CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities: Full Schedule

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8:45am MDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 8:45am - 10:15am MDT

Whether it’s your first time or you just want to make the most of your conference, this session is your perfect kickoff. Join Becky and Tanya (CALCON 2026 Program Chair and Conference CO-Chair)for a high-energy jumpstart — they’ll share insider tips on can’t-miss sessions, help you connect with fellow attendees, and answer any questions you may have. We will also be highlighting volunteer and leadership opportunities as well as giving attendees a breakdown of how CAL works and it's importance to Colorado libraries. Come get the lay of the land and start your CALCON adventure off right!

Speakers

Becky Van Den Berg

Hosting RPG library programs, Pine River Library District (Bayfield branch)

Tanya Prax

CALCON Co-Chair 2026/Youth Services Librarian, Arapahoe Libraries

Tanya Prax is a Youth Services Librarian at Arapahoe Libraries in Denver, Colorado. Her favorite things about her job (if she had to pick) are a family cooking program and booktalking to kids at schools.Tanya has been involved with ALA, ALSC, CAL, and is just finishing up a term on... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 8:45am - 10:15am MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Deep Dive

10:45am MDT

The Power of Intention. DEIB Strategic Planning for Public Libraries

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

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Making libraries more inclusive and our services more accessible to the public has a significant impact on our communities, but we often forget that change starts within. Anythink Libraries has committed to an intentional journey to reimagine how libraries can be a place where everyone belongs, starting with our internal culture and practices.
This presentation will explain the intentional steps taken to create a DEIB Strategic Plan for a medium-sized public library and the tangible results after one year of implementation. We will share tips and considerations to replicate this model from assessment to implementation.

Speakers

Paola Vilaxa

I have developed bilingual Spanish services for public libraries for 8 years, Anythink Libraries

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session

1:45pm MDT

Enhancing Access

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

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

How can your library move beyond basic access and truly advance equity? This session explores practical, sustainable strategies for strengthening Spanish-language services in your library.

We will discuss the critical role Spanish Services play in building trust, increasing engagement, and fostering inclusion within diverse communities. Topics include the value of hiring native Spanish-speaking staff, developing and maintaining a relevant and culturally responsive Spanish-language collection, designing bilingual programs, and implementing effective translation and interpretation practices.

Participants will gain actionable ideas for expanding outreach, supporting language justice, and creating welcoming spaces where Spanish-speaking patrons feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether your library is just beginning this work or looking to deepen existing efforts, this session will provide tools and inspiration to better serve your community.

Speakers

Lidia Gurrola-Navarro

As the Spanish Services Coordinator for the past three years, I bring hands-on experience in developing and expanding Spanish-language services in the library. My work centers on building trust with our Spanish-speaking community, improving language accessibility, and ensuring that our Latine community can fully benefit from the library’s programs, resources, and partnerships. am the Spanish Service Coordinator and have been for 3 years I'm very invested in the community and always looking for ways that my Latine community can benefit from our services., Lake County Public Library

Stephanie Puebla

As a Bilingual Library Assistant III, I am often the first point of contact for many of our patrons. I take pride in representing my community within the library and bringing my lived experience into my work. This perspective helps inform areas such as collection development and the creation of meaningful bilingual programming., Lake County Public Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

What’s Next? Possibilities for Adult English Language Learners After the Curriculum is Done

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

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Do you have programming for adult English language learners? Have they completed a textbook series or curriculum? What’s next for these patrons? Come and learn about how a library and nonprofit community based organization are addressing the diverse needs of people who are mostly fluent in English but still growing in their confidence and desire to connect. Participants will learn more about who this specific group of library patrons are: adult English learners who have completed curriculum goals but still want to build confidence in their fluency. They will explore possibilities for adults who are English learners to participate in “bridging” activities: book clubs, conversation groups, and other supported engagement activities. Finally, they will take away information about how to create their own supplemental programming for this unique group of library patrons.

Speakers

Tiffany Curtin

Tiffany Curtin has served as the the Adult Literacy and Community Outreach Specialist with Douglas County Libraries since 2012. This program serves serves around 100 adult English learners annually at all levels. Since 2015, Ms Curtin has taught a graduate seminar in Adult Literacy for MLS students at San Jose State University as an adjunct instructor.., Douglas County Libraries

Karin Bates

Karin Bates is the TESOL Specialist for Intercambio Uniting Communities in Boulder, Colorado. Karin has her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has over 35 years of experience teaching ESOL in multiple levels and settings. Before joining Intercambio, she worked with adult immigrants and refugees for five years at the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado. At IRCNOCO, she helped to develop programming with the cooperation of the High Plains Library District. At Intercambio, she now specializes in curriculum writing and volunteer teacher training, and regularly presents at regional and national adult education and TESOL conferences., Intercambio Uniting Communities

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session