CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities: Full Schedule

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10:45am MDT

Keep Them Coming Back with Sequential Passive Programs

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

With limited staff time and budgets, many libraries are turning to passive programming. Take your library beyond the basics with sequential programs that last multiple weeks to keep patrons excited to return to the library. Learn the process of planning and implementing a multi-week program adapted to your community and capacity, perfect for summer reading - or whenever. The presenter duo will share their experiences and strategies to set you up for success.

Speakers

Tiffany Ruhl

Tiffany Ruhl began in education, working in elementary schools for 9 years. She then grew an interest in libraries and has since worked at Denver Public Libraries for 6 years. Her education background taught her about learning strategies and development and how to adapt to communities with varying needs. As a librarian, Tiffany has created numerous passive programs and displays to establish a welcoming, creative environment and encourage community engagement with the library., Denver Public Library

Charlotte Niteman

Charlotte Niteman started out with a degree in education, and worked as an elementary school librarian before joining Denver Public Library in 2019. For the last 7 years she has been leading and developing successful programs for all ages, taking a particular interest in passive offerings. She recently presented at the CLIC Virtual Winter Workshop, sharing scavenger hunt expertise. Charlotte and Tiffany have worked together to create some innovative new ways to serve the community through programs., Denver Public Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Breakout Session

1:45pm MDT

Let’s Cook: Teaching Cooking Skills in the Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Cooking classes are a great way to address food insecurity while building life skills and community engagement, but they’re often financially inaccessible. This presentation will examine the program series Let’s Cook!, which provides free cooking classes to the community. Through programmer experience, program statistics, and post-program survey data, we will discuss planning, successes, lessons learned, and implementation strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the presenter questions and brainstorm how to apply this information to their own communities and will leave with knowledge and skills to replicate this program in their libraries.

Speakers

Madeleine Sardina

I am the creator and sole programmer for the program series being presented. I have been a programmer for almost 2 years as a library assistant at Hoffman Heights Library and am also a fantastic home cook and proponent that everyone should know how to cook., Aurora Public Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

The Library is all-write, Integrating Writing into Early Literacy Programs

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Writing is an essential part of early literacy, yet it can be challenging to develop engaging programs that support it. In this interactive workshop, participants will engage with examples of pre-writing activities and stations. Participants will also be able to share how they have incorporated writing activities into their programs. Participants will also learn about a variety of activities that help children build foundational writing skills. Incorporating pre-writing into your libraries programs can create a set of well-rounded program offerings focused on early literacy.

Speakers