CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities: Full Schedule

10:45am MDT

A Herd of Unicorns: Colorado Public Library Standards & You

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

If you've seen one Colorado public library, you've seen one Colorado public library. Colorado Library Law requires the state librarian develop standards to serve as models for achieving a consistent quality of library offerings across the state. Standards can be used for a variety of purposes for staff and community leaders. Come dive deeper into the landscape of Colorado public libraries and consider the application of CO standards in your work and as a tool. (This is a replication of last year's session and submitted for 2026 based upon request from public library world.)

Speakers

Office of Library Development, Colorado State Library

AI Trainers through SLAAIT and AI Awareness Project, Colorado State Library

Kieran Hixon

Public Library Standard developer, Colorado State Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Elevator to Auditorium: Crafting Your Library's Message in 5, 15, and 30 Minutes

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

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

In an era of rapid change, building Courageous Libraries and Resilient Communities begins with a single, clear voice. Advocacy isn't just a task—it’s the heartbeat of modern librarianship. Join members of the CAL Legislative Committee for this high-energy, 60-minute interactive workshop designed to transform you into a confident champion for your community.
Participants will utilize proven frameworks to tackle advocacy one battle at a time. We will guide you through three scalable templates—the 5-minute grocery store run-in, the 15-minute legislative brief, and the 30-minute deep dive—incorporating quantitative data and powerful personal anecdotes. You’ll identify your target audience, hone a specific issue, and practice your pitch in a supportive "give-and-take" environment. Together, let's turn your library’s mission into a movement.

Speakers

Greg Wilson

I did my MA in history while working full-time in a pharmacy, did my MLIS while working part time for an R1, and started at Adams State University in Dec 2022. Since then, I have published a few papers and started my doctoral program. I am a professional nerd., Adams State University

Michelle White

Michelle White is a career librarian with 29 years of experience spanning a diverse range of library and leadership roles. Currently serving as a District Elementary School Librarian in the Weld RE-4 School District, Michelle’s extensive background includes work as a school librarian, public library children’s librarian, college reference librarian, instructional technology teacher, and administrator at both the school and district levels. She holds a Master’s in Library Science from Florida State University, a foundation that supports her career-long belief that libraries are essential hubs for curiosity, learning, connection, and free expression. Outside of her professional life, Michelle is a proud Florida State alumna who has been married to her high school sweetheart for over three decades. With her two children now "grown and flown" and living their best lives, she fills her time enjoying the Colorado outdoors, getting lost in a good book, and hosting lively evenings in a kitchen full of friends, family, Weld RE-4 School District

Danielle Cowles

Danielle Cowles is the Digital Resources Librarian for Pueblo City-County Library District. Danielle received her MLS fr, Pueblo City-County Library District

Mathangi Subramanian

Dr. Mathangi Subramanian is a neurodiverse South Asian American writer, educator, and policy maker who uses she/they pronouns. Her books have been longlisted for the PEN/Faulkner, shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award, and won the South Asia Book Award. She currently serves as the Director of Early Childhood at the Colorado Children's Campaign, as well as a Denver Public Library Commissioner. She lives in Denver with her child, a gerbil, and way too many picture books., Colorado Children's Campaign

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Empowering Teens through Meaningful Service

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

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

How do you build a teen volunteer program that truly serves teens, and also adds value to your library? In this session, two colleagues from a mid-sized suburban library share how they manage teen volunteers across departments, with a shared commitment to making opportunities meaningful, skill-building, and teen-centered. We'll walk through specific opportunities, logistics, and the philosophy behind centering teen volunteers' needs. Bring your questions and your own stories to share. This program was originally presented as a webinar through Colorado State Library’s Talking Teen Services series in March 2025.

Speakers

Jessica Schwartz

Lindsay Huth has spent 20 years in public libraries with a focus on early childhood services, and currently coordinates teen volunteers in the Children’s Department at Louisville Public Library. Jessica Schwartz has 15 years of experience in teen services and has been developing and managing teen volunteer programs throughout her career. Both presenters work collaboratively at the same library, giving them firsthand experience building a cross-departmental volunteer program with a shared philosophy. Together, the presenters bring nearly 35 years of combined public library experience, with deep specialization in youth services. They presented on this topic together for CSL’s Talking Teen Services webinar series last year, and Jessica recently presented on this topic for the Infopeople course “Teen Services Fundamentals.”, Louisville Public Library

Lindsay Huth

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

Keep Them Coming Back with Sequential Passive Programs

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

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

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

10:45am MDT

Library Escape Rooms for All Ages

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

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

I will walk attendees through running an escape room program through the library including topics on the benefits (and drawbacks), puzzle creation, supplies to stock your escape room kit, elements to increase immersion, and how to design puzzle elements for different age groups.

Some hands-on examples of DIY puzzle pieces would be available.

Speakers

David Sharp

I have run regular escape room programs for over five years. We currently host three a year, including a Junior Escape Room for younger participants., High Plains Library District

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Breakout Session

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

10:45am MDT

Turning Outward: Using the Harwood Approach to produce greater relevance, significance, and impact

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

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Being "turned outward" is a mindset that uses community voices as a reference point to create meaningful change. Using this framework and tools developed by the Harwood Institute has led to intentional choices and actions that have strengthened connections and sparked actions to build civic culture. This session will share how this approach has been used in several public library settings and give participants a chance to practice one of the basic tools to gather community aspirations.

Speakers

Currie Meyer

Library Branch Manager, attended multiple Harwood Institute Labs and used tools over past 8 years, Poudre River Public Library District

Diane Lapierre

Executive Director of Library and 20+ years doing community engagement work, Poudre River Public Library District

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

You Can’t Pour From Empty (But You Still Have To Show Up)

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

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Working in libraries means holding a lot. You're supporting patrons with diverse needs, managing competing demands, navigating interruptions, and showing up with patience and care, even when the day feels overwhelming.

In this interactive session, participants will explore what overwhelm actually is, how it shows up in the body and mind, and why it can be so hard to stay grounded in high-demand moments. Rather than pushing through or shutting down, we’ll focus on practical ways to notice overwhelm earlier and respond with intention.

Through reflection and simple, in-the-moment strategies, participants will build awareness of their personal stress signals and learn how to reset without stepping away from their responsibilities. Because in environments where everything is happening at once, the ability to steady yourself isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

Speakers

Amy Brady

Certified Coach and Facilitator. Certified in many emotional intelligence modalities. 25+ years working with youth and youth organizations., The Flourish Lab

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Breakout Session

1:45pm MDT

Budget Development and Forecasting

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

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

This session provides a practical overview of budget development and financial forecasting for local governments, including forecasting techniques, managing uncertainty, and using financial projections to support informed decision-making, long term planning, and fiscal sustainability.

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

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

1:45pm MDT

Creative Cardboard

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

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

A playful look at how one library has seen great success with creative cardboard-based programs for youth. Cardboard is everywhere, so learn how to encourage skill building and quality play using the recycling bin and some imagination. Get hands-on time with our favorite cardboard tools and take away some great ideas for programs for toddlers to teens with our tips for success.

Speakers

Nick Anderson

Programming for children and teens with experience at an art museum and a public library. Nearly four years in Youth Services at Bemis Public Library focusing on creative programming and artistic displays. ., Bemis Public Library

Sheena Shakely

Enthusiasm for building fun things with cardboard, experience with carboard tools and programming. Seven years at Bemis Public library with six in Youth Services. MLS Librarian., Bemis Public Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

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

1:45pm MDT

Going to the Voters for Funding: How the Basalt Regional Library District Achieved Voter Approval in 2025

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

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Join us for an insightful discussion on the best practices and strategies for a library district to secure voter approval
for a funding ballot measure. Drawing on years of ballot measure survey experience and using the Basalt Regional Library as an example, we will share proven approaches and practical tips. Learn how the Basalt Region Library effectively used opinion research and campaign consulting services to craft a compelling campaign that resonated with voters. This session is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to run a successful
funding ballot measure campaign for your library district or department. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and improve your chances of securing the funding your library's needs.

Speakers

Amy Shipley

My library board members and I planned and successfully passed a funding ballot measure for our library distrct., Basalt Regional Library

David Flaherty

Our firm managed a voter opinion ballot measure survey for the library district. The survey results and findings determined the community engagement and ballot measure messaging strategy., Magellan Strategies

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

1:45pm MDT

How To Not Always Run the Show: Library Person-In-Charge Training

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

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Do you or other leaders at your library feel like you are always on call to handle every emergency or crisis? From handling staff callouts to plumbing emergencies to problem patrons, this presentation will help you recognize the importance of training future leaders in your library to have a full rotation of Library Persons-In-Charge (PICs). We will discuss main PIC expectations, PIC vs Supervisor responsibilities, the training process, and much more. By the end, you will have scalable training using adult learning principles and instructional design that will empower your staff and improve your organizational effectiveness. The PIC training template includes examples of a half-day in-person course, two weeks of shadowing, 50 hours of primary responsibility, and a meeting schedule for regular check-ins.

Speakers

Carrie Watson

Library Operations Manager, successfully created a training plan that involves over 70 training hours, has implemented with staff 12 times., Englewood Public Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

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

1:45pm MDT

Power of the People: Seeking and leveraging long-term staff insights for organizational effectiveness

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

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Through years of service, staff turnover, technological impacts, leadership changes, economic shifts, and other notable events, long term staff accumulate insights and ideas that can benefit organizations. Learn about ways to identify an insightful group of staff, create surveys, organize focus groups, and synthesize and present relevant information to key stakeholders. Garfield County Public Library District used these strategies to collect information and integrate long term staff insights for strategic planning, during a leadership change, and to increase the library trustees' understanding of how to support staff longevity.

Speakers

Kim Owens

Head of Human Resources. Focused on staff retention and growth. Headed up this project, including identifying staff to solicit feedback, developing and deploying surveys and focus groups, and presenting the information to key stakeholders., Garfield County Public Libraries District

Abraham Korah

Hands on experience in completing this project, including identifying staff to solicit feedback, developing and deploying surveys and focus groups, and presenting the information to key stakeholders., Garfield County Public Libraries District

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

1:45pm MDT

Who C.A.R.E.S.? Teaching and Assessing Excellent Customer Service in the Public Library

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

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Join us to learn about the C.A.R.E.S. framework of customer service, how it can be taught to up-skill staff, and how these skills can be assessed by a supervisor. C.A.R.E.S. stands for communication, accountability, response, empathy, and solution - the key ingredients in patron satisfaction.

Speakers

Elizabeth Bush

Co-developed the MCL Customer Service training in the C.A.R.E.S. framework with Andy (speaker no. 1 above), oversee a team of professional librarians and other staff and assess customer service skill., Mesa County Libraries

Andy Hamilton

I currently train and assess customer service for 20 employees at the Mesa County Libraries. Elizabeth (speaker 2) and I present training to all new staff in the C.A.R.E.S. framework of customer service., Mesa County Libraries

Wednesday September 9, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

All I really need to know, I didn't learn in library school

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

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Library school teaches you cataloging, collection development, and information theory - many very useful things! It does not teach you how to manage a legacy employee who has outlasted four directors, navigate a board member with a personal agenda, or get glass out of carpet after a vandalism incident at 2 a.m. This session covers the practical realities of library leadership and administration that live between the textbook chapters — supervision, emergency response, political reporting relationships, budgeting, and more. Drawing on real experiences from the field (some instructive, some chaotic, all true), this session invites participants to share their own hard-won wisdom and leave with practical frameworks they can actually use on Monday morning.

Come for the stories. Leave with the survival guide that no school hands you at graduation.

Speakers

Brena Smith

I am the director and I have 25 years experience as a librarian., Lake County Public Library

Kieran Hixon

Public Library Standard developer, Colorado State Library

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Once Upon a Time in the Library: How Film and TV Portray Libraries

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

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Libraries appear frequently in film and television, often serving as symbols of knowledge, authority, and community. Using a series of short, curated clips, this session moves from familiar, traditional depictions of libraries and librarians in popular media to more expansive and contemporary portrayals found in lesser-known films and documentaries.
Attendees will be introduced to library-related media they may be unfamiliar with and encouraged to consider how these portrayals shape public expectations of what libraries are, what they do, and who they are for. The session also looks at how such examples may support advocacy, outreach, and instruction by offering shared reference points for broader library conversations.

Speakers

Jon Frederick

MLS from Emporia State University and minor in film production from the University of Colorado Denver, Colorado Library Consortium

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Programming for Therians: Building Belonging Through Subcultures

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

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Teens often find belonging through subcultures that adults may not immediately understand. Whether Therians, fandom communities, fans of music or any number of identity and affinity based groups, librarians who don't understand them are missing a great opportunity to connect with and build communities with them.

This session will introduce therianthropy and other current teen subcultures and explore why these identities resonate with teens. Participants will also gain practical tools and tips on how to figure out what subcultures you should be programming for as well as tips on how to run both large and small programs for these groups. We will also be looking at how to handle pushback from patrons and administration to ensure you're prepared for when you may encounter misunderstanding.

By looking at what we've been doing at Aurora Public Library, attendees will learn how to design welcoming spaces that affirm diverse identities while aligning with library values while helping every teen feel seen, safe, and at home in the library.

Speakers

Cody Robinson

Teen Services Librarian, Aurora Public Library

Cody (he/him) is the Teen Services Librarian at Central Library where he has been for 2.5 years. In addition to more traditional programming, he is passionate about making the library an inclusive and welcoming space for all the teens in Aurora regardless of their identity or bac... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

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

Alexa Bynum

7 years in public libraries working with ages 0-18. 3 years as a Librarian focused on ages 0-5., Arapahoe Library District

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Three Kinds of Conversations: Preparing Effective Legislative Advocacy for Libraries

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

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Library leaders are increasingly called on to speak with legislators about funding, policy, and the future of library services. But not every conversation with an elected official should be approached in the same way. This session introduces a practical framework for legislative advocacy built around three types of conversations: Affirmative, where advocates persuade someone who is likely persuadable; Corrective, where advocates address misunderstandings or opposition; and Confirmational, where advocates strengthen or deepen the support of an existing ally.
Participants will explore how elected officials tend to orient their decisions around the people they represent, the place they represent, or the platform they ran on, and how advocates can tailor testimony, meetings, and messaging accordingly. The session will offer a strategic lens for preparing testimony, planning legislative meetings, and communicating effectively about library initiatives.

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 →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

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

3:00pm MDT

You’re Not Always Your Best—Now What?

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

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

We all have two versions of ourselves that show up I our work and lives: one where we're at our best, and the one that shows up when we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or triggered.

In this interactive session, participants explore what shapes how they show up in the moments that matter most. Through reflection and real-life scenarios, we’ll unpack the internal and external factors that influence our reactions, build awareness of personal triggers, and examine the ripple effect our presence has on the people around us.

Rather than focusing on “fixing” behavior, this experience invites participants to take ownership of what they bring into each interaction. Together, we’ll explore how to move from automatic reaction to intentional response—especially in the hard moments.

This session is designed for anyone ready to deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their emotional intelligence, and recognize that personal growth is professional growth. Because how we show up doesn’t just impact us—it shapes the environment for everyone around us.

Speakers

Amy Brady

Certified Coach and Facilitator. Certified in many emotional intelligence modalities. 25+ years working with youth and youth organizations., The Flourish Lab

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Breakout Session

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

Reed Smythe

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

Breakout Session

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

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

8:45am MDT

Beyond the Buzzwords: People-First EDI That Builds Around Your Library's Heart

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion efforts within US organizations have faced a tumultuous landscape over recent years to which libraries are not immune. Our library recognizes that EDI initiatives are not about politics but rather about people. By evolving and expanding our EDI efforts, we prioritized best practices which make our organization more innovative, more responsive to our community, and better at cultivating employee satisfaction.

In the past two years, our EDI team implemented several new initiatives across our organization, which resulted in a 29% increase in employee engagement scores. We redesigned our staff training program and broadened the focus of our teams’ efforts, centering our organization's core mission and values. We sought innovative approaches that invited inclusion from all staff, leading to 88% voluntary staff participation in our new entry level EDI training class.

Do you need concrete ideas for incorporating EDI values that will work in your library? At this session you will learn:

How our mid-sized organization shifted from an academic-heavy training program to a practical application program and how this can work for your library, too.

Strategies to create inclusive trainings that connect EDI concepts to your organization’s core values.

Practices and trainings that foster learning, joy, staff connection and community building.

Innovative ways to include all levels of your organization in EDI practices.

Speakers

Xochil Arellano

Equity Diversity and Inclusion management for Poudre Libraries, Poudre Libraries

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

Can’t Touch This: Mastering Archival Processing in a Virtual Space

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

As technology advances, so does our ability to teach virtually, but how do you instruct a student to analyze a nineteenth-century collection in detail without the opportunity to physically handle the collection? After adapting an in-person archival experience, I will share how I delivered four virtual practicums with the use of an adapted in-person archival experience. These virtual practicums taught students to thoroughly process and write metadata for two archival collections. I will also discuss the iterative improvements made to my teaching methods to ensure students stayed academically challenged while receiving the necessary scaffolding for success. Attendees will walk away with a scalable framework for hosting virtual practicums that can be applied to various collection types and academic levels.

Speakers

Justin Easterday

Research and Instruction Librarian, CSU Pueblo

For the past two years, I have been a virtual practicum supervisor and have continually refined my instructional methods and style. My improvements were based on direct student feedback and on areas that clearly showed gaps during instruction.

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

Designing Together: Strategies for Building Stronger Programs and Partnerships

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Unlock one of the library’s keys to success and innovation: collaboration. Programming partnerships create an impact on every level, and we’ll share the strategies for you to build fruitful, lasting connections. Drawing on a combined 10+ years of experience, we’ll explore collaboration types, ranging from small-scale programs to larger events, and the specific processes that made them successful. Attendees will leave with the confidence and guidance to strengthen community ties, involve new partners, and transform their programming process. We’ll use real-world examples from our library, including how we adapted and learned from setbacks, to demonstrate how successful our programming was with the collective community and library partnerships.

Speakers

Katie Harness-Hemmer

Over four years of experience collaborating, fostering new partnerships, and leading 60+ programs while working at BPLD. I have focused mostly in my department Youth Services in which I have created programming for families, children and teens., Boulder Public Library District

Sophia Surage

Sophia has over 6 years of experience fostering and maintaining community partnerships as the Volunteer Services Manager at BPLD, and before that at CU Boulder's Volunteer Resource Center. Her experience covers planning the JLF Colorado festival, cultivating partnerships within the Boulder community, and solidifying relationships with volunteers., Boulder Public Library District

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

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

From Curiosity to Career: Building STEM Pathways Through Libraries

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

How can libraries spark curiosity, inspire future innovators, and connect families to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) possibilities? According to an article published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, informal STEM learning can lead to positive outcomes for students from historically marginalized communities. In response to opportunity gaps for students to participate in informal STEM enrichment programs, this session will equip you to incorporate STEM programs and events into your library’s offerings. You will learn how to bring together STEM leaders, educators, and families to showcase STEM’s relevance in everyday life while positioning libraries as key partners in fostering discovery and exploration. Participants will leave with strategies for hosting STEM-focused programs, building community partnerships, finding funding sources, and encouraging youth to see science, technology, engineering and mathematics as meaningful career pathways.

Speakers

Melissa Beavers

As an experienced manager, I have been working towards improving the success of one-on-ones both as a facilitator with my staff and as an attendee with my supervisor. I have read numerous books and articles on the topic and be using various techniques for many years with strong results., High Plains Library District

Alyssa Johnson

Alyssa is an Innovation Technician at HPLD and is an adjunct chemistry instructor at University of Northern Colorado, she has been making science accessible to people of all ages for more than a decade., High Plains Library District

Victor Sam

Victor is an engineer and a DEI administrator at Stantec who has been assisting STEM enrichment programs at schools, libraries, and recreation centers for over 15 years., Stantec

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Leadership: Zen and the Art of Librarianship

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Join our panel as we discuss our approaches to leadership, resilience, and joy. The program examines how the panel navigates the pressures of management, decision-making, and organizational change. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thoughtful discussion, the session highlights strategies for cultivating calm, clarity, and resilience while leading teams and serving communities. Participants are encouraged to rethink leadership not as a source of stress but as an opportunity for growth, balance, and meaningful connection. By embracing curiosity, patience, and self-awareness, librarians can develop leadership practices that support both personal well-being and stronger, more collaborative library environments.

Speakers

Allaina Wallace

Each presenter has several years of experience as a library director or equivalent. We represent several types of libraries, public, academic, federal, and special. We have each managed teams of various sizes through change – construction, restructuring, fiscal, etc., Denver Botanic Gardens, Helen Fowler Library

Amy Phillips

Robyn Lupa

Jack Maness

Michele Masias

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

Local Children’s Authors: A Vibrant Resource for your School and Public Library Communities

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

In this session participants will learn about the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). There are many ways our chapter can help Colorado librarians connect their patrons with books for young people by local authors and illustrators. Our Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMC) maintains an up-to-date list of authors and illustrators who enjoy giving presentations at both school and public libraries. In our session, librarians will also learn about new books by local authors that often feature characters drawn from our resilient and diverse Colorado communities. Finally, librarians can find out about upcoming author events of interest to their young patrons and writing conferences that can encourage their own personal creativity.

Speakers

Susan Wroble

Led and volunteered for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI (the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), Rocky Mountain Chapter Society of Children's Book Writers or Illustrators

Polly Holyoke

Volunteer and conference presenter for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

The Standards Advantage: A Framework for Strategic Planning and Library Success

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Step 1: Read Colorado Public Library Standards.
Step 2: ???.
Step 3: Library growth and success!
If your library’s director, leaders, and trustees are wondering about “Step 2”, learn how the Clearview Library District is using the Colorado Public Library Standards to drive library assessment, identify improvement opportunities, and shape our Operational and Strategic Plans. We’ve built a framework that we’d like to share and we've learned a lot along the way. This candid conversation will feature our successes, along with lessons learned, and we invite anyone with a passion for library leadership, growth, and development to join us.

Speakers

Jeromey Balderrama

As a Trustee for the Clearview Library District Board, I worked diligently with the standards to develop surveys for each standard. Following the survey dissemination, I collected, mined and curated the data, presenting it back to the Board of Trustees and staff., Clearview Library District

Erica Rose

comprehensive evaluation of our library district over the course of 18 months. As a new director, I often reached for the standards to help ground my decision making and direction. We are now relying on the results of our evaluation to as key aspects of our operational plan and upcoming strategic plan., Clearview Library District

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Breakout Session

8:45am MDT

“Mini-Programs: Finding Your Blank Spaces”

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

The secondary school library is more than a resource hub—it’s a space where connections are made, ideas are shared, and students find a sense of belonging. This session highlights how “mini programs” and the blank spaces in our schedule can transform you and your library program into a dynamic asset to your school community. From quick activities to thematic events, mini programs engage middle and high school students, encouraging literacy, social interaction, and academic exploration. Learn how to create and implement small, inclusive initiatives that foster relationships, celebrate diversity, and build a vibrant school community—all while requiring minimal time and resources.

Speakers

Erica Leu

I am a certified teacher librarian with a passion to collaboratively and creatively build literacy, technology and criti, Douglas County School District

Friday September 11, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

AI Framework: Questions, Ethics, Cybersecurity

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

Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly integrated in our workspace and our lives, library professionals must grapple with complex questions around use, ethics, legality, cybersecurity, and public trust. This session will include a brief overview of the AI landscape, and then we will then dive into discussion to wrestle with questions of ethics and application. By preparing librarians with education and skills-building, Americans will have the necessary expertise and awareness to direct our AI future.

Speakers

Office of Library Development, Colorado State Library

AI Trainers through SLAAIT and AI Awareness Project, Colorado State Library

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Dewey Decimator Breakout Room 6

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Beyond Listening: Expanding Library Services Through the Power of Music

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

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Is the extent of your library's musical offerings a wilting CD collection? Do you want to level up your storytimes, all while flexing your own creativity? This talk is for you! Find out what happens when we integrate music into library services, and how to expand and work to integrate more music into library offerings. Whether you are a seasoned musician, an intimidated first time storytime performer, or anywhere in between, this talk presented by musician and library programmer Asa Kennison will redefine the boundaries of what you thought possible of library services and the reach and magic of music.

Speakers

Asa Kennison

I have worked as a passionate public library employee for over five years, providing a dynamic range of library services to every possible age group in that time across both in-house and outreach settings. Alongside my career as a public library employee, I have been a lifelong independent musician. Guitar is my instrument of choice, although I love the piano, and I am also an audio engineer. Based on that musical background, I have integrated my passion for singing and songwriting into my work at the library. I've built and grown a unique music-based early literacy program titled 'Songs and Stories', which has become a highly popular program. Since building this program from its humble beginnings to a beloved community experience, I've begun to develop other ways to integrate music into library services. I want to encourage others to do the same, expanding patron access to music in many forms and facilitating more opportunities for community based connections., Clearview Library District

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

CUnique Stories: Community Connection Through Storytelling

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

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

How might libraries enact compassion and belonging through storytelling? Librarians at CU Boulder explored this question over the past several years and designed intentional events to better understand the possibilities. CUnique Stories was a storytelling event in celebration of our 2025-2026 campus One Read title. In an effort to center compassionate listening and community connection, the University Libraries offered a program inspired by the traditions of both Storycorps and the Human Library. Members from the campus community, Storytellers, shared their stories of finding fulfillment in their lives. Participating students, faculty, and staff, or Listeners, heard a wide range of life experiences and pathways towards finding one’s calling. Listeners and Storytellers engaged in dialogue, conversation, and exchange to strengthen community connections. During this presentation, we will share the values, processes, and materials used to design CUnique Stories and offer suggestions for how a similar program might be adapted for a variety of audiences and libraries. We will invite participants to briefly engage as Storytellers and Listeners, giving a taste of what it looks and feels like to authentically connect with others through compassionate listening. We will also share possibilities for assessment of programs like CUnique Stories.

Speakers

Cynthia Keller

Ample years of experience designing and facilitating engagement programming to promote connection, community, and belonging in academic libraries., University of Colorado Boulder

Amanda Rybin Koob

Ample years of experience designing and facilitating engagement programming to promote connection, community, and belonging in academic libraries., University of Colorado Boulder

Caroline Sinkinson

Ample years of experience designing and facilitating engagement programming to promote connection, community, and belonging in academic libraries., University of Colorado Boulder

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Library Safety in Uncertain Times

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

Query Queen Breakout Room 3

We believe safety is the foundation to building strong, collaborative, and equitable communities. Safety is important for all libraries-- not just big picture safety, such as emergency preparedness, but small, everyday safety issues like how your team responds to stress or how your patrons feel walking into your building. If people don’t feel safe, they will not access the library programs and services available to them. If your staff doesn’t feel safe, they won’t bring their best selves to the job. Safety is not just policy handbooks and training videos, it is an active and continuously renewing practice that needs to be taken seriously and consciously addressed. In this interactive session, we will utilize case studies from libraries we have worked with to highlight key safety pain points. With hands-on practice, we will teach strategies that directly address common library safety issues. In addition, we will provide a space for participants to talk about the safety issues that concern them and their communities. As trauma-informed, survivor-oriented facilitators, we will empower participants to reflect and analyze their individual and organizational safety needs.

Speakers

Krista Hanley

Krista Hanley is a public speaker, writer, and has over twelve years of experience teaching violence prevention and personal safety to people of all ages and abilities. She is a Credentialed Empowerment Self-Defense Professional through the International Association of ESD Professionals and earned her empowerment self-defense instructor certification in 2017. Krista’s work is grounded in an inclusive, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes practical skills, confidence, and informed choice. Her professional training includes first aid and AED, Colorado Mandatory Reporter certification, Mental Health First Aid, Community Emergency Response (CERT), Adaptive Sport Abuse Prevention (accredited by SafeSport in Colorado Springs), Trauma-Informed Instructor certification, ALERRT (Active Shooter) Civilian Response trainer certification, and nonviolent communication. In addition to her teaching work, Krista is a public speaker and published writer. She holds a Master’s degree from Western Colorado University and bri, We Are Safer Together LLC

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Query Queen Breakout Room 3

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Seeing and Serving Our Unseen Caregiving Youth

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

Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Caregiving youth are people under the age of 18 who provide care for family/kin who require support due to chronic illness, age-related decline, disability, or other medically-related conditions. In this deep dive, we will introduce participants to the special needs of caregiving youth in the state of Colorado, and engage in a co-creation of meaningful opportunities to support this population. The session will begin with an overview of the topic and an introduction to research on caregiving by young people in Colorado, contextualized against national and international trends and awareness. We will then explore the various supports and interventions currently operating elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally, and together, begin to create the ways that Colorado librarians can support this hidden population of caregivers.

Speakers

Kate Brunner

Kate Brunner is the Youth and Family Services Principal Consultant at the Colorado State Library. She works with youth services professionals across all Colorado public libraries to co-design innovative approaches to their work that help to more effectively provide library services for underserved adolescent populations like caregiving youth in their communities., Colorado State Library

Nadine Roberts Cornish

Nadine Roberts Cornish is the Executive Director of the CO Alliance for Caregiving Youth, a Certified Senior Advisor, Gerontologist, Author, National Speaker, and Chief Care Strategist with over eighteen years of experience in care management and consultation. Nadine’s unwavering dedication to caregivers extends to her recent founding of the non-profit organization, (CACY) Colorado Alliance for Caregiving Youth focusing on supporting caregiving youth and their families. Her expertise and passion make her a leading voice in the field of caregiving and advocacy., Colorado Alliance for Caregiving Youth

Dr. Elizabeth Olson

Dr. Elizabeth Olson is the Interim Director of the Institute for the Arts and Humanities and a Professor of Geography and the Environment in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is co-founder and co-director of the Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative, a national consortium of researchers and scholars in the U.S. Dr. Olson researches themes related to care, ethics, and young people, sometimes separately, sometimes in relation to each other. Her scholarship is produced in collaboration and through transformative partnerships with practitioners, artists, and other scholars, often co-developing methodological innovations to engage diverse communities., College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Archivist Prime Breakout Room 8

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Sometimes You Need a Moment: Searching for Stories of Hope and Joy in YA Literature

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

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Young adult literature has often been at the forefront of navigating social themes and issues, such as advocating for greater diversity in representation of characters, authors, and stories; normalizing discussions of mental health; and exploring the ways identity intersects with society. While these are important discussions for teens learning to live in and process the world, the result is a body of literature that can sometimes feel heavy – and sometimes, they need a moment of lightness. Join us for a session highlighting books of joy and hope written for teens, and discussion about why they matter.

Speakers

Catherine Boddie

Supervisor, Teen Services, Arapahoe Libraries

Catherine and Erica work with teen services at Arapahoe Libraries, Catherine as supervisor of Teen Services and Erica as a teen services librarian. As part of their work with ALD, they maintain a robust schedule of booktalking visits with local schools and also manage their district’s... Read More →

Erica Schimmel

Teen Services Librarian, Arapahoe Libraries

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Storytelling for Libraries

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

Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

In September 2025, Library Research Service began planning a new blog series: Colorful Colorado Libraries: Stories from our Centennial State. The past year has been full of library visits, fascinating conversations, story-crafting, and many lessons learned. This session will cover the process of telling different stories from all types of libraries big and small across Colorado. It will draw from both Kate McDowell’s book Critical Data Storytelling for Libraries: Crafting Ethical Narratives for Advocacy and Impact and the hands-on experience gained from months of collecting data and transforming it into stories. Not only is sharing library stories inspiring, informative, and fun, but it can be a critical way for us to communicate our purpose and the positive impacts that library services have on patrons.

Speakers

Sara Wicen

Over four years of experience working at Library Research Service (LRS), a degree in English and a professional writing certificate, and a year of planning and executing the Colorful Colorado Libraries blog series. This session will share lessons from this lived experience., Colorado State Library

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Tome Raider Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Sustainability in Action: Building Stronger Library Communities

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

Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Libraries are already doing important sustainability work, often without calling it that. From managing donated materials to improving building operations and partnering with local organizations, libraries play a key role in reducing waste and supporting resilient communities.
This panel brings together perspectives from library facilities, book reuse/recycling, statewide environmental programs, and community recycling initiatives. Moderated by David of Dream Books Co., panelists will share practical examples of how their organizations work with libraries to extend the life of materials, reduce waste, and create programs that benefit their communities.
The conversation will focus on practical approaches libraries can adapt, whether they are just starting sustainability efforts or expanding existing programs. Topics will include partnerships, funding opportunities, operational improvements, and strategies that help libraries reduce their environmental impact while strengthening community connections.
Attendees will leave with concrete ideas they can take back to their libraries, no matter their size or resources.

Speakers

Courtney Dixon

Courtney is the Partnerships Manager at Dream Books Co. and works directly with libraries and school districts to build programs around book reuse and recycling. She has helped expand partnerships that keep donated books in circulation while creating funding opportunities for libraries., Dream Books Co.

David Chung

David is the founder of Dream Books Co. and brings decades of experience in book reuse, resale, and recycling. Through building Dream Books from a small operation into a company that works with libraries and community organizations across the region, he brings expertise in creating systems that keep books in circulation and out of landfills, Dream Books Co.

Cameron Bowen

Cameron brings the perspective of a public library system working to incorporate sustainability into both operations and, Arapahoe Libraries

Lex Shannon

Lex Shannon, Public Education and Engagement Senior manager at Eco-Cycle. Eco-Cycle is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit recyclers dedicated to innovating, implementing, and advocating for waste reduction, recycling, composting and other zero waste solutions. Lex specializes in volunteer management and community engagement strategy. She has been lucky enough to live all over the United States working as a park ranger and teaching environmental education before landing in Colorado, and she's so excited to combine her passion for sustainability and relationship building in her current role with Eco-Cycle. Lex has a M.S. in Urban Resilience and Sustainability from the University of Colorado-Boulder Masters of the Environment (MENV) program and a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from the University of Arizona, Eco-Cycle, Inc.

Kathleen Hynes

Outreach & Technical Assistance Specialist, Colorado Circular Communities (C3)

Kathleen works for the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) program, which supports communities state-wide in advancing Colorado’s transition from a linear take-make-waste economy to a circular reuse-repair-remanufacture economy. With a background in consulting and market development... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Captain Catalog Breakout Room 7

Breakout Session

10:45am MDT

From Check-Ins to Breakthroughs: Rethinking One-on-Ones

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

Reference Ranger Breakout Room 2

Are you stuck in a routine when it comes to holding one-on-one meetings? Have you been eager to overhaul your approach to ensure both you and your employees get more value from these sessions? In this workshop, you will understand the pivotal role one-on-one meetings play in enabling supervisors to nurture growth, enhance retention, and boost overall performance. Uncover techniques for creating purposeful and staff-driven one-on-one interactions that transcend basic status updates or casual conversations. Whether you are a supervisor aiming to elevate team performance or an employee eager to make stronger connections with your manager and peers, you will discover how to level up your one-on-ones and leverage these meetings to achieve your objectives.

Speakers

Melissa Beavers

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

Breakout Session

CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

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