This presentation will explore how screen printing has been used as an accessible, creative tool to connect people, amplify voices, and strengthen community relationships at PCCLD. Screen printing works as a shared, hands-on experience that supports collaboration, conversation, and participation across different groups. We will share examples of how screen printing has been integrated into library outreach with schools and nonprofits, as well as tailored programming for specific library user groups such as book clubs, movement and wellness classes, and makers. We will also discuss how screen printing supports broader community engagement through holiday celebrations, local events, and cultural sharing—resulting in tangible items like patches, tote bags, and shirts that reflect collective identity and pride. This will include a brief overview of how reusable screens can be created using easily accessed, low-cost materials, demonstrating how this type of programming will be achievable even for libraries with limited budgets. There will be a collaborative idea portion where attendees will brainstorm new ways to use screen printing and identify new groups to reach. The presentation will conclude with hands-on screen printing of patches. Attendees will leave with practical examples, inspiration for using upcycled materials, collaborative design to foster inclusive, meaningful connections, and screen print patches that can be used to assist in getting buy in. Collaborative screen printing will continue to be a flexible and impactful way for our library to build community—one print at a time.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Certified Coach and Facilitator. Certified in many emotional intelligence modalities. 25+ years working with youth and youth organizations., The Flourish Lab
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!
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.
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.
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 →
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.
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
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
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.
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
At this point, you know about Dungeons & Dragons. But what else is out there?
We’ll discuss the diverse range of roleplaying games (RPGs) currently being published and strategies for connecting library patrons to their next favorite game, whether it’s at a library program or with their own playgroup. Similar to traditional reader’s advisory, we’ll discuss factors like genre, tone, familiarity-level and more, as well as challenges to connecting people with games they might love.
This panel presentation will include perspectives on purchasing, reader’s advisory interactions, and programming, for libraries serving varied communities. You’ll walk out with a deeper appreciation for how RPGs in libraries can help grow resiliency and belonging for patrons, and a wider view of what’s available – and you’ll roll a few dice along the way.
I have been running role playing games as a teen guide at Anythink for the past three years. When I'm not gaming, I am writing and collecting zines, tinkering with retro games and cameras, and conducting Unwise Microwave Experiments
