Essentials of Library Science: A Crash Course for Library Staff with Regina Burgess
2025-11-01 00:00 - 23:59, 2025-12-01 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-01-01 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-02-01 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago)
This self-paced course explores libraries as dynamic community centers and covers key areas, including intellectual freedom and access to information; understanding different library types and staff roles; using classification systems such as the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress; how technology reshapes library functions; and strategies for effective collection management and community programs. This course is perfect for enhancing your skills and understanding of modern librarianship.

You will need a Niche Academy account to access this course; if you don’t have a Niche Academy account, you can create one at my.nicheacademy.com/plan-staff. Due to licensing agreements, this course is available to PLAN-member library staff only. If your library is not a member of PLAN, please contact your multitype library cooperative for access to self-paced courses.

Ten Passive Programming Ideas for Teens
2025-11-05 13:00 - 14:00
Are you looking for creative ways to engage teens with big impact but low stress? Join us for a dynamic webinar focused on passive programming. We will explore practical ideas, examples, and tips to implement programs and self-directed activities. Learn how to foster teen participation, build community, and make your library a welcoming space.

Attendees will learn about:

The value of passive programming

Specific passive program examples

How to adapt programs to fit diverse needs

Who will benefit from this program:

Library staff who work with teens

Youth services staff

Front-line staff

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

Tiffany Duck is a consultant and owner of LitDext LLC, a literacy and information services company. She has thirteen years of experience as a public library manager in various types of library systems. Tiffany is an adjunct instructor in Library and Information Science.

David Duck – Born in the East End community of Newport News, VA, David Duck is dedicated to serving youth and families. With a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and an M.S. from Frostburg State University, David shares his passion for engaging families through quality programming, evidence-based practices, and an overall understanding and connection to youth/family needs.

Applying Early Literacy in Storytime Settings
2025-11-12 13:00 - 14:00
Storytime isn’t just fun- it’s foundational. In this session, we’ll explore how to intentionally apply early literacy practices to storytime sessions in meaningful, engaging, and developmentally supportive ways. Learn how to align your book choices, songs, activities, and interactions with the five early literacy practices (talk, sing, read, write, play), and better understand the “why” behind what we do.

We’ll explore how to share early literacy concepts with caregivers in ways that feel approachable and encouraging, making storytime a shared journey toward lifelong learning. Whether you’re refreshing your approach or looking to build more intentionality into your storytimes, this session will help connect the dots between storytime fun and meaningful impact.

What attendees will learn:

Learn how to incorporate the five early literacy practices (talk, sing, read, write, play) into storytime planning and delivery

Identify developmentally appropriate strategies to support language and literacy development in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

Gain tools to articulate the purpose of storytime and the value of early literacy to caregivers.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Katie Clausen is the Early Literacy Services Manager at the Gail Borden Public Library and a current PhD candidate in Information Studies at Dominican University. She holds an MLIS from Dominican University and an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons College. Katie has shared her expertise at numerous conferences, and her articles have been featured in Children & Libraries: The Journal of ALSC and Marvels and Tales. Her specialties include early literacy, children’s literature evaluation, and best storytime practices.

Knowing When to Let Go: Ending Services and Projects Strategically
2025-11-13 14:00 - 15:00
Every library faces it: a service that no longer delivers, or a project that’s outlived its usefulness. But how do you know when it’s really time to let go-and how do you do it gracefully? This webinar will walk you through the decision-making process of identifying what should end, managing the transition smoothly, and minimizing negative impact on staff, stakeholders, and patrons. You’ll leave with practical strategies to reallocate resources wisely and ensure your library stays focused on what matters most.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Laura Solomon, CPACC, MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager at the Ohio Public Library Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. With nearly three decades of experience in web development and design, Laura has honed her expertise in both public libraries and as an independent consultant, specializing in Drupal development and in website accessibility.

Recognized as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, she has authored books on social media and content marketing tailored for libraries, as well as about library website design. She has dedicated many course hours to learning how to make websites accessible, ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive for all users.

Laura is a frequently-requested speaker for public library organizations, sharing her passion for bringing the fun of technology to audiences and equipping libraries with the tools to better serve their virtual customers.

Summer Reading 2026
2025-11-18 12:00 - 14:30
Kick off your Summer Reading planning at this virtual showcase designed to spark ideas, connect colleagues, and discover talented performers for every age group.

At the showcase, you’ll have the chance to network with fellow librarians, share ideas about summer plans, and explore new performers that you can feature in your own library for Summer Reading fun.

We’ll have three tracks (Children, Teen/Young Adult, and Adult) and a full group Family performer session. Join us for discussions about specific performers as well as new and exciting programming ideas. Come ready to share!

Please note: This discussion will not be recorded, but we do intend to share the notes from our discussion with all registrants.

Best Practices for Onboarding New Staff
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00
New library workers face the challenge of learning a job as well as integrating into a workplace culture and environment. Part of onboarding is showing how the library as an institution supports and encourages employees, and engaged employees are a significant marker of an organization’s success. How do you ensure each new employee has a consistent and positive experience? Concrete tools and workflows will provide every person involved with a smooth and collaborative outcome.

As a result of this program, participants will:

Discuss the essential parts of onboarding and how the process interacts with hiring and training

Explore ways to organize incoming employees’ action items and how to ensure that all employees complete the onboarding process successfully

Learn how to design a workflow that meets their library’s needs

Who will benefit from this program:

Managers/supervisors; administrative and human resources professionals.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Cari Dubiel – After serving in many different capacities as a library worker, Cari is now the Assistant Director at Twinsburg Public Library in Ohio. She is also an author and the lead editor of a small press.

Self-Care for Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Moral Injury
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:30
TOPICS COVERED:

The causes of burnout, vicarious trauma, and moral injury and how they uniquely affect people in helping professions

Practical tools for nervous system regulation (based on Polyvagal Theory) to stay grounded and calm

Essential self-care strategies that everyone needs (setting boundaries, managing compassion fatigue, caring without burning out)

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, and educator based in Sarasota, Florida. With a background in child welfare, residential treatment, and crisis response, Gabrielle brings real solutions to burnout.

After building and selling a successful group practice, Gabrielle now trains organizations, nonprofits, and care teams on nervous system regulation, workplace wellness, and sustainable service.

Stoicism and Gratitude: Being Thankful for What We Can Control, and What We Cannot
2025-11-26 13:00 - 14:00
Every year, Andrew presents a program in November on Giving Thanks. This year he invites you to take a look at gratitude and life through Stoicism. Stoicism is a philosophy that provides a framework for ethical self-improvement and for living a human life worth living.

On Thanksgiving Day, we’re supposed to make time for thanks, to actively think about gratitude. But what is gratitude? The Stoics believe it is inclusive and counterintuitive. It wasn’t just about being grateful for the good, but for all of life.

Join Andrew for an hour of thought-provoking information including The Control Test. This program could change how you think, feel and act about gratitude on Thanksgiving Day and every day after.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Andrew Sanderbeck – Andrew has been developing and conducting training programs for library organizations for more than twenty years. He has presented Web-based, On-line, and Face-to-Face sessions in the U.S. and many countries around the world.

Hidden Gems of the Internet with Laura Solomon
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
The internet isn’t all work and no play. Beyond the usual sites and apps, there’s a world of creative, quirky and just plain fun tools waiting to be discovered. In this lighthearted webinar, you’ll explore an array of free and unique online resources–some awe-inspiring, some entertaining, and all designed to spark a little joy. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, distraction or just something new, this session will send you away with fresh ways to make your online experience more enjoyable.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Laura Solomon, CPACC, MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager at the Ohio Public Library Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. With nearly three decades of experience in web development and design, Laura has honed her expertise in both public libraries and as an independent consultant, specializing in Drupal development and in website accessibility.

Recognized as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, she has authored books on social media and content marketing tailored for libraries, as well as about library website design. She has dedicated many course hours to learning how to make websites accessible, ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive for all users.

Laura is a frequently-requested speaker for public library organizations, sharing her passion for bringing the fun of technology to audiences and equipping libraries with the tools to better serve their virtual customers.

AI in Libraries
2025-12-10 11:30 - 12:30
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a tech trend — it’s becoming a powerful partner in how libraries connect people, ideas, and information. From smarter search results and on-the-fly translations to creative tools that spark learning and storytelling, AI is opening exciting new possibilities for library services.

As 2026 approaches, the pace of change is picking up. Generative AI, retrieval-augmented search, and locally hosted models are giving libraries fresh ways to enhance discovery, improve efficiency, and support patrons in entirely new ways — but they also bring big questions about privacy, ethics, and readiness.

In this lively, skills-focused session, we’ll look at what’s next for AI in libraries and how to get ready for it. You’ll leave with a toolkit of emerging tools worth exploring, and a clear picture of the trends shaping how libraries will lead — not just adapt — in the years ahead.

About the Presenter: Kira Smith has been a dedicated Virtual Reference Specialist with Florida’s Ask A Librarian service for over 15 years. A recipient of multiple Exemplary Reference Awards, Kira is passionate about guiding people to the information they need. In addition to her work in virtual reference, she freelances as a research consultant for journalists, providing expert insights and fact-finding services. Kira also regularly hosts webinars, sharing her knowledge and experience in the fields of online reference and information literacy.

Her diverse background includes experience as an elementary school teacher and a certified childbirth educator, adding depth to her understanding of teaching and communication. With a love for technology, education, and travel, Kira continually seeks innovative ways to enhance learning experiences and connect with people around the world.

Emotional Intelligence During the Holidays
2025-12-10 13:00 - 14:00
The holidays heighten emotions in both positive and negative ways. From joy to sadness, learn how to understand and navigate your emotions and the bah-humbugs of others.

This program will provide a basic overview of emotional intelligence and give you 12 easy tips to use during the holidays that help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and feeling overwhelmed.

Who will Benefit from this Program:

All Library Personnel – from full-time to volunteers

About the Presenter: Rosie Clark specializes in training adults using a learner-centered and participant-engaged approach in various professions, contexts, and life experiences. Over the last 20 years, she has taught a variety of topics to include professional development, public speaking, emotional intelligence, leadership development, interpersonal communication, goal setting, workplace safety, environmental compliance, and much more. You can contact Rosie at rosie.x.clark@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Can you De-Escalate? An Educational (and FUN!) Gameshow with Host Ryan Dowd
2025-12-11 13:00 - 14:00
WHAT TO EXPECT:Ryan will host CAN YOU DE-ESCALATE? (trivia game show based on our trainings). He will ask questions, confirm correct answers, and briefly review each topic.All audience members are invited to participate via the chat feature.A few audience members will be selected to be live participants (“contestants”). If you are interested in participating, apply HEREContestants will receive Empathy merch 😊Topics covered: De-Escalation Basics, The Brain, Signs and Symptoms, Times of Crisis, Awkward Conversations, & Ryan Tidbits

Author of The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness, Ryan Dowd is the Executive Director of a large homeless shelter outside of Chicago. A global trainer to libraries, police departments, nonprofits and other organizations, Ryan educates on how to compassionately manage problematic behavior from troubled individuals.

More than Your Voice: Practical Strategies for Speaking to Power
2025-12-17 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar is offered exclusively to PLAN member libraries and their staff.

What if speaking to power felt less like a risk and more like a skill you could grow? In this 60-minute session, Michelle Ornat shares practical strategies for engaging with positional power, such as those in leadership or decision-making roles, with insight and confidence.

The session begins by exploring how awareness is a strategic advantage and how successful conversations start with intention. You will discover how to “plate” a message, whether you are addressing problems or complaints, sharing updates or information, pitching new ideas or proposals, or raising concerns. This approach helps build trust, highlights credibility, and positions you as a thoughtful, solution-oriented leader.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Apply self, relational, and situational awareness to improve communication and outcomes

• Plate problems with solutions, frame updates with outcomes, and pitch ideas with purpose

• Deliver messages, especially sensitive ones, with clarity, structure, and professionalism

Who Will Benefit from this Program:

• All Staff including Supervisors and Managers

About the Presenter: Michelle Ornat is a transformational coach, speaker, and founder of Ornat Coaching & Consulting. She brings more than two decades of leadership, executive, and management experience in public libraries and city government to her work with mission-driven women and organizations. She is a Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Index™ (ELI) Master Practitioner, and Certified Executive Coach | COR.E Leadership Dynamics™ Specialist. Michelle actively supports public libraries through her involvement locally as a member of the Solano County Library Advisory Council and nationally through ALA, PLA, and Core, including co-chairing the Core Library Consulting Interest Group and serving on the PLA Leadership Development Committee. Connect with Michelle at www.ornatcoaching.com or on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ornat.

Workshop: Book Care & Repair
2026-01-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Niceville Community Center, 204-C North Partin Drive, Niceville, Florida, 32578, United States
Demco’s Book Doctor is in! This free workshop will provide ideas for protecting books ahead of circulation and hands-on experience with several types of repairs such as basic page repairs, tip-ins, hinge and spine repair, book jacket and laminate application, and spine reinforcement. Course materials provided. Course notes including links to free resources such as videos, product directories and repair guide will be provided.

About the Book Doctor: Kimberly Young has extensive background in libraries, working in regionally, socially, and culturally diverse areas of the United States. Access to information and community engagement have been a driving force in her work in the public library. Of particular interest to Kimberly are collection development, materials processing, and book care.

Making Storytime More Accessible to Children with Disabilities
2026-01-07 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar is offered exclusively to PLAN member libraries and their staff.

According to the CDC, 1 in 20 children have a diagnosed disability. What’s more, stigma and fear may be barriers for families with children with disabilities who may not feel welcome at the library and may not think Storytime is right for them.

In this presentation, learn how storytime can act as a bridge and connector for families with children with disabilities, providing information, resources, and community.

Attendees will gather strategies for planning and implementation to make your storytime more welcoming and inclusive to children with disabilities.

About the Presenter: Author, trainer, librarian, administrator, teacher, and accessibility consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for over 17 years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and welcome disabled residents and their families and caregivers. Learn more at reneegrassi.com.

Naloxone ("Narcan"): When and how to use it (A guest training by the Rayce Rudeen Foundation)
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00
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This webinar is offered exclusively to PLAN member libraries and their staff.

Topics Covered:

Data and trends on the current opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

How to identify an overdose.

What Naloxone is, how it works in the body, and how to administer a dose.

Protocols and best practices for storage and post-event support.

Techniques for Uncomfortable Conversations
2026-01-14 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar is offered exclusively to PLAN member libraries and their staff.

Through this workshop, we examine some important strategies for navigating challenging conversations with confidence and empathy. You’ll learn how to maintain composure, foster understanding, and communicate effectively even in difficult situations. We’ll also consider how to create safe and supportive communication spaces.

Together, we will become more confident and productive in our communication.

As a result of this program, attendees will:

· Understand effective listening and empathy techniques

· Manage emotional responses and maintain composure in tense situations

· Increase confidence in communicating

About the Presenter: Dr. Stevie M. Munz, Ph.D. is an award-winning teacher and researcher with 10+ years of experience in the communication field. She has led hundreds of discussion forums, presentations, trainings, and workshops. As a communication expert, she is passionate about developing your communication power skills!

Staying Ahead: Technology Shifts and Their Impact on Libraries with Laura Solomon
2026-01-14 14:00 - 15:00
Technology changes fast-and libraries need to know which shifts matter most. In this webinar, you’ll explore the latest emerging tech trends and how they could reshape library services in the near future. From evolving tools to changes in patron expectations, discover what’s coming, what’s worth watching, and how to stay prepared. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of how today’s innovations might influence tomorrow’s libraries.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Laura Solomon, CPACC, MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager at the Ohio Public Library Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. With nearly three decades of experience in web development and design, Laura has honed her expertise in both public libraries and as an independent consultant, specializing in Drupal development and in website accessibility.

Recognized as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, she has authored books on social media and content marketing tailored for libraries, as well as about library website design. She has dedicated many course hours to learning how to make websites accessible, ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive for all users.

Laura is a frequently-requested speaker for public library organizations, sharing her passion for bringing the fun of technology to audiences and equipping libraries with the tools to better serve their virtual customers.

Helping Customers (& Family and Friends) With Tech with Maurice Coleman
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:00
Your customer comes in with a strange device they got for the holidays. They ask if they can access any library content, such as e-books or Mango Languages, on the device. Come to this workshop and empower yourself to deal with any new device or program. Learn simple principles, strategies, and techniques that will help you help your customers, members, family, and friends better understand and use technology.

About the presenter: Maurice Coleman is a librarian, educator, keynote speaker, and podcast host. Maurice uses his decades of practical experience to help people and organizations empower themselves with better leadership, communication, and technology skills to create positive change. He was recently certified as a Dale Carnegie Trainer.

Identifying AI Generated Books in Your Library
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar is offered exclusively to PLAN member libraries and their staff.

Have AI-generated books snuck on to your library’s shelves? Books generated using AI Large Language Models without such “authorship” being disclosed have become pervasive across nearly all subject areas on sites such as Amazon, and are even being sold by some library jobbers.

With Influencers boasting about making thousands of dollars per month selling AI books on self-publishing platforms and encouraging others to do the same, this is an increasing threat to the quality and veracity of materials libraries provide to the public.

Join cataloger and AI book hunter Althea Christensen to find out where these books are coming from, learn about identifying AI-generated books both in-hand and in online retail listings, and see some examples that will have you questioning Asimov’s First Law of Robotics.

As a result of this program, attendees will:

· Gain awareness of the existence and prevalence of AI-generated print books

· Learn to recognize signs that a book is AI-generated before it is purchased or circulated

· Learn how AI-generated books may find their way from LLM app to library shelves

Who will Benefit from this Program:

All staff, including Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Collection Development

About the Presenter: Althea Christensen is the Senior Library Assistant in Acquisitions and Technical Services for the Humboldt County Library. Prior to becoming a cataloger, she spent 13 years in the animal sheltering and veterinary field, in which she developed a surprising number of skills that transferred to library work.

Establishing Healthy Boundaries at Work with Linda Bruno
2026-01-21 14:00 - 15:00
Webinar handouts

When we think of boundaries, we often think of saying no to someone or something. Then we feel…guilty, resentful, overwhelmed, irritated, relieved, proud – you pick the adjective, depending on how good you are at setting boundaries!

Often the reason we hesitate to set boundaries is because we feel that doing so may “rock the boat.” Indeed, it might! But the dangers of not setting boundaries at work far outweigh the rocking of the boat. Keeping the peace should not override our ability to be honest, transparent, and sometimes vulnerable about what we are and are not willing or able to do. Many times, we don’t set the boundary because we can do it; the issue is, will we do it effectively? Will it drain our energy or take our focus away from something that has a higher priority or simply needs our total focus to do it right?

So yes, setting boundaries can involve saying no. But it can also involve other approaches. That’s what we’ll look at during this session – what kinds of boundaries need to be set? Why am I hesitant to do so? What are the risks? What are the rewards??

Join us for this session as we brainstorm the best way to establish boundaries at work!

About the Presenter: Linda has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries for more than fifteen years. Her favorite thing to do is to help people become their best selves!

That’s why she offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between.

Get Things Done: Set Yourself Up for Success
2026-01-28 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar is offered exclusively to PLAN member libraries and their staff.

Completing projects, tasks, and goals doesn’t have to be a battle. There are many ways we impede our own success, several of which start in our mind. With an eye toward neuroscience and research, we’ll explore strategies for creating new habits, replenishing willpower, boosting motivation, and harnessing our mindset.

This program will shed light on how to maximize your strengths and navigate common roadblocks to achieve more. Learn how to work with, not against, yourself and get things done!

As a result of this program attendees will:

· explain how success, goals, habits, and mindset are intertwined

· describe 3 techniques for starting new habits successfully

· explain why willpower ebbs and flows and how to boost it

· identify 2 potential roadblocks to success and tips for overcoming them

About the Presenter: Laura Greco, RN, MEd is a certified wellness coach and speaker who facilitates learning and changing habits. She helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance, and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. Self-care (body, mind, and spirit) is the basis for well-being and we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes are 2 of her foundational beliefs. She is the author of Wellness Made Simple. For more information, please visit her website www.YouBloomWellness.com

Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00
Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying, or get answers to your own questions?

Join us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)!

Everyone is welcome, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.

Stoplights, Roundabouts, and Leadership: Navigating the Highways and Backroads of Organizational Life & Leadership
2026-02-04 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries, and the recording will be shared on the PLAN Niche Academy within a week of the live event.

Some leaders and teams spend their days waiting at stoplights: seeking permission, direction, or perfect clarity before moving forward. Others have learned to build roundabouts instead, creating systems of shared trust and understanding that keep work flowing smoothly.

In this engaging and practical session, we’ll explore the “transportation map” of leadership using metaphors like freeways, speedbumps, dirt roads, and roundabouts to examine how organizational structures shape momentum, creativity, and collaboration. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for tearing down unnecessary stoplights and designing “well-functioning roundabouts” that empower teams to navigate safely, efficiently, and with less stress.

Attendees will learn to:

Identify common “stoplights” that slow progress and decision-making in organizations

Explore the principles of trust and shared understanding that make roundabout-style leadership work

Discover practical tools for creating smoother workflows, clearer communication, and empowered teams

Reflect on personal leadership habits that either create congestion or enable healthy movement

About the Presenter: Sam Passey serves as the Associate Dean of Library Services at Colorado Mountain College, a dual-mission institution with 11 campuses that offers both associate and bachelor’s degrees. Previously, he spent 17 years as the director of Uintah County Library in Northeast Utah, where he oversaw the design and construction of a new library facility and mentored numerous staff members who have since become leaders in the library field. He has a Master’s degree in Library Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education. A recognized speaker, presenter, and writer, Sam specializes in library and museum management and leadership.

Introduction to News Literacy
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:00
This one-hour session provides an overview of news literacy education that touches on all five of the News Literacy Project’s standards:

1. Distinguishing types of information

2. Understanding the importance of the First Amendment and a free press

3. Understanding ethical standards of journalism

4. Developing critical habits of mind

5. Seeking and sharing credible information

We’ll explore key concepts and skills needed to effectively and responsibly navigate the information environment, including verification skills for evaluating online claims. We will introduce the resources available for free from the News Literacy Project, as well as guidance for incorporating news literacy into library programming.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Alee Quick is the Director of Community Engagement for the News Literacy Project, where she creates and shares resources with families, libraries and community groups that want to teach kids and teens about news literacy outside of traditional classrooms. She also supports teachers and school administrators as they engage families and school communities around news literacy. She previously worked as a newspaper editor and nonprofit marketer, and she advises the independent student newspaper at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Alee has a bachelor’s degree from the Missouri School of Journalism.

Webinar: 2025 Readers' Advisory Year in Review
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00
This workshop is exclusive to PLAN member libraries, and the recording will be posted to the PLAN Niche Academy within a week of the live event.

2025 has moved into our rearview, everyone is eager to jump into the fresh start of 2026, but hold up for just a bit longer! It is important, every year, to take a step back and look critically at the year that was before setting goals or service plans for the next year.

Join noted Readers’ Advisory expert, Becky Spratford as she walks you through the highlights [and lowlights] of 2025 in Adult Leisure Reading.

From the biggest trends, to the authors, titles, and genres that broke through, Becky will break it all down for you, wringing out the best of 2025 to take with us as we plan our service to adult readers for 2026.

Who will Benefit from this Program:

All staff that interacts with patrons, all circulation staff members and reader’s advisory staff

Becky Spratford ~ Biography

Becky Spratford [MLIS] is a Librarian in Illinois specializing in serving patrons ages 13 and up. She trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the local public library. She runs the critically acclaimed RA training blog RA for All. She writes reviews for Booklist and a Horror review column for Library Journal. Becky was a 24 year locally elected Library Trustee and a former Board member for both the Reaching Across Illinois Library System and the Illinois Library Association. Known for her work with Horror readers, Becky is the author of three text books for library workers, most recently, The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, Third Edition [ALA Editions, 2021] and the recently released Why I Love Horror [Saga Press, 2025]. She is on the Shirley Jackson Award Advisory Board and is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, currently serving as the Association’s Secretary and Co-Chair of their Library Committee. You can follow Becky on Bluesky @raforall.bsky.social

Leave Your Stress @ Work! with Linda Bruno
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00
Although our work often brings us great joy, it can also present a few challenges – differing personalities, friction, work overload, patron demands, negativity – you get the picture!

And when we take those challenges home with us in the form of stress, the cycle becomes a 24/7 rerun.

In this single 60-minute session, we’re going to help you understand what’s really causing the stress – and it’s not always what we think. We’ll also discuss some simple steps to help you leave your workday at work – particularly if it’s been stressful!

About the Presenter: Linda has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries for more than fifteen years. Her favorite thing to do is to help people become their best selves!

That’s why she offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between.
