CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities: Full Schedule

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8:00am MDT

Exhibit Hall Continental Comfort Breakfast

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

8:00am MDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm MDT

Discover the latest innovations in library technology, services, and resources from leading vendors and partners. Browse cutting-edge products, attend product demonstrations, and speak directly with company representatives about solutions tailored to your library's needs. The Exhibit Hall is your one-stop destination for exploring new tools that can enhance your library's impact in the community.

Stop by the CLEF Auction table and discover incredible items up for bid! It’s the perfect chance to support a great cause while scoring unique items and experiences. Visit CLEF Auction 2026 to learn more and get involved!

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 5:00pm MDT

Vendor/Exhibit Hall

8:00am MDT

Registration/Welcome Desk

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am MDT

Aurora Foyer

Start your conference experience here! Check in to receive your name badge, conference materials, and program guide. Our friendly volunteers will help you navigate the venue, answer questions about sessions, and connect you with networking opportunities. Stop by throughout the conference for assistance or to pick up any materials you may have missed.

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am MDT
Aurora Foyer

Special

9:00am MDT

CAL Keynote Speaker: Lana Hailemariam

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

Aurora Ballroom "The Library League"

Libraries are far more than buildings—they are places of refuge, possibility, and change because of the people who show up each day. You may never see every seed you plant grow, but your conversations, recommendations, and moments of kindness change lives in ways you may never fully know.

Through powerful stories rooted in real library experiences, Lana illustrates a simple truth: even when you don’t see the bloom, the seed still matters. Your work shapes futures, and that makes you invaluable.

Lana Hailemariam is a dynamic coach, facilitator, and keynote speaker with more than 20 years of experience across both for‑profit and nonprofit sectors.

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Aurora Ballroom "The Library League"

Special

10:45am MDT

Bringing Community Together in a Town Divided

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

In a time when it’s easy to feel separate, these shared experiences remind us that community isn’t about sameness—it’s about connection. And when we create space for that connection, we begin to bridge the divide
This presentation highlights several successful programs that have strengthened community connections in our small town. From programs like our Golden Years Ice Cream Social for Seniors, Lotería for our Spanish- speaking community, and Shake Your Sillies Out for children and their caregivers. The library provides welcoming opportunities and programs for neighbors to connect and reduce social isolation.
One of the most meaningful examples of this is our Community Friendsgiving—an event that welcomes residents from all walks of life, across economic backgrounds, cultures, and generations, to sit at the same table.
Rural libraries are uniquely positioned to bring people together across generations, cultures, and life experiences. Through intentional programming, we create spaces where people can come together, share stories, and build understanding.

Speakers

Paul Stanley

A combined 10+ years in programming experience., Garfield County Public Library District

Shylo Harlan

A combined 10+ years in programming experience., Garfield County Public Library Districe

Natasha Wolburg

A combined 10+ years in programming experience., Garfield County Public Library Districe

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Charting Your Path: Career Development for the Courageous Library Professional

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

What if you had a clearer roadmap for your library career? Whether you are early in your journey, considering a move into management, or simply figuring out your next step, this deep dive session meets you where you are! Through a short strengths and goal-setting exercise, small group conversations with experienced library professionals, and a take-home career path template, participants will leave with more than inspiration – they’ll leave with a plan. We will explore the real challenges of navigating careers in libraries, including how to keep growing when the path feels uncertain. This session offers a practical, hands-on career development opportunity shaped by community knowledge sharing and focused on building individual resilience.

Speakers

Xochil Arellano

Equity Diversity and Inclusion management for Poudre Libraries, Poudre Libraries

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

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Compassion Without Collapse: Boundaries for Library Staff Under Pressure

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Library staff are expected to provide exceptional service while navigating behavior that can be demanding, inappropriate, or emotionally charged. This interactive session introduces a trauma-informed approach to asserting compassionate boundaries, helping participants stay kind, clear, and courageous under pressure. Rooted in neuroscience and informed by real-world library scenarios, participants will explore how nervous system activation influences communication, why boundary testing occurs, and how to respond with grounded clarity rather than reactivity. This session empowers librarians to recognize early warning signs, and learn practical strategies for responding in ways that protect staff well-being while maintaining welcoming, inclusive spaces.

Speakers

Ariana Friedlander

Ariana Friedlander brings over two decades of experience working alongside mission-driven leaders navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. As the founder of Rosabella Consulting, she designs and facilitates trauma-informed leadership and communication trainings, including programs specifically for library staff focused on boundary setting and patron interactions. She holds a certificate in the Neuroscience of Conversation® that she integrates into practical, real-world application. Her approach is grounded in the lived experiences of library professionals through extensive research, reflecting a deep understanding of the emotional labor required in public service and the nuanced skills needed to hold boundaries with both compassion and clarity. Library training participants have reported increased confidence in handling difficult interactions and greater clarity in how to uphold boundaries without escalating situations., Rosabella Consulting, LLC

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

From Data to Dialogue: Understanding Burnout, Coping, and Support in Library Settings

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

More than 800 library workers from across the country responded to a survey exploring the relationship between burnout and mental health practices. Follow up interviews with 50 library employees created a more robust and nuanced understanding of how library workers are faring in today’s complicated world. This presentation will share results from both the survey and interviews, exploring how work-place, patron, and personal burnout rates are influenced by personal coping strategies, including the value of employer-provided counseling (EAP), individual therapy, or other activities focused on stress reduction. This interactive session will also provide attendees with the opportunity for discussion and strategizing about how to address burnout vulnerabilities, such as compassion fatigue, secondary (or primary) trauma, and organizational friction, as well as interventions to reduce the impact of burnout when it happens.

Speakers

Annie Epperson

Academic librarian with more than 20 years of experience working in academia. Active researcher in assessment, belongingness, and space utilization., University of Northern Colorado

Jayne Blodgett

Academic librarian for more than 18 years with nearly 10 years as an administrator. Soon to graduate (Aug. 2026) from UNC with an MA in clinical mental health counseling., University of Northern Colorado

Kristin Kang

University of Northern Colorado

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

From Planning to Progress: The Communication-Centered Approach to Library Strategy

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

In today's rapidly evolving world, libraries face unprecedented challenges that demand thoughtful planning. Yet even the most brilliant strategies falter without effective communication—the true heart and soul of the strategic planning process.

Join us to explore how intentional, ongoing communication transforms strategic planning from a static document into a living framework that energizes staff and community stakeholders alike. By establishing two-way communication channels, developing accessible materials, leveraging local media outlets and embracing transparency, you can enhance community connection and, ultimately, the impact of your library's strategic initiatives.

Attendees will leave with scalable examples using a variety of media, and practical tools for weaving communication throughout the strategic planning lifecycle. This session is for anyone looking for concrete methods for disseminating information about the great work your library is doing.

Speakers

Chelsea Dodd Coleman

As a library strategist, Chelsea guides libraries through the strategic planning process while keeping communication front and center. She earned her B.A. in Communication from Seton Hall University (South Orange, N.J.) and Master's in Library and Information Science from Drexel University (Philadelphia)., Library Logic Consulting, LLC

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

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Good people are hard to find: Developing and retaining an effective workforce

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

This session explores today’s talent challenges facing government organizations, including workforce shortages, generational differences, and the high cost of turnover.

Speakers

Amanda Karger

Amanda Karger served Colorado’s state and local communities for over 17 years as a government finance leader in various roles from budget analyst to the Director of Finance and Operations providing accounting, budget, forecasting, compliance, grants management, procurement, and financial oversight services at the Colorado Department of Education – Charter School Institute, Colorado Department of Revenue, Jeffco Public Schools, and the City of Aurora., Plante Moran

Reed Smythe

Reed Smythe served as Accounting Supervisor for the City of Wheat Ridge, overseeing core financial operations including audit preparation, reconciliations, cash management, budgeting, capital assets, and two bond issuances. He prepared monthly internal financial statements, managed AP/AR, led implementations of multiple financial systems, and developed processes to ensure compliance with GASB 87 and 96., Plante Moran

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Trustee Track: A Survey of Colorado Laws Affecting Libraries and What's New for 2026

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Our libraries are governed by many laws and touched by many principles. They are subject to change by the culture, politics, legislatures, rulemaking, and court interpretations. This presentation will survey major topics that affect our libraries, including:

Efforts to use the First Amendment as a sword instead of a shield;
New Colorado laws and court cases impacting libraries;
Colorado Open Records Act (“CORA”) compliance under time constraints;
Taxation and finance changes that affect the bottom line, and much more!

Speakers

Kim J. Seter, Esq.

Attorneys specializing in the representation of libraries for a combined 55 years, Seter, Vander Wall & Mielke, P.C.

Elizabeth "Beth" Dauer, Esq.

Attorneys specializing in the representation of libraries for a combined 55 years, Seter, Vander Wall & Mielke, P.C.

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Trustee Track

12:15pm MDT

CAL Awards Lunch

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT

Meal

2:00pm MDT

Implementing a Bilingual Pay Model

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Bilingual staff help libraries create meaningful connections that foster a feeling of inclusion and belonging with populations that otherwise would be left out of our services.
Over many months, Anythink libraries developed a simple but intentional Bilingual Pay model that helps reward and retain staff who are bilingual in Spanish, without adding additional tasks to their workloads. We created a process, a procedure, and criteria for selecting a vendor for testing, as well as secured funding for this new benefit, so it is sustainable over time.
This presentation will explain the process of building a bilingual pay model that adapts to the size and needs of your library, as well as considerations and best practices discovered through the research of best practices in Colorado and other parts of the country.

Speakers

Paola Vilaxa

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

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Moving the goal posts or raising the bar? Deciding on the best objectives in Children’s Services

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Create proficient readers by third grade or nurture lifelong readers? Focus on high door counts or measure the effectiveness of programs? Buy decodable books recommended by schools or those craved by kids? Take books and programs out to the underserved families in the community or keep the community coming to the library building? Are these and other topics false dichotomies or the current reality of hard choices and balancing acts when working in children’s services in public libraries? Since Every Child Ready to Read (2000), children’s librarians have recognized the importance of using valid research to support programming and collection development decisions that will convince directors and best serve the families in their communities. But who has time to round up high-quality relevant research? We do! Join us for a lively and informative discussion of the compelling research behind these and other issues and gather points for making your case.

Speakers

Jim Erekson

Jim Erekson has been teaching language and literacy at the college level since 1989. His Ph.D. in learning and development (Michigan State, 2000) focused on language and literacy development. He has a wide K-12 background in both elementary and secondary schools, including research, teaching, and consultation. His professional work and publications focus on helping readers who don’t have a clear path forward, and interpreting children’s literature. He is currently Professor of Reading at University of Northern Colorado., Literacy Program, School of Teacher Education, University of Northern Colorado

Lu Benke

Lu Benke brings to her consultations, presentations, and research articles experiences from over 35 years as a children’s librarian (most recently at Poudre Libraries) as well as the best of recent research from her Master’s in Reading and PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is passionate about identifying and strengthening the connections between what libraries do and what research indicates creates lifelong readers. She currently consults through Linking Libraries and Literacy and presents and writes locally and nationally on topics such as current trends in the teaching of reading, the role of motivation in literacy, creative outreach, and the history of children’s librarianship. In addition, Lu is active on three Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) groups—Legislative Committee, Intellectual Freedom, and Children and Teen Services., Linking Libraries and Literacy

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Presence & Purpose: The Essential Elements of Confident Leadership

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Transform your leadership approach by discovering the powerful intersection of personal strengths, authentic purpose and confident presence. Through interactive exercises and reflective practices, you'll identify your unique strengths and learn practical strategies to leverage them in real-world management situations. You'll craft a personalized purpose statement that serves as your leadership compass, ensuring your actions align with your values.
Whether you're stepping into your first management role or seeking to elevate your current effectiveness, this program equips you with the self-awareness and tools needed to lead with authenticity and conviction. Participants leave with actionable insights, a clear sense of direction, and renewed confidence to navigate the complexities of supervisory positions. Join us to unlock your leadership potential and create meaningful impact in your library.

Speakers

Chelsea Dodd Coleman

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Snacktivities and Beyond: Addressing Food Insecurity with Young Library Patrons

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

In 2019, Arapahoe Libraries created a "Snacktivities" program to help address the need for Food Justice in our community in a fun and engaging way. The program was revived post-covid in 2022 and grew rapidly with our growing neighborhoods and their shifting needs. In 2024, the program grew from two branches to district-wide, now serving seven diverse communities in Arapahoe County.
We soon realized that this program, as it was created, was struggling to meet the changing needs of our young patrons. As third spaces for young people become less common, we frequently see young independent patrons in our libraries for hours at a time. During school breaks, these young patrons are often in our spaces for up to 8-10 hours per day, some with a few dollars for food or a small bag of snacks. They may depend on the vending machine for food. Some of our libraries are in food deserts; With the exception of a weekly food pantry and a summer program designed to support families who are reliant on school lunches, there is no walkable access to fresh and healthy food. We made observations and gathered feedback from our young patrons. Based on the information we received, we revamped our in-branch programming model to better serve food insecurity needs through community connections and varied in-house programing, both based around teaching food skills to patrons and supplying them with healthier, more substantial food options.

Speakers

Mariann Gentile

As branch Youth Reference Librarians, we are the branch level staff that have the most day-to-day interactions with our patrons to directly observe these needs. We are in these positions at two of the ALD branches that see the highest food insecurity needs from our surrounding communities. Mariann has a background in Social Work and has worked extensively both in and out of library settings with diverse populations of young people, including through Head Start and After School Programs. June worked with young people experiencing homelessness (and food insecurity) for many years before working at a library. She has previously presented at the Colorado State Library on trauma informed best practices for working with kids and teens in libraries., Arapahoe Library District

June McGinn

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

The AI-Powered School Librarian

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Between managing collections, supporting literacy, and teaching digital citizenship, a school librarian’s to-do list is often a mile long. What if you had a tireless administrative assistant ready to draft your newsletters, analyze your circulation data, and curate personalized professional development in seconds?
Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on workshop designed to transform AI from a buzzword into your most valuable administrative partner. We’ll move beyond the basics to explore how AI can streamline the work of school library management. Whether you are a total beginner or an AI enthusiast, you’ll leave this session with a toolkit of practical prompts and workflows to reclaim your time and elevate your professional impact.
During this session, we will:

Automate the Mundane: Learn to use AI for drafting policy documents, grant applications, and engaging newsletters.
Curate Bespoke PD: Discover how to build a personalized professional development plan tailored to your specific goals.
Analyze with Ease: Explore how to use AI to find patterns in library usage and collection gaps.
Collaborate Live: Participate in real-time where we tackle common hurdles together using various AI platforms.

Participants will need a laptop or tablet. This session is designed for experimentation and interactive exploration.

Speakers

Sheena Kelly

I have been a librarian for 15 years, primarily in K-12 library settings. I have presented on this specific topic seven times in a variety of conference settings since 2024., Thompson School District

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Thursday Thought Talks

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Thought Talks are 15-20 minute mini-sessions within a session!

1. Numbers (Help!) Tell Our Library Story:
This session will focus on statewide, multiyear trends in public library services, collections, finances, staffing, and more. Highlights from the latest data from the 2025 Public Library Annual Survey as well as national trends will tell the story of Colorado’s public libraries. The presenters will demonstrate free tools available from the Library Research Service that attendees can use to tell their own library’s stories.
2. Supporting All Students: Considerations & Challenges in Implementing Academic Library Support for Campus Prison Education Program:
Regis University librarians are in the process of implementing library support for the school’s prison education program. Regis’ Prison Education Program (RPEP) serves students at the Limon Correctional Facility. University prison education programs vary drastically across the country and within Colorado and require various specialized services. Providing library services and information literacy education to this population presents additional challenges.
3. EPA Region 8 Community Library Program - Providing Resources, Making Connections:
The Healthy Schools Team in the Denver office of the USEPA recently launched a new program to work with community libraries in several states including Colorado. We are excited to connect with Colorado libraries to share more about the Community Library Program and invite new libraries to participate. The goal of the Community Library Program is to provide environmental outreach and education and increase community engagement.

Speakers

Kim Bartels

Children's Environmental Health and Healthy Schools Coordinator, USEPA Region 8

Charissa Brammer

Multiple years of experience working in survey design, implementation, and data analysis., Colorado State Library

Dana Petersen

Multiple years of experience working in survey design, implementation, and data analysis., Colorado State Library

Amanda Davidson

Amanda is a Research & Instruction Librarian at Regis University. She has worked in academic libraries for over three years and has an MLIS from San Jose State University. Amanda is the subject liaison for Communications, Counseling, Education, and Psychology and is currently the lead librarian for the Regis University Prison Education Program., Regis University

Ashley Meisenheimer

Ashley Meisenheimer, MA, MLIS currently serves as a Research and Instruction librarian at Regis University. Her previous positions have seen her in both private business, as well as industry, and she has worked with varied populations across her career. Her specialties are History, Politics and Medicine., Regis University

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Trustee Track: How to Build and Grow a Great Fundraising Foundation

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

A strong board does more than govern well. It also helps advance fundraising in visible and meaningful ways. Kitty L. deKieffer and Chris Barge will focus on the board’s role in fundraising success, from setting expectations and building a culture of philanthropy to opening doors, strengthening donor relationships, and supporting major gifts. Participants will leave with practical ideas for how board members and staff can work together to raise more money and build lasting support for their library.

Speakers

Kitty L. deKieffer

Boulder Library Foundation

Chris Barge

CEO, Boulder Library Foundation

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Trustee Track

3:00pm MDT

Exhibit Hall Dessert Reception

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT

Vendor/Exhibit Hall

4:00pm MDT

Bringing Resilience To Light: Working With Communities Through Oral Histories

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Engaging with communities through oral history interviews enables librarian archivists to work towards amplifying voices traditionally excluded from historical records. Marginalized groups such as people of color, women, immigrants, differently abled, and LGBTQ represent a significant percentage of the population that has been severely underrepresented in archives.

This presentation covers the steps recommended to conduct oral histories and how to establish trust with community members. The mutual benefits and challenges of collaborative projects such as oral histories, committees, and donations will be discussed. Documenting cultural heritage and unique experiences with diverse communities on their terms provides a more inclusive archival record and creates opportunities to help empower these communities.

Speakers

Maria Smyer

Several years of experience working with diverse communities., Colorado State University Pueblo

Charlene Garcia Simms

Several years of experience working with diverse communities., Colorado State University Pueblo

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

Connection by Design: Library Programming to Fight Loneliness and Strengthen Communities

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

This session explores the role public libraries play in addressing the growing public health concerns of loneliness and social isolation–and how cross-sector partnerships with local public health professionals can support this work.

We will discuss the Clearview Library District’s intentional approach to designing low-barrier adult programs that foster meaningful connection and community engagement, and offer practical ideas libraries can use to incorporate this into their own programming. The session will highlight lessons learned from a variety of small and large-scale programs, including a community event centered around a screening of the documentary Join or Die. This event incorporated a Join Fair designed to connect adults with local clubs, organizations, and other opportunities to strengthen their social networks.

Participants will leave with strategies for positioning their library as a convener–bringing people and organizations together to address the loneliness epidemic and strengthen their communities.

Speakers

Rebecca Robbins

Rebecca Robbins (Adult Services Assistant) designs adult programs for the Clearview Library District aligned with the District’s mission and strategic goals., Clearview Library District

Courtney Harris

Courtney Harris (Adult Services Supervising Librarian) designs adult programs for the Clearview Library District aligned with the District’s mission and strategic goals., Clearview Library District

Cody Speece

Cody Speece is a Health Education Specialist focusing on Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment’s Acts of Connection initiative–a county-wide campaign combating loneliness and social isolation., Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

From Idea to Impact: First Steps to Transforming Your Library

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Libraries evolve with their communities. Whether you’re expanding, renovating, refreshing, or building a new facility, knowing where to begin can be the biggest challenge. This session will guide librarians, staff, and trustees through the essential first steps. It starts with community engagement: listening to residents, understanding what they need, and building the case for investment. From there, we’ll explore facility planning, including phasing projects, maintaining operations during construction, and using case studies and analysis to support decision-making. Finally, we’ll discuss funding pathways, from mill levies and library districts to municipal budgets, bonds, and private funding. Attendees will leave with a clearer roadmap for turning community needs into actionable plans, and the financial support needed to make their next library project possible.

Speakers

Rob Cullin

Rob brings over 20 years of experience working with libraries nationwide and internationally. As co-founder of ReThinking Libraries (RTL) and a former leader at Kimberly Bolan & Associates (KBA), he has supported thousands of libraries and visited more than 1,000 facilities. His work focuses on strategic planning, facility planning, and community engagement. Rob’s expertise includes library space programming and design, demographic and usage data analysis, technology planning, and organizational assessment, helping libraries translate community insights into practical, data-informed decisions., ReThinking Libraries

Wells Squier

Wells has more than 29 years of professional experience working with public sector clients, and has a proven record of success with library projects in Colorado. He is known for his gracious demeanor and collaborative approach, successfully bringing clients, communities, and design teams together to create legacy projects., Anderson Hallas Architects

Rebecca Silva

Rebecca brings hands-on experience managing library projects from concept through completion, each grounded in robust community engagement. Her work is driven by a passion for holistic, context-sensitive design that connects people, place, and purpose, ensuring library spaces reflect and support the communities they serve. She also brings expertise in evaluating and implementing sustainable design strategies, helping libraries create efficient, resilient, and future-ready facilities., Anderson Hallas Architects

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

Making All The Right Moves: Circulating Board Games In Your Library

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

The Bemis Public Library has recently launched its circulating board game collection with massive success! Learn from the staff responsible for its inception about the process of pitching a new collection to internal stakeholders and coming up with best practices for containing and displaying games. We’ll touch on our experience seeking grants and creating relationships with local game stores and national publishers and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the technical side of building catalog resources and customizing MARC records. Samples of the games from the collection will be available to explore, and we’ll practice the art of offering good game suggestions.

Speakers

Emma Lea Embry

Head of Gaming Interest Group and recently launched circulating board game collection, Bemis Public Library

Mary Miller

Member of Gaming Interest Group and recently launched circulating board game collection, Bemis Public Library

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

Strategic Planning Reimagined - AI and Gamification in Public Libraries

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Public libraries are rethinking strategic planning—and this session offers a blueprint for doing so with innovation, equity, and engagement. Learn how one library district replaced traditional consulting with AI-assisted tools to analyze trends, community input, and internal metrics. Discover how gamification was used to anonymize data and foster objective, inclusive planning during a full-day retreat with staff and stakeholders. Participants were assigned fictionalized branches based on real libraries, allowing them to assess community needs and generate strategic objectives without bias. This approach democratized planning, elevated diverse perspectives, and aligned decisions with data rather than emotion. Attendees will leave with replicable strategies for integrating AI into planning workflows, designing engaging retreats, and using anonymized data to reduce bias. A panel of library leaders will share insights, lessons learned, and future possibilities for AI in public library strategy.

Speakers

Amy Nelson

I have over 20 years of experience in public libraries and have been in leadership for over a decade. As the Associate Director, I led the strategic planning project our library conducted last year with our Executive Director of Library Foundation and Strategic Initiatives and we plan to present this session together. We both work extensively with data and community engagement, as well as planning and administration for our library district. We are both on the task force for AI implementation at PCCLD we and have completed extensive professional development in AI to support responsible AI governance and application in in public libraries., Pueblo City-County Library District

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

True Crime Book Clubs: Making it Ethical without Censorship

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

This presentation examines how true crime book clubs can remain engaging while upholding ethical responsibility—without resorting to censorship. As true crime continues to dominate popular culture, librarians and facilitators face unique challenges in selecting materials that respect victims, survivors, and community boundaries. Drawing on real-world book club practices and well-known true crime titles, this session examines how to establish patron-defined content boundaries, evaluate authorship and sourcing, and distinguish ethical decision-making from censorship. Attendees will gain practical strategies for fostering thoughtful, inclusive discussions through intentional question design and critical reading practices. The presentation also highlights the real-world consequences of unethical true crime consumption and emphasizes the importance of empathy, consent, and accountability. Designed for peers and professionals, this session encourages a more reflective approach to true crime that centers humanity over sensationalism

Speakers

Stephanie Mead

I started my first book club in 2023, I ran this for 5 month before I transferred to a different branch. After my transfer I started another True Crime Book Club that has been running since 4/24 and has been getting 14-20 patrons a month., High Plains Library District

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

Turning Your Teens Into Library Leaders

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Libraries need advocates more than ever, and your teens are the next generation of leaders. The Teen Advocacy Toolkit is a programming guide for librarians, educators, or anyone who works with teens. It provides detailed and scalable program ideas on topics like the importance of libraries, finding your role in your community, media literacy, and advocacy skills.

In this session, participants will learn about the creation of the toolkit, review lessons and activities, receive tips on engaging teens, and outreach ideas. Participants will receive one printed activity from the toolkit and the QR to download a PDF version.

Speakers

Emma Eriksson

Manager of Youth Civic Engagement & Expression, Brooklyn Library

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

4:00pm MDT

Trustee Track: On the Path to the Ballot: Preparing Your Community for a Successful Library Funding Measure

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Library ballot measures rarely succeed when they are introduced as a last-minute measure. The real work happens years before Election Day. Long before a question is filed with the clerk of elections, libraries must build trust, engage partners, test community attitudes, and communicate transparently about their plans.
This session explores the strategic path libraries can follow in the five years leading up to a ballot measure, including how to understand voter attitudes, identify community partners, build coalitions, and develop values-based messaging that resonates with both library users and non-users. Drawing on research about voter perceptions of libraries and real-world election experience, the session outlines practical steps for engaging stakeholders, surfacing potential opposition early, and coordinating with Friends groups and foundations while remaining compliant with legal and ethical requirements.
Participants will leave with a clear framework for engaged planning, community consultation, and informational communication campaigns that position their library for a successful ballot measure when the time comes. This program is designed for library directors, trustees, Friends groups, and library leaders who may someday consider a bond or tax measure and want to begin building the community relationships and strategic groundwork necessary for success.

Speakers

John Chrastka

Executive Director, EveryLibrary

I am the executive director of EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries. I am open to chat about ballot measures, local political issues, and ways to improve relationships with local elected officials and stakeholders. All of our work is pro-bono and for... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Trustee Track

5:30pm MDT

CALCON After Hours Social Event

Thursday September 10, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm MDT

Martin Luther King Jr Aurora Public Library Branch

Join us at the newly renovated Martin Luther King Jr branch of the Aurora Public Library from 5:30-7pm for food, games, tours, and more. The branch is just a ten-minute drive west on Colfax from the Hyatt Regency. Questions? Email Jenny Rodger at [email protected].

Thursday September 10, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm MDT
Martin Luther King Jr Aurora Public Library Branch 9898 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010

Special

CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

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