CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities: Full Schedule

10:45am MDT

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

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

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

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

Speakers

Kim J. Seter, Esq.

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

Elizabeth "Beth" Dauer, Esq.

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

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

Trustee Track

2:00pm MDT

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

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

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

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

Speakers

Kitty L. deKieffer

Boulder Library Foundation

Chris Barge

CEO, Boulder Library Foundation

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

Trustee Track

4:00pm MDT

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

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

Digital Defender Breakout Room 5

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

Speakers

John Chrastka

Executive Director, EveryLibrary

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

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

Trustee Track

CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

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CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

10:45am MDT

Kim J. Seter, Esq.

Elizabeth "Beth" Dauer, Esq.

2:00pm MDT

Kitty L. deKieffer

Chris Barge

4:00pm MDT

John Chrastka

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