Monday, April 28, 2025
Session 7: Breakouts
4:00-4:50 PM
4:00-4:50 PM
Designing Technology Classes Using Northstar Digital Literacy
Conference Room 1
Presenters: Lorri Huddy, Rachel Tonucci & Carol Walters of Bloomfield Public Library
Want to begin offering technology classes, refine your curriculum, or develop your library's digital literacy goals? Join us to hear about our experiences designing and implementing technology classes for our public using the Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum. Our curriculum covers Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Google Docs, and Accessing Telehealth Appointments.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will leave the session with a curriculum map of skills for five different modules: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Google Docs, and Accessing Telehealth Appointments.
We will share how we modified the lessons provided, teaching techniques for adults and seniors, and organizational/marketing strategies used.
Navigating the Law Library Services Unit, CT Judicial Branch
Conference Room 2
Presenter: Claudia Jalowka, Deputy Director of the Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Library Services Unit; Chris Roy, Supervising Law Librarian & Emily Oumano, Law Librarian at Connecticut Judicial Branch
Self-represented parties enter a state court system that at times can feel like an unfamiliar and foreign land. Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians do our best to make space for them. This program will provide an overview of the resources and services of the Law Library Services Unit of the Connecticut Judicial Branch.
Sponsor: Reference & Adult Services Section
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will learn about how Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians assist self-represented parties involved in court matters. We will highlight some of our in-library resources and databases.
We will review navigating the Law Library Services’ website, including videos, tip cards, Connecticut Law by Subject pages, Research Guides, finding legal help pages, and a page dedicated to information and services for public librarians.
We will cover some of the ways we assist people who are representing themselves in court cases, such as finding examples of court forms and sample language.
We will discuss the services we offer, including our email reference service and chat. We will talk about how we can assist people with limited English proficiency and accommodate ADA needs.
We will also touch on current conversations that are showing the possibilities and concerns with generative AI in the courts and its use in legal research by self-represented parties in creating legal documents.
By the end of the session, attendees should have a clear understanding of how we assist self-represented parties and the services we provide to make the courts more accessible for all people.
Making the Most of Your Makerspace
Conference Room 3
Presenters: Kathy Pickle, Ridgefield Library & Katie Dygon, Wallingford Public Library
Makerspaces in public libraries are a great way for patrons to learn and develop new skills, use their creativity and collaborate with others. However, there are many other ways your maker equipment can be used to enhance your library besides programming. Join us a we discuss the various ways libraries can get the most use out of their maker equipment.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Makerspaces in public libraries are a great way for patrons to learn and develop new skills, use their creativity and collaborate with others. However, there are many other ways your maker equipment can be used to enhance your library besides programming.
Join us a we discuss the various ways libraries can get the most use out of their maker equipment.
Intellectual Freedom: A Little Help From Your Friends
Conference Room 5
Presenters: Alice Knapp, Ferguson Library; Denise Marcil & Erin Cody, Friends of the Ferguson Library
We will outline the Friends of the Ferguson's role in creating an environment safe for Intellectual Freedom. This compelling story outlines how the Friends board formed a Freedom to Read Committee after receiving reports of the rise of challenged and banned books. In this presentation, we would tell the story of how that happened and what the results/consequences have been.
Sponsor: Intellectual Freedom Committee
Objectives & Takeaways:
The intellectual freedom discussion needs to go beyond the library profession and needs to be part of the community's culture. We will outline the steps to make this happen.
Leadership for Introverts
Conference Room 7
Presenters: Sarah McCusker, Library Director at Canton Public Library
Leadership isn’t just for extroverts! The unique skills and strengths of introverts, including active listening and empathy, position us to be great leaders. Learn how to leverage your quiet power to develop your own unique leadership style.
Sponsor: Conference Committee
Objectives & Takeaways:
Introverted aspiring leaders at all levels will learn skills to build confidence and make their voices heard.
Sensory Playtime: The Joy of a Welcoming Library Space
Mystic Ballroom AD
Presenters: Holly Harwood, Youth Services Librarian at Meriden Public Library
Not sure where to start to create Autism inclusive interactive event meant to include the whole family? Stop by this presentation to find out how to structure a Sensory Playtime that welcomes in community members from all walks of life.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will walk away with the knowledge on how to structure an event for the neuro divergent communities, what accommodations are offered with the resources available on hand. Often times families of autistic community members as well as neurodivergent community member are leery of spaces like the library because there is the perception that it is an entirely quiet area.
At this program attendees will walk away with the knowledge on how create a welcoming environment for all of our community members, how structure a playgroup for neurodivergent patrons, what accommodations are offered with the resources available on-hand at the Meriden Public Library, and what additional resources could elevate the programming.
This session will also have information on how to include the whole family so they can all participate and find library joy while briefly discussing additional programming options beyond a playgroup
Navigating Spaces, Context and People: Living and Working with Cerebral Palsy and Intersectionality
Mystic Ballroom BE
Presenters: Tim Kellogg, Scranton Memorial Library with Amanda Stern (Interviewer)
What do you get when you live life with Cerebral Palsy in an environment with addiction, mental illness, and religious trauma? The story of librarian Tim Kellogg. Join Tim and Amanda Stern in conversation and Q&A to discover how contextual intersectionality impacts life and librarianship. Discover the hidden challenges of navigating spaces, interactions, ableism, and allyship as a librarian.
Sponsor: ADA Committee
Objectives & Takeaways:
Disability awareness, a contextualized understanding of how library spaces and interactions may impact library employees and/or patrons living with physical disabilities, perspective on what we may bring to each of our interactions in the library, in job interviews, in self-advocacy, and conflict resolution.
The Modern Teen Space
Mystic Ballroom CF
Presenters: Paige Gardner, Teen Librarian at Meriden Public Library
Teens have historically been perceived as a challenging demographic for libraries, often characterized by their energetic and expressive behavior. This presentation will explore how you can enhance your library's environment and programming to better engage with teens, addressing their needs for a dedicated space, representation, and support for both intellectual and physical well-being.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Participants will acquire strategies into how to modify new or existing spaces to better accommodate the needs and usage of teen patrons. This includes consideration around furniture arrangement, noise management, and optimizing the environment for teen-focused programs.
Attendees will explore the significance of representation in both the physical environment and programming, with a focus on inclusivity for queer and heritage-based initiatives.
There will also be discussions on programs that engage teens on their own terms, such as homework help, video games, and popular platforms like Roblox, while ensuring the environment is conducive to the needs of ALL teens.
Establishing an inclusive environment that accommodates the diverse needs of all adolescents will involve developing strategies to effectively communicate with them about the importance of respectful language and behavior towards individuals with differing backgrounds, thereby ensuring that the space is both safe and welcoming.
In addition to addressing educational and recreational interests, participants will learn about the importance of promoting the physical well-being of teens, including the incorporation of healthy food options in programs and the establishment of non-perishable food pantry tailored for teen use.
