what happens to it afterwards.  

October 20

E-rate: What's New for 2027? (Nebraska Library Commission)
NOTE: This online workshop is being offered on several days and at varied times, to give participants multiple opportunities to find a convenient time to attend. The same information will be provided at each workshop, so you only need to register for one session. A recorded version will also be made available after all the live sessions have been held.

E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, access points, and other network equipment. The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) is your online portal for all E-rate interactions. With your organizational account you can use EPC to file forms, track your application status, communicate with USAC, and more. In this workshop, Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, will explain the E-rate program and show you how to access and use your account in EPC to submit your Funding Year 2027 E-rate application.

Other dates on calendar:

Friday, Oct 23 (10:30 am-1:30 pm)

Monday, Oct 26 (2 pm-5 pm)

Thursday, Oct 29 (10:30 am-1:30 pm)

Must-Have Middle Grade (Booklist)
Your middle grade readers deserve the best, but where is the best place to find titles that are sure to excite and engage them? Our free webinar of course! Join us for Must-Have Middle Grade! Representatives from Lee & Low, Charlesbridge and Mad Cave Studio will be here to chat all about their best titles for your tween patrons! Julia Smith, Senior Editor for Books for Youth, will host. Register now!

The Permission Mission: Creating a Culture Where People Speak Up and Step Forward (Training Magazine Network)
Participants will discover how the "backup singers"—the internal voices shaped by past experiences, expectations, and self-limiting beliefs—can quietly influence decisions and performance. Using Dr. Cindy's practical GRIT Framework, attendees will learn how to build greater self-trust, communicate with confidence, lead without waiting for permission, and create a culture where people speak up, contribute boldly, and take ownership of their growth. Whether you lead an HR function, oversee learning and development, manage teams, or are committed to developing future leaders, you'll leave with practical strategies to help people stop waiting and start leading. Attendees will learn how to: Recognize the hidden barriers that keep talented people from reaching their potential; Identify the "backup singers" that influence confidence, communication, and decision-making; Build greater self-trust and encourage others to trust their own voice; Apply the GRIT Framework to overcome hesitation and take meaningful action; Foster a workplace culture where employees confidently lead, contribute, and grow.

October 21

Science Communication and co-creation in libraries (IFLA)
How can librarians work with science communication and co-creation, and why does it matter? In this webinar, Aarhus Public Libraries in Denmark, will share practical experiences of developing libraries as spaces for dialogue, participation, and science engagement. Through four concrete cases, participants will gain insight into methods, partnerships, and activities that support public engagement with research and scientific topics. Sponsored by IFLA Science & Technology Libraries Section.

AI Literacy Made Practical: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Libraries (Niche Academy)
In this webinar, Brady Lund will discuss a practical approach to promoting AI literacy within libraries, with an eye towards equipping each library patron with answers to these questions and more. Through the webinar, participants will learn: A simple guide for explaining how generative AI tools work to the public, avoiding technical jargon; How to evaluate and explain concepts related to AI privacy, bias, and transparency; Ready-to-use prompts and activity ideas for use in AI literacy workshops; Policies and guardrails that libraries can adopt immediately to protect staff and patrons. This session focuses on actionable techniques that you can use each day to help patrons explore AI tools, design your own AI workshops, and promote responsible use of AI through policy and practice.

October 22

Protect the spark: Creating digital giving experiences that delight donors from the first gift (Charity Village)
Every donor who lands on your website arrives with a spark of generosity. They’ve already been moved by your mission—the question is whether your digital experience helps that spark grow or quietly extinguishes it. In this engaging session, Josh Bloomfield explores the psychology behind online giving.

Through practical examples and research-backed insights, you’ll learn how trust, clarity, thoughtful design, and reduced friction work together to create giving experiences that honor the generosity donors already bring with them. Whether you’re preparing for year-end fundraising or looking to improve everyday online giving, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to protect the spark of generosity, delight your donors, and inspire more supporters to take the next step with confidence. Intended Audience: Fundraising professionals, nonprofit professionals, leaders, and board members.

An Introduction to Congress.gov Webinar (Library of Congress: Law Library)
This orientation is designed to give a basic overview of Congress.gov. While the focus of the session will be searching legislation and the Congressional member information associated with the legislation, the new features of Congress.gov will be highlighted.

Connecting QuickBooks Online to Your Bank and Effectively Using the Bank Feed Feature (TechSoup)
We are excited to have Gregg Bossen, a CPA specializing in nonprofits and president of QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits, present this one-of a-kind and highly requested webinar. In this must-see session, we will cover the following topics: How to connect your bank and credit card accounts to your QuickBooks; Downloading of transactions for free; Pointing downloaded transactions to accounts, programs, and grants; Creating “rules” in QuickBooks so that the downloaded transactions are preassigned to the correct categories; Matching downloaded transactions that have already been entered manually to avoid double entry; Your questions.

Build the Board You Need (Candid Learning)
Join us to learn practical strategies for creating a board that will move your organization forward. In this course, we’ll cover the board’s role, and what your organization needs from its board members. We will explore ways to find the right board members to serve your nonprofit at its current stage. We will also discuss how to create positive relationships with and within the board, and how to navigate the common challenges that arise with boards. Whether you’re an executive director, board member, or development professional, this course will help you plan for a healthy sustainable organization.

Nonprofit Storytelling Workshop (Firespring)
Storytelling is 22 times more memorable than facts and figures — and 56% of nonprofit followers say they’ll take action, usually a donation, after reading a story that actually moves them. So, if your organization is still leading with statistics and program descriptions, you’re leaving a lot on the table. Our storytelling webinar has always been one of our most popular sessions, and now we’ve built it into something bigger: a hands-on, half-day workshop where you don’t just learn the theory — you leave with an actual story, built during the session, ready to use. This is a live, interactive format — come ready to work. Bring a real impact story, donor relationship or program you’d like to build into your organization’s next great story.

Talking to Families About Screen Time in Early Learning: What to Say When Parents Ask (edWeb)
Teachers of young children get asked about screen time constantly. It comes up at pickup, in the hallway, and in the middle of a conference about something else. The advice keeps shifting, and most of it measures screen time by the clock rather than by what's on the screen. What's a teacher with 90 seconds and a worried parent in front of her supposed to say? This edWebinar gives PreK through second-grade educators and the administrators who support them a clear direction for conversations with families about their child's technology use. Our presenters have had these conversations themselves, and they will be specific about what worked, what didn't, and what they would say differently now. Attendees will receive a free family-facing toolkit, Managing Screen Time, Together, plus a resource list and language you can use the same week. This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK through second-grade educators, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

Culturally and Historically Responsive Elementary Education: Elevating Learning for Every Student (edWeb)
In this edWebinar, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad will engage elementary educators and school and district leaders in an interactive exploration of culturally and historically responsive education, focusing on cultivating identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy. Through modeling and classroom-based examples, Dr. Muhammad will share ways educators can integrate these five pursuits with literacy instruction and the Science of Reading while creating meaningful, affirming learning experiences for students. Attendees will explore strategies for layering texts, supporting interdisciplinary and social-emotional learning, engaging parents and families, and connecting instruction to students’ local communities. An instructional unit will illustrate how these principles come together in practice, with opportunities for attendees to experience selected activities from a student perspective. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can adapt for use in their own classrooms, schools, and districts. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-5 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.

October 23

Accessibility: How to Make Your Website Usable For Everyone (Firespring)
Here’s the thing about accessibility: the features built for people with disabilities end up helping everyone. This is a practical, no-jargon primer on the handful of fixes that matter most — captions, alt text, contrast, clear structure — and why getting them right isn’t just about compliance, it’s about not losing donors and volunteers who simply couldn’t use your site in the first place.

October 27

The Neuroscience of Purpose: Wired to Become (Training Magazine Network)
Purpose is the driving force that gives our lives meaning. Humans are wired for purpose and in fact, recent discoveries in neuroscience offer a fascinating look into what motivates us to become our best selves. The ability to align purpose is what distinguishes the most effective leaders from the rest, and purpose is at the heart of engagement, productivity, and retention. It’s no wonder that organizations that know how to harness the power of purpose thrive and excel while their peers falter or fail. In this session, you will: Explore the growing trend of employees wanting more purpose and meaning at work; Learn the brain science of purpose and why it fuels human motivation around the world; Discover how purpose can enhance engagement, productivity, leadership and retention; Identify ways to intentionally leverage the power of purpose to increase your organization’s success.

October 28

What Are We Doing With Our Homeschoolers? (Nebraska Library Commission)
They check out A LOT of books and use library resources, but what about programming for them. They can come for programs at times others can't, so why not take advantage of that. We have a big homeschool day once a month with a thematic plan. Ours had grown so much we have a morning session and an afternoon session. My group specifically likes arts and crafts, science and social studies activities. We provide for two age groups PK-2, and 3rd and up. It's been fun working with them and meeting needs that parents may not have the resources to do. So come check out what we are doing and see if it's something you can do also.

Appeals That Work: Crafting Appeal Letters that Bring in the Bucks! (Niche Academy)
Your donors want to give. The real question is: are your appeals inspiring them to act? In this practical and engaging workshop, nonprofit consultant Sarah B. Lange walks participants through the art and psychology of donor-centered fundraising appeals that actually generate revenue. From direct mail to email campaigns, participants will learn how to craft compelling messages that connect emotionally, motivate donors, and increase giving. This session blends strategy, storytelling, persuasive writing, donor psychology, and real-world fundraising techniques into a step-by-step framework nonprofits can immediately apply to year-end campaigns, annual funds, and donor communications.

Creating Belonging: Using Non-Academic Programming to Reduce Library Anxiety (ASERL)
Academic libraries can be associated with stress, deadlines, and research, which can heighten anxiety and deter student library engagement. Explore how non-academic programming such as crafting, mindfulness activities, creative workshops, etc. can serve as tools to reduce library-related anxiety and foster a welcoming environment. The presenters will share practical strategies for planning, promoting, and assessing events that invite students to connect with the library in non-academic ways.

October 29

News literacy meets AI literacy: Reconnecting students to sources in an age of generated answers (Clarivate)
Generative AI is changing how students discover, evaluate and engage with information. As generated answers increasingly replace direct interaction with original sources, academic librarians and faculty face new challenges and opportunities. In this session, experts in information literacy and news literacy will explore how AI is reshaping student engagement with news and information and discuss frameworks and strategies for guiding students toward effective and responsible use. The session will also include a brief Clarivate perspective on connecting students with trusted news sources through ProQuest Newspapers. Participants will gain practical insights for supporting source evaluation, critical thinking, responsible AI use and news literacy in teaching, learning and research.

How to Have More Productive Conversations with Donors (Productive Fundraising)
Join fundraising master trainer, Chad Barger, ACFRE, ACNP, for a session focused on improving the conversations that we have with our donors.  We’ll cover practical tips that you can immediately implement to improve your donor interactions and, in the process, Chad will walk you step by step through how he has successfully engaged donors throughout his 25+ year fundraising career.

Bringing Literacy to Life: Creative Ways to Inspire Readers Beyond the Screen (Follett)
In a world filled with screens, school libraries can offer students meaningful ways to be inspired, get creative, and connect to a good story. Join award-winning teacher-librarian Shannon McClintock Miller for an inspiring and practical conversation about bringing literacy to life in fresh, engaging ways. Together, you’ll explore ideas for helping students share their favorite books, create book projects and podcasts, recommend titles to their peers, and participate in book clubs that look and feel different from the traditional model. Shannon will also share approachable ideas for family literacy nights and easy, flexible literacy activities that can build excitement around reading across the school community. Whether you’re looking for a new way to engage reluctant readers, refresh an existing book club, involve families, or create more opportunities for students to use their voices, this webinar will offer ideas you can adapt to your library, your learners, and your available time and resources. You’ll leave with fresh, flexible ways to help students discover the joy of reading, connect with one another, and build a vibrant culture of literacy.

The Future of Higher Education: Why Library Advocacy Can’t Wait (ASERL)
Higher education is under more pressure — political, financial, and technological — than at almost any point in recent memory. Federal agencies that fund and support libraries are being restructured. AI is reshaping how students and researchers find and trust information. Open access mandates are colliding with publisher contracts. And academic freedom itself is being tested in state legislatures across the country. Who’s fighting for the libraries caught in the middle of all this and honestly what does it take for librarians to win? Join us for a candid conversation with Lisa Varga (American Library Association’s Public Policy & Advocacy Office) and Anne Osterman (Dean of Libraries, George Mason University) about the future of higher education and its impact on academic and research libraries. Join us for a thought provoking conversation and make sure you bring your questions to the event!

Reading Like a Historian with Digital Literacy Webinar (Digital Inquiry Group)
Join the Digital Inquiry Group for a free webinar on Reading Like a Historian lessons that integrate digital literacy..

October 30

Get Found by Donors on Google AND ChatGPT: SEO/AIO for Nonprofits (Firespring)
Your next donor might not be searching in a search bar at all — they might be asking a chatbot. This session covers the SEO basics every nonprofit should have in place, plus what’s genuinely changing now that AI tools are answering people’s questions directly instead of sending them to a list of links.