Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Session 6: Breakouts
2:30-3:20 PM
Session 6: Breakouts
2:30-3:20 PM
Mystic Ballroom AD
Addressing Barriers to Library Access for Diverse Populations
Presenters: Dr. Raynelda Calderon, Queens Public Library/ Cayena Press; Priya Kumari, Eternal Tree Books
This presentation delves into the various challenges that hinder library access for marginalized communities, such as socioeconomic disparities, language barriers, digital literacy issues, and cultural biases. By closely examining these obstacles, we seek to identify effective strategies and innovative solutions that foster inclusivity and ensure that libraries are genuinely welcoming and accessible to all.
Sponsor: CLA Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Section
Objectives & Takeaways:
Libraries serve as essential community resources, playing a vital role in ensuring equitable access to information, education, and cultural experiences. However, numerous diverse populations encounter significant obstacles that limit their ability to fully engage with library services.
Connecticut's diverse population is intricate and multifaceted, reflecting the state's rich history of immigration and cultural exchange. While the demographics of Connecticut have evolved, the state remains a melting pot of individuals from various backgrounds. The issue of library access for diverse populations is particularly pertinent, as it directly relates to social justice, equity, community development, and our society's changing demographics.
This presentation delves into the various challenges that hinder library access for marginalized communities, such as socioeconomic disparities, language barriers, digital literacy issues, and cultural biases. By closely examining these obstacles, we seek to identify effective strategies and innovative solutions that foster inclusivity and ensure that libraries are genuinely welcoming and accessible to all.
From this session, attendees will gain a thorough understanding of:
The complex barriers that obstruct library access for diverse populations.
Effective strategies to tackle these challenges, including innovative solutions and best practices.
The significance of inclusivity in libraries and its positive impact on communities.
How to implement inclusive practices within their libraries or communities.
Key takeaways will include:
The essential role of libraries in advocating for social justice and equity.
The necessity for libraries to be responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
The potential for libraries to act as powerful agents of change
Mystic Ballroom BE
Your Mobile Library: Bookmobiles, Home Delivery and Outreach
Presenters: Melissa Maguy, West Haven Public Library; Michael Tierney, Librarian III, Silas Bronson Library
Have you ever wondered if your library would benefit from outreach services? What does library outreach even entail? Come learn about the ins and outs of mobile services, from assessing your library’s needs, to building opportunities in the community . Learn how you can make outreach services work for your library.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will learn firsthand from outreach librarians how to start outreach services and build better relationships with their communities.
Attendees will also learn about the intricacies behind outreach services like bookmobile, homebound delivery, tabling, and receiving tips for best practices.
Many libraries are overwhelmed by the prospect of outreach and don’t realize how small steps can make a huge impact on the number of people they can reach.
Outreach extends the library’s reach to hard-to-reach groups and people who don’t frequent the library. Outreach is an important tool for library equity and creating deeper connections with the communities we serve.
Mystic Ballroom CF
Library Fundraising and Development
Presenters: Grace Calderon; Gretchen Hachmeister, Hotchkiss Library of Sharon; Stephanie J. Coakley, Pequot Library Association
Fundraising and a robust development program are an integral part of managing public association libraries. Pequot Library Association in Fairfield and the Hotchkiss Library in Sharon rely on donations, grants, special events and corporate support for their budget. From fundraisers to giving societies, the staff at these libraries utilize a variety of ways to garner necessary financial support.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will learn a myriad of ways to help raise necessary support for their institutions.
Staff will share their extensive knowledge of nonprofit fundraising to help attendees learn more about what has been successful and not so successful at raising the private funds necessary to sustain our libraries.
Conference Room 1
LIT: Librarians in Training Program
Presenters: Carly Lemire, Assistant Director, Carlye Veenema & Mary Willhelm all of North Branford Public Libraries
Learn how to engage the librarians of the future! L.I.T (aka) Librarians in Training is a four-week hands-on instructional program anyone can implement created for tweens that want to learn the ins and outs of being a librarian. Between interviewing, learning the Dewey Decimal System and curating displays; attendees will build relationships and gain useful skills for years to come.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
L.I.T - Librarians in Training is a four-week hands-on course curated for tweens to learn about what it takes to be a librarian! During this workshop librarians will learn about the creation of the project, gain access to our slides and experience some of the hands-on activities we created.
Tweens in the program will gain real life skills, breakdown library stereotypes, form friendships and have a heck of a lot of fun! Opportunities to cater the program to your community is obtainable as well as the ability to bring teen volunteers into the fold. Plus, you just might spark someone’s interest to become a librarian in the future!
Conference Room 2
Combat Burnout with Sound Healing!
Presenters: Amy Ordonez, Studio 13, Coventry, CT; Christy Billings, Public Services Librarian, Russell Library
Join Amy Ordonez, owner of Studio 13 in Coventry, and Christy Billings from Russell Library. Amy will expertly weave a web of sound to release stress and promote wellbeing. Includes a resource guide with examples of the science behind sound healing, and suggestions of researched and curated items for your Library of Things.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Sound Healing Workshop for Library Staff will give the CLA conference attendees a chance to experience a unique way to soothe stress and find balance. Sound healing works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the opposite of fight or flight. Participants will experience calming, as the experience slows your breath rate, heart rate and even brainwaves, helping them create an internal space for quiet and reflection.
Many library staff members are experiencing burnout. Participants may be curious about Sound Healing, and will attend this unique session to see if it can help alleviate their stress levels.
This session will also include the history and the science behind Sound Healing to back up the physical experience.
Sound healing has been linked to increased creativity, problem solving skills, and increased immune systems. Participants will likely gain more from their conference sessions after attending a Sound Healing Session.
Conference Room 3
Beyond Distracted: How to Form and Run an ADHD Club
Presenter: Nicole Kent, Henry Carter Hull Library
Join teen librarian Nicole Kent as she discusses her ADHD club, how it was formed, and how it has evolved. Benefits, obstacles, and testimonials will be included.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will learn how to assess the need for an ADHD club, how to form and run one, and what obstacles they might encounter both from staff and parents, as well as cub members.
Conference Room 5
Beyond Books: The Library of Things Concept
Presenter: Madhu Gupta, Public Library of New London
We will explore the concept of the Library of Things, a transformative approach to libraries that goes beyond traditional books. Discover how this initiative empowers communities by providing access to items that are useful to the community, enhance learning and creativity. Join us as we discuss the benefits, potential challenges, and how it can transform community engagement and resource sharing.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
We will explore the concept of the Library of Things, a transformative approach to libraries that goes beyond traditional books.
Discover how this initiative empowers communities by providing access to items that are useful to the community, enhance learning and creativity.
Join us as we discuss the benefits, potential challenges, and how it can transform community engagement and resource sharing.
Conference Room 7
Tech Talk
Panelists: Don Marsala, Stratford Library Association; Genevieve Francis, West Hartford Public Library; Kate Sheehan, Stratford Library Association
Are you dependent on outside vendors or your town for IT? Do you want to ask questions about tech from library-based technology pros? Join us for an open-ended Q & A where you can get ideas, input, and expertise about your burning tech issues.
Sponsor: CLA Technology Section
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will be able to get individualized input into any tech issues they're struggling with, whether it's selecting a software vendor or approaching town IT to advocate for upgrades.
