CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities: Full Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

2:00pm MDT

Personal Identity and Librarianship

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

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

For many public librarians, the profession becomes a part of their personal identity. This facilitated conversation explores how librarianship shapes how we see ourselves, relate to others, and find meaning and value in our work, while also considering how to build a healthy and sustainable relationship with the profession.

Speakers

Anne Kemmerling

Library Strategist

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

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

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

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 →