Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Session 3: Breakouts 11:50 AM-12:40 PM
Mystic AD
The Nitty-Gritty of Working with Elected Officials
Presenters: Kate Byroade, Cragin Memorial Library (Colchester) and Ellen Paul, CT Library Consortium
You want to advocate for libraries, but you don’t know what you can do or how to do it? We’ll cover effective storytelling and letter-writing from elevator speeches to invitations and testimony. This session will put a handbook in your hands and cover all the nitty-gritty of advocacy with elected officials at all levels.
Sponsored by: CLA Legislative Committee
Mystic BE
FOIA in the Digital Age
Presented by: Scott C. Jarzombek, Fairfield Public Library and Christopher Henderson, Berchem Moses, PC
In today's digital landscape, municipalities and government-funded agencies face unique challenges in adapting their governance practices to the technological environment. Attendees will gain an understanding of FOIA and Open Meeting Law requirements in the digital era. The panel will address the technical complexities of retrieving and delivering information and the challenges posed by varying levels of digital literacy among stakeholders.
Sponsored by: CLA Technology Section
Mystic CF
A Tale of Two Towns: Strategic Planning for Community Libraries (Double Session)
Presented by: Evan Kingsley, Plan A Advisors; Caroline Mandler, Wilton Library Association; and Sheri Szymanski, Stratford Library Association
Two different towns and plans; two rigorous processes. Plenty of lessons for libraries that want to “do it yourself.” Directors of the Wilton and Stratford libraries will share big takeaways from their respective strategic planning experiences. A hands-on workshop will follow so every participant can take away practical research, analysis, and decision-making tools to build a strategic plan efficiently in-house.
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 1
Three simple ways to jumpstart your journaling
Presented by: Amanda Stern
The benefits of journaling are well documented, and there are so many ways to go about it - how can you build a journaling practice that’s just right for you? In this interactive session, we’ll learn three simple ways to jumpstart your journaling, get some hands-on practice, and discover how we can weave these techniques together to create a practice that you love! Bring your journal, an open mind, and all of your questions.
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 2
Connecticut Librarians in Kenya: The Story of the American Friends of Kenya
Presented by: Matthew Cadorette, Waterford High School/AFK; Susan Phillips, American Friends of Kenya; and Audra Zimmerman, AFK Vice President
Learn about the exciting partnership between CT librarians and their Kenyan counterparts. For over 20 years the America Friends of Kenya have collaborated with Kenyan librarians and community leaders from Mombasa to Kongoni helping to create and support over 20 libraries in schools and communities. Hear about our recent trip to Kenya and learn how you can help.
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 3
Library Anxiety: A Call to Action
Presented by: Heidi Schulz-Vendrella
Library anxiety is a significant problem that affects everyone, particularly those with disabilities. This leads to patrons feeling unwelcome when attempting to utilize library resources and services. This can discourage them from visiting the library. Libraries must acknowledge the importance of addressing library anxiety and take action to establish an inclusive environment that welcomes all members of the community.
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 5
Biblio Box Swap
Presented by: Sage Gentry, Farmington Libraries
Do you have a book box program at your library? Do you have extra goodies, bookmarks, or stickers? Bring your loot and trade out the old for the new-to-you!
Sponsored by: CLA Children’s Section
Conference Room 6
Public Libraries and Homeschool Families - Make the Connection
Presented by: Cindy Schofield, EdD, Southern Connecticut State University and Helene Murtha, EdD, Southern Connecticut State University
During this summer we surveyed Public Libraries in CT and Homeschoolers in CT regarding their public library use. Come hear the results of these surveys and explore the ways the perceptions of these two groups differ and connect. Analyze the data for potential opportunities and start planning!
Sponsored by: CLA Member
Conference Room 7
It's Not Just Books: New Intellectual Freedom Challenges for 2024
Presented by: Lindsay Delligan, Co-Chair CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
In the first eight months of 2023, ALA reported more than 3,923 book challenges nationwide. But it's not just books. New forms of censorship are cropping up. From attempts to remove art displays to calls for parent-approved rating systems, censorship is getting more creative. Come learn about new challenges, and what your library can do to be prepared.
Sponsored by: CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
Parking Lot
CT State Library Outreach Van Has Your Back
Presented by: Dawn La Valle, Connecticut State Library
Come visit the CT State Library Agency’s state-of the-art library/museum/archives on wheels! Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services ARPA. CSL’s Outreach Van will be used for community engagement, programs, special events, professional development, library programming support, and pop-up exhibits for the State Library! We will be staged in the parking lot, charged up and ready to go.
Sponsored by: CLA Conference Committee
