- Maryland Library Association

Prepared Libraries, Empowered Teams: Landing an All Hands on Deck Challenge-Ready Plan

Wednesday Morning Preconferences: 8:30am - 11:30am

Speakers

Val Edwards

Summary

This workshop will offer opportunities to reflect on the current realities of the intellectual freedom frontlines and consider opportunities to strengthen your organization’s preparedness for challenges. ($90, box lunch included)

Braver Angels - Debating Across Difference

Wednesday Morning Preconferences: 8:30am - 11:30am

Speakers

Jennifer Keohane
Mike Kiel

Summary

Civil discourse can play an important role in depolarizing our society, and libraries can provide a home for civil discourse. Join this hands-on workshop to learn about one structure for hosting a civil discourse event at your library: a Braver Angels debate. These debates provide an easy, adaptable structure for digging into an important topic in your community. They feature alternating speeches, questions, and an impartial debate chair. This session will cover what a Braver Angels debate is, how to select a good topic for one, and skills of a chair. Attendees will also participate in a Braver Angels debate. ($60, box lunch included)

Transforming Teen Services in Your Library

Wednesday Morning Preconferences: 8:30am - 11:30am

Speakers

Elizabeth Miller
Elizabeth Mayer

Summary

Are you looking to revitalize your Teen Services departments? Or maybe you know that the teens are there, but don’t know how to connect with them? In this highly participative session, library staff will have the opportunity to address current struggles, successes, and solutions with their peers and learn skills for creating an equitable and engaging foundation for Teen Services. Based in connected learning and principles of youth development, this training offers collaborative and actionable plans for staff to implement in their library programs and services right away. ($60, box lunch included)

Expanding Possibilities: A Selbyville Library Case Study and Tour

Wednesday Becker Morgan Group Tour

Speakers

Craig Williams - AIA, Senior Associate, Library Practice Area Director

Summary

Join Becker Morgan Group on a field trip to the Selbyville Public Library. We will highlight the capital improvement process from the feasibility study through construction, identifying key metrics and considerations when planning for the future of your library. In addition to the design process, we will discuss design principals and important recent trends in the library space. These items include specialty programming areas, increased flexibility, daylighting, security, staff efficiencies, and public vs private spaces within a library. The bus will begin loading by 12:45pm, depart at 1:00pm, and return to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center by 3:45pm. Drinks and desserts provided. Space limited to the first 30 people to register.

Marketing to Build Support

Wednesday Afternoon Preconferences: 1:00pm - 4:00p

Speakers

John Chrastka

Summary

Presented by EveryLibrary, this program teaches you to leverage technology, channels, and messaging to connect with political, donor, and grant-making support. With non-political insights, participants will learn strategies to build lasting support for their library or organization beyond simply inviting use. Participants will gain the tools to differentiate audiences and craft impactful messages that resonate. ($60, box lunch included)

ALICE Workshop*

Wednesday Afternoon Preconferences: 1:00pm - 4:00p

Speakers

Andrea Berstler

Summary

This is similar to poverty simulators – however it focuses on the issues faced by the ALICE group – as identified by the United Way. ALICE is Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – they are the “working poor” too much money for federal and state programs, not enough money to actually make ends meet. They represent, in my opinion, a large segment of library customers, and make up approx. 41% of the current US population. This workshop is in three parts – first we introduce attendees to this segment of the population, highlighting resources from the United Way website which provide state and county information that can be used to learn more. Second – attendees work through a hands on exercise which allows them to gain understanding on the plight of these families – the difficult decisions they have to make, the situations they have to find answers to, etc. Then attendees will be challenged to find solutions to crisis incidents in the life of an ALICE family. They will need to use their knowledge of their community’s support organizations. Third – attendees will participate in small and large group discussions on what role the library can take to assist ALICE families. ($60, box lunch included)

Intellectual Freedom in Crisis Times

Wednesday Afternoon Preconferences: 1:00pm - 4:00p

Speakers

Tess Wilson - Library Freedom Project
Alison Macrina - Library Freedom Project

Summary

Intellectual Freedom is one of the core values of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society. It guarantees the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. These rights are being challenged at an unprecedented level in libraries of all kinds all across America. This three-hour workshop will include presentations and breakout sessions with hands-on exercises. Join us to learn about the spread of mis- and dis-information and the role library workers play in the fight. Gain strategies for standing up for our values during crisis conditions and organizing against attacks on libraries. ($90, box lunch included)

All Conference Reception

Wednesday All Conference Reception: 4:00pm - 4:30p

Opening Keynote: Lady Brion

Wednesday Keynote: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Ignite Session 1

Weds Evening Early Bird Sessions: 5:45p - 6:45p

Poster Session

Weds Evening Early Bird Sessions: 5:45p - 6:45p

Free for All: The Public Library (Documentary Screening)

Wednesday Evening Film Screening: 5:45p - 7:45p

Summary

Free for All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

Banned Books Talk (Title Coming Soon)

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Becky Calzada

Summary

TBA

The Library is for Everyone: Engaging Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

Thursday Morning 2-Hour Programs: 8:30am - 10:30am

Speakers

Katie York

Summary

This program is a transformative workshop dedicated to engaging patrons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through a holistic approach. This program will include inclusive strategies that foster social interaction, lifelong learning and community integration.

We Keep Us Safe: Community as De-escalation in Library Settings

Thursday Morning 2-Hour Programs: 8:30am - 10:30am

Speakers

Mariel Sass - LCSW-C
Joe Dacey

Summary

This program will center community building and trust as some of the most effective strategies for creating safe, inclusive environments inside libraries. We will explore how deepening relationships with self, co-workers, and patrons can result in not only more successful de-escalation attempts, but also reduced frequency/intensity of disruptive incidents. The program will build on theories of conflict transformation, restorative practices, and human-centered approaches to responding to harm. Real life scenarios and success stories will be shared.

MLA Intellectual Freedom Helpline

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Tif Sutherland

Summary

Last year, the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom chose the Maryland Library Association as one of ten pilot sites for its new Intellectual Freedom Helpline program. This grant enabled the Maryland Library Association to establish a confidential reporting system to address censorship attempts and promote intellectual freedom. In this session, we will review this valuable resource, discuss the progress made on the project, and explore how it can support library workers at all levels and in all types of libraries throughout Maryland.

Community First - Making The Library Accessible to Neurodivergent Families

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

DANIELLE NAVARRO - Calvert Library
Missy DeCesaris - Calvert Library

Summary

Neurodivergent children have needs that can make coming to the library a challenge. To bridge this barrier and embrace and celebrate this community, we created programming and a designated physical space that is inclusive and provides an enriching library experience. This program will walk participants through how we developed and implemented an adaptive storytime and a sensory wall so that they can apply aspects of these strategies that work for their libraries and communities. We will also discuss the importance of staff training and the significance of families seeing the library as a safe and welcoming space for their children.

All about AASL

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Becky Calzada

Summary

TBA

DLA Community Engagement Grant: Three Library Staff Members’ Experiences

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Rachel West - New Castle County Libraries
Elizabeth Mayer - New Castle County Libraries
Pat Young - Smyrna Public Library

Summary

Three Delaware Library staff members share their experiences with the DLA Community Engagement Grant, including the planning and application process, implementation, and reporting. Hear about their projects and their impacts on the community!

Understanding & Applying Principles & Elements of Design to Improve Visual Communication

Thursday Morning 2-Hour Programs: 8:30am - 10:30am

Speakers

Christine Karpovage-Rogers - Delaware Division of Libraries

Summary

Visual communication is one of the most powerful tools an organization can have. It can help increase clarity, efficiency, engagement and memorability. This program explores basics of what all design students learn to become effective visual communicators. No drawing skills needed just willingness to learn, think & practice. No computer needed for this course. We will learn design principles and elements & how to apply them to create flyers, brochures, website graphics and more. This program will focus on use of text in layout, font choices, colors, readability and why it matters. Principles & Elements are used in all aspects of design whether it is fine arts, visual communication, photography and web. We will also touch on copyright. By understanding how to use the principles & elements of design, you will create more effective professional materials for your patrons no matter what software you use.

Beanstack Tips and Tricks

Thursday Morning 2-Hour Programs: 8:30am - 10:30am

Speakers

Terri Jones - Hockessin Library - New Castle County Libraries

Summary

Are you looking to make Beanstack a more useful tool in for reader's advisory, program promotion, and effective reading challenges? This hands on demonstration just might be the answer. Terri has been a Library Admin with Beanstack since New Castle County started using the product in 2016. Through a series of trials and errors she has learned a couple of things she'd like to share with you to make Beanstack a more powerful tool in your toolbox. Participants will experience Beanstack as both a Branch Admin and as a patron.

Building a Culture of Leadership

Thursday Morning 2-Hour Programs: 8:30am - 10:30am

Speakers

ANDREA THOMAS - Prince George's County Memorial Library System
KARIN LUOMA - Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Summary

Building a Culture of Leadership takes concentrated effort. The Public Services Leadership Cohort (PSLC) of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is the in-house leadership seminar aimed at new and existing supervisors in PGCMLS. Using creative and engaging hands-on activities and group discussions the course becomes the laboratory for the supervisors to explore leadership concepts and theories. This five day course is designed to give a leadership primer to newly minted and existing supervisors and provide them with resources to help them navigate their positions as library leaders. Participants in the MLA workshop will engage in some of the hands-on activities used in the course and can take them back to use in training in their own systems.

All About the Caldecott Committee

Thursday Morning 2-Hour Programs: 8:30am - 10:30am

Speakers

Stephanie Saggione - ASPIRA Academy
Elisabeth Simmons

Summary

Have you ever wanted to serve on an ALSC awards committee? Come to our session for insider tips on how to get involved in ALSC- from two librarians who have served on the Caldecott Committee. When you leave, you will have several steps planned for getting involved as well as ways to include your patrons in the fun!

Charting Your Course: Updating Your Library’s Legal Research Guide

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Audrey Dingler - Outreach Coordinator
Joy Hollerbach - Reference Services Librarian,

Summary

Building a comprehensive legal collection can be both challenging and costly. As legal fees are often prohibitive, more patrons are seeking to educate themselves on legal matters. Enhancing your library’s collection of community resources by including a legal information research guide is an excellent way to address this need. This program will showcase essential legal resources that will help your library develop an effective research guide to strengthen its role in the community and provide valuable support for both your patrons and staff.

Setting Sail for Success: State-Level Collaboration Supporting Youth Services and Family Engagement

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Carrie Sanders
LaShawn Myles
Kimberly Cowles

Summary

The educational waters can appear choppy with much to navigate for student success: early literacy and school readiness, emergent readers and literacy instruction, college and career readiness, and equitable, inclusive access to resources and materials for all our students of all abilities. How to tread these waters? In this session, LaShawn Myles, Carrie Sanders, and Kim Cowles share about statewide educational resources and services available to public libraries. Attendees will also hear how the Maryland State Library Agency and the Maryland State Department of Education are fostering school-public library collaboration in all communities to support youth learning and family engagement.

Rip Tide Resilience: Swimming Parallel to Teen Users

Thursday Morning: 8:30am - 9:30am

Speakers

Laura Efrom - Anne Arundel County Public Library
Carlotta Capuano - Anne Arundel County Public Library
Patrick Gorirossi - Anne Arundel County Public Library

Summary

Are you smooth sailing with your teen users or are you in deep water? The teenage years are tough, and not just for them. Join this session to learn the ropes on relationship building with teen users with trauma-informed practices. We’ll share ideas that have helped us to coast along and as well as those which have sunk to the bottom of the sea. Topics will include developing emotional literacy, getting staff on board with engaging teens, creating a welcoming space, and setting boundaries.

Riding the K-pop Wave: creating engaging fandom programming at your library

Thursday Mid-Morning 2-Hour Sessions 9:45a - 11:45

Speakers

Liz Jones
Angelique Broussard
Katelyn Callahan

Summary

K-pop is a global sensation, and libraries can tap into its vibrant fandom to create engaging programs. This session will guide participants through designing a successful K-pop (or other fandom) program, from research and community partnerships to funding, marketing, and execution. Attendees will explore activities like dance tutorials, fan meet-ups, and crafting ideas. It will also offer insights on empowering staff, even those outside the programming team, to bring their personal passions into library services. By leveraging staff interests, libraries can take a fresh approach to programming, fostering creativity, increasing engagement, and building stronger community connections.

Leading While Black: guidance for the next generations

Thursday Mid-Morning 2-Hour Sessions 9:45a - 11:45

Speakers

Melanie Townsend Diggs - Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Chad Helton - CEO, Enoch Pratt Free Library
Sonia Alcantara-Antoine - CEO, Baltimore County Public Library
Dr. Mark Winston - CEO, Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Sophia Sotilleo - Dean, Bowie State University

Summary

A panel of local Black library directors will speak on their own experiences, towards the end of giving participants insight into their responsibilities, and providing wisdom to those who may be inspired to, or already have ambitions to ‘climb the ladder’. Insights from writings on the fairly unique challenges that Black leaders face will also be explored by the moderator.

A Deep Dive into Census Data: For Planning, Fundraising, and Advocacy

Thursday Mid-Morning 2-Hour Sessions 9:45a - 11:45

Speakers

Carl Olson - Towson University
Stacie Cochran-McNeil - U.S. Census Bureau

Summary

Among the greatest challenges the Census Bureau faces has been an accurate and equitable picture of underserved and marginalized communities and populations. The pursuit of equity has taken on greater urgency in the face of climate change, social instability, and other emerging conditions. How do libraries deal with this? Don't get washed away in heavy seas of data; this session will navigate the Bureau's tools and resources created to inform Americans where we are resilient, where we are unsteady, or where and when to plan, to commit resources, and where to advocate new solutions.

Setting Boundaries

Thursday Mid-Morning 2-Hour Sessions 9:45a - 11:45

Speakers

Jeanette Thayer - Anne Arundel County Public Library
Jayne Walters - Anne Arundel County Public Library

Summary

Someone is hovering at the desk and telling you their life story. Another calls you “honey” or “sweetie”. Someone insists that you’re the only person that can help them with the copier. We've all been in these types of situations, and maybe we've even silently wished a coworker would come and save us. In this presentation we’ll delve into setting healthy workplace boundaries; how to set the expectations early, how to enforce them, and how to rescue a coworker in need. All of it starts with being aware of your surroundings, reading others' body language, and recognizing how our body language can be interpreted.

Riding the Waves of Library Collection Trends

Thursday Morning 1-Hour Programs: 9:45am - 10:45am

Speakers

Laura Bandoch - Harford County Public Library
Ashley Fedele - Materials Management & Technical Services Director, Harford County Public Library

Summary

We all know Romantasy is in now and circulation is rebounding from the pandemic, but what about other trends? Join us for a session that looks at new trends in publishing and collection development.

Everybody Eats…Dig In to Library Resources for Ag Literacy

Thursday Mid-Morning 2-Hour Sessions 9:45a - 11:45

Speakers

Tonya Wible
Victoria Stone - Middle School Education Director, , Maryland Agricultural Education Founadtion

Summary

Everybody eats…so everyone needs agriculture. Come learn about free resources to connect learners to the world around them and how agriculture plays a part in their daily lives. You will learn how to identify agriculturally accurate books within your library and how to use them to engage and excite learners (of all ages). You’ll discover a multitude of books relating to a variety of agriculture-related topics (from seed to store and everything in between) along with how to access 100’s of FREE hands-on lessons, activities, & resources to increase reader learning and engagement.

How To Set Up Autism-Friendly Programming At The Library

Thursday Mid-Morning 2-Hour Sessions 9:45a - 11:45

Speakers

Matt Mazur - AutismFriendlyShows.com and Turtle Dance Music LLC

Summary

AutismFriendlyShows.com and Turtle Dance Music will present a fantastic, interactive musical Autism-Friendly Professional Development for librarians, administrators, teachers and parents. The presenter will demonstrate low-costing instruments, sensory-fidgets, and technology for librarians to share in their programming. This hands-on workshop will cover topics ranging from trends in libraries for sensory-storytime and autism-friendly programming, hands-on demonstrations for potential user-friendly activities in your library, promotional suggestions for wording of fliers, managing meltdowns, following the children's strengths and a whole range of practical topics related to autism and early childhood development that will also be covered. Librarians will benefit from the engaging materials, hands-on activities and abundance of take-home materials.

Seas the Night: Creating Space for Teens with After Hours Programming

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Kaitlyn Webster
Eric Rutledge

Summary

Dive into the world of Teen After Hours. Join us to explore innovative after-hours programming designed to provide a space for teens to hangout and thrive. Participants will evaluate current teen spaces, assess local needs, and develop a proposal and plan for their own program. Don’t miss the chance to create a wave of change in your community!

Challenging Traditional Pedagogy: OER

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Jeanne Kambara

Summary

In our hyper-capitalistic campuses, Open Educational Resources (OERs) stand as an antidote for financial stress. OERs resources that are open and free. More than that, they have the potential to transform traditional pedagogies to be equitable, accessible, and diverse. Using the University of Delaware's OER initiative as an example, this program will discuss how OERs address social inequality in the classroom, empower educators, diversify pedagogies, and challenge corporate influence on pedagogies.

Privacy Programming in Your Library: Using Library Freedom Project Resources

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Tess Wilson - Library Freedom Project
Alison Macrina - Library Freedom Project

Summary

Libraries can play a vital role in the privacy journeys of our patrons, but teaching privacy in an approachable way can be difficult! As library workers, we can incorporate privacy lessons into our programming in a way that recognizes both the comfort levels and tech literacy levels of our learners. Using Library Freedom Project's approach of teaching through a lens of optimism and harm reduction, Tess Wilson will share practical ways to teach our communities about online privacy, the risks involved with sharing personal data, and more. Attendees will learn good practices and techniques for teaching privacy, and leave with several bite-sized lessons--adaptable for a range of ages and audiences--to take back to their institutions.

Setting Sail for Success: State-Level Collaboration Supporting Youth Services and Family Engagement

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Carrie Sanders
LaShawn Myles
Kimberly Cowles

Summary

The educational waters can appear choppy with much to navigate for student success: early literacy and school readiness, emergent readers and literacy instruction, college and career readiness, and equitable, inclusive access to resources and materials for all our students of all abilities. How to tread these waters? In this session, LaShawn Myles, Carrie Sanders, and Kim Cowles share about statewide educational resources and services available to public libraries. Attendees will also hear how the Maryland State Library Agency and the Maryland State Department of Education are fostering school-public library collaboration in all communities to support youth learning and family engagement.

Seas the Moment: Reducing Library Anxiety through Quick Connections in Academic Libraries

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Shaunda Vasudev - American University
Stella Hudson - American University

Summary

'Building connections and trust with students is an essential part of learning and breaking down library anxiety. However, it is not easy in the limited amount of time librarians often spend with students in reference interactions and the classroom. In this discussion participants will share their strategies to enhance emotional connection and trust between library workers and students. The focus will be on exploring effective techniques for short or one-time interactions and instructional sessions. Participants will consider best practices, discuss challenges, and brainstorm innovative approaches to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for students.'

Beachside Sips: Savor the Fun of Advocacy & Fundraising Events

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Cathleen Sparrow - Anne Arundel County Public Library
Bethany Kerley - Donor Engagement, Grants & Events Manager, Anne Arundel County Public Library

Summary

Do you have a small fundraising staff or none at all? Discover how to create advocacy/fundraising events, like 'Read Between the Wines” that meet customers where they are, offering fun and accessible ways to support the library without needing another gala. You’ll learn how simple turnkey events can engage your community, expand your donor base, and foster meaningful experiences that create library advocates through philanthropy. We’ll share our successful partnerships with tattoo artists, ice cream shops, breweries, and wineries, showcasing how these collaborations raise funds, boost awareness, and inspire customers to engage more deeply with their library.

Even Without Sight, there is Still Vision: Empowering Independence for the Visually Impaired

Thurs Mid-Morning 1-Hour Programs: 10:45a - 11:45a

Speakers

Ashley Spinden
Heather Dougherty - Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Summary

This presentation from the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) will highlight the critical educational, technical, and vocational assistance offered to individuals with visual impairments. Participants will learn about innovative strategies and technology designed to foster independence in various environments, including at home, in the community, and at work or school.

Maryland Author Award Keynote & Luncheon

Maryland Author Award & Luncheon: 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Speakers

Roseanne A. Brown - 2025 Maryland Author Award Winner

Summary

Keynote open to all conference attendees. Luncheon ticket available separately.

Adult Programming Sandbox: Collective Ideation for Innovation and Creativity

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

Madelyn McCaully
Allie Smith

Summary

The pressure to generate unique, community-centered programming can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when juggling other job responsibilities. If you are feeling at sea on what programs to offer or are simply looking to explore uncharted waters, join us for an exciting 90 minutes of creativity. This fast-paced, highly interactive session includes several hands-on activities where participants think through the process of taking ideas to execution. Our sandbox environment grants participants the freedom and creativity to explore without the fears and anxieties of the real world, while still preparing for the unexpected.

Uncovering Delaware’s Queer History: Turning Research into Engagement with Social Media

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Speakers

Carolanne Deal

Summary

'The experiences of queer people, or people who transgressed the sexual and gender norms of the time, have long been stifled– and in some cases erased– from the historical record. How does one uncover the history of same-sex attraction and gender variance throughout time? And how do you present those findings to the public in an accessible way? In this session, participants will learn about a successful digital public history project on the LGBTQ+ history of Delaware, and how an independent researcher, Carolanne Deal, has continued to expand engagement to this research through their instagram account @delawarequeerhistory.'

Library Advocacy from Your Backyard to the World Stage: A Conversation with ALA Past President Julius Jefferson

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Speakers

Julius Jefferson
Joseph Thompson Jr.

Summary

Julius Jefferson has spent his career committed to advocacy, information policy, diversity, equity and inclusion, and professional and leadership development. An ALA Past President, he continues to advocate for libraries as the chair of ALA's International Relations Committee. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mr. Jefferson will be interviewed by Joseph Thompson, Director of Public Services at the Carroll County Public Library, about his experience and he will share advice for all of us as we work to advance the mission of libraries locally, nationally, and internationally.

Maryland State Library Agency/Delaware Division of Libraries Update

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Speakers

Morgan Lehr Miller - State Librarian, Maryland State Library Agency
Dr. Annie Norman - State Librarian, Delaware Division of Libraries
John Owen - Director, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Summary

The Maryland State Library Agency and The Delaware Division of Libraries will share updates about state partnerships and initiatives. Come hear what has been happening in Delaware and Maryland regarding technology and digital literacy programming, early childhood literacy and learning, staff development opportunities, capital projects, accessibility services, and much more.

Book Buzz

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

Monica McAbee - Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Meg Faller - Calvert Library
Chloe Scully - Baltimore County Public Library

Summary

Catch the “buzz” on upcoming and recently published titles! The Readers' Advisory Interest Group will present a diverse and enticing selection of fresh reads for library staff to add to their readers' advisory tool box. We’ll also discuss trending and developing genres, and offer some tips and tricks for general readers' advisory. Do not miss it - there will be Advance Reader Copies available to take home!

Fostering an Inclusive Workplace for Staff with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

Katie York - Community College of Baltimore County

Summary

This program will equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to create a supportive environment for colleagues with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Manga for Librarians, Parents, and Teacher

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

Amber Tamosaitis - Delmar Public Library

Summary

Join Amber Tamosaitis (manga translator, library assistant, and former teacher) for a talk about manga, its impact and appeal, some insights into the translation process, and how to grow your library’s manga (and manga-adjacent) offerings in order to connect with patrons across ages and backgrounds.

Empowering Library Advocates: Library Advocacy and Maryland’s Legislative Process

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

Tif Sutherland - Calvert Public Library
Liz Sundermann-Zinger - State Library Resource Center

Summary

This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the Maryland General Assembly and its legislative process. Attendees will learn practical skills such as navigating legislative resources, developing effective advocacy strategies, and engaging in advocacy as individuals, within their library organizations, and through the Maryland Library Association.

How To: Run Your Own Indie Game Festival

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

Jacob Ciarapica - Enoch Pratt Free Library
Emily Levine - Enoch Pratt Free Library

Summary

This program will cover the benefits, ins and outs, and technical requirements for running an Independent Video Gaming Festival at your cultural institution. We will talk about marketing, building partnerships, internal and external needs, and execution day of.

Service Dogs: What They Are, Where They Can Go, and What You Can Say

Thurs Afternoon 2-hour Programs: 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Speakers

AM Dillon
Lucky VII - Service Dog

Summary

Service Dogs: What springs to mind when you hear those two words? Is the thought process different when a service dog and handler enter your place of work or where you are volunteering? Relax, no judgement here! In this session I'll be sharing some information and tools about what service dogs are, where they can go, and what you can say if they come to your facility. Opportunities to practice scenarios to practice and strengthen your response to a variety of situations you may encounter. There will be handouts with information for you to take home, including some things to remember. Plus, you will get a chance to see a service dog in action!

Addressing Privacy Issues in Youth and Tech Use

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Speakers

Priya Kumar - Pennsylvania State University
Hongyi Dong - Pennsylvania State University
Catherine Wieczorek - Georgia Institute of Technology

Summary

Today’s youth are growing up in a world that is “digital by default.” Youth and teen services librarians are well-positioned to help youth learn to navigate the privacy issues that arise through pervasive technology use. This session will walk participants through a prototype privacy literacy toolkit designed to help librarians identify privacy issues and model for children and teens what it means to engage with technology in socially appropriate ways. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on ways the toolkit could support their own work as well as to provide feedback on how the toolkit could be improved.

About book bans

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Speakers

Becky Calzada

Summary

TBD

2025 Maryland Author Award Winner Program

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Speakers

Roseanne A. Brown

Summary

Join 2025 Maryland Author Award Winner Roseanne A. Brown for an in depth conversation

Surfing Toward Thriving Libraries & Communities Through Advocacy at All Levels

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Speakers

Christine Feldmann - Anne Arundel County Public Library
Rachael Troianos Halbig, - Anne Arundel County Public Library

Summary

Think advocacy is only for the CEO? Want to speak up for the future of your library system but you don’t know how? Reimagine what advocacy could look like! You’ll learn about how one library system created a comprehensive advocacy effort involving staff at all levels, donors, customers and elected officials to help secure better funding and legislative support. Walk away empowered to advocate effectively for your library with concrete strategies that can be adapted for any system or situation!

Innovation (Title Coming Soon)

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 3:45pm - 4:45pm

Speakers

James Kelly - Director, Frederick County Public Libraries
Mark Winston - Chief Executive Officer, Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Summary

We tend to take a pretty narrow view of innovation -- ribbon cuttings on shiny things that require lots of extra money. This self-limiting view stands in the way of our libraries thriving. A more expansive and empowering perspective is that innovation is a mental model, accessible to all staff in every organization, helping us overcome many perceived constraints. Innovation is the springboard to becoming the transformational places our communities deserve, our teams are excited to commit their time and talent to, and our values call on us to be.

Serving Our LGBTQIA+ Communities with Name Change Clinics

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 3:45pm - 4:45pm

Speakers

Dyanne Tsai - Montgomery County Public Libraries,
Cassandra Y. Harper - Montgomery County Public Libraries,

Summary

For Pride Month 2023 and 2024, Montgomery County Public Libraries staff developed and implemented successful free name change clinic events presented by FreeState Justice for Maryland residents. Participants in this session will gain new insights into how in-person and remote free legal name and gender marker change services are a life-changing gateway for trans and gender-expansive adults and youth, and will build strategies for designing, promoting, and hosting free name change clinics that provide one-on-one, step-by-step legal assistance/services to our LGBTQIA+ communities. This innovative programming will foster engagement with underserved communities, empowering library staff and LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and allies.

Libraries as transformational spaces: Creating comprehensive services for underserved populations in today’s political climate

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 3:45pm - 4:45pm

Speakers

Cristi Richardson - Wicomico Public Library
Seth Hershberger - Executive Director, Wicomico Public Library
Seth Hershberger MD - Executive Director, Wicomico Public Library
Michele Schlehofer
Bernadette Cannady

Summary

Today’s political climate has presented challenges for libraries nationwide. As libraries and their services are increasingly scrutinized by politicians and public members, how can libraries continue to gain broad community support and serve underserved patrons? This panel will explore how Wicomico Public Libraries, a public library system located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has been working to transform the library into a hub that serves the needs of a diverse community. There exists within our County pockets of people who are underserved and have diverse needs: older or rural residents who have difficulty traveling to the library; unhoused people in an area with a dearth of integrated services; people who are English Language Learners; racially and ethnically diverse school-aged children who lack access to robust and diverse reading material; young parents in need of support; and more. Over the past several years, and with the support of the Board of Trustees and Library Director, the Branch Manager and Library staff took concrete steps to transform library services to meet these diverse needs. These include, but are not limited to, the creation of a Community Support Center, the acquisition of a Mobile unit with integrated STEM learning materials, the development of community-facing programming centering the experiences of racial and ethnic groups of community members, installation of book lockers in remote locations in our county, bilingual children’s reading programs, and more. On any given day, the Library supports emergency shelter resources, housing resources, food resources, job and education support, technical assistance, government program navigation, mental health resources, and more traditional library services. This panel discusses how situating libraries as community hubs can meet unmet community needs and expand public and political support for library services in times of political uncertainty.

How to Establish a Book Sanctuary in your Library and Community

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 3:45pm - 4:45pm

Speakers

Catherine Hollerbach - Anne Arundel County Public Library
Rachel Myers - Discoveries: the Library at the Mall

Summary

We will share the concept of a Book Sanctuary, the process we used to create one in Anne Arundel County Public Library and the value of creating one. We will discuss how we presented the idea to our Board of Trustees, governmental leaders and the public, how we aligned this project with our Collection Development Policy and how we addressed questions and concerns from the public.

From Baby Boss to Boss, Baby! Transitioning from Youth Services to Management

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 3:45pm - 4:45pm

Speakers

Rachel West
Kelsey Hughes - Urban Libraries Council

Summary

Two library staff members who transitioned from frontline youth services roles to library management and administration positions will share their experience and what they’ve learned to help other staff who may feel uncertain about their career pathways and future development. Learn what skills translate effectively from youth services to management, how to determine next steps and set a long-term career plan, and decide whether management is the right next step for you.

Riding the Sound Wave: Launching a Public Library Recording Studio

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Olivia Mirot
Chris Freeland

Summary

The Recording Studio at Baltimore County Public Library’s Catonsville Branch fosters exploration, collaboration, and lifelong learning, attracting users of all ages for recreational, entrepreneurial, and educational activities. This presentation will detail our collaborative process for developing studio policies, share best practices and lessons learned, and highlight success stories. We aim to inform libraries looking to add studios or other non-traditional spaces where creativity, technology and learning intersect.

Feelings don’t care about your facts: ethically navigating library advocacy in an age of propaganda.

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Allison Jennings-Roche

Summary

Libraries in the United States are under threat from a powerful and well-funded far right coalition that is increasingly outmatching library advocates in the battle for the hearts and minds of the American public. The rhetoric being employed by these groups is both dangerous and highly effective— rooted in the kind of blatant lies that can only be described as disinformation, and in the emotional manipulation that categorizes some of the most malicious and effective propaganda. This session shares emerging research, and practical considerations, related to the ethics of political communications strategies that could be used in defense of libraries.

Queer Inclusion 201: Ideas to Action

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Mike Kiel - University of Baltimore

Summary

Efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries have been on the rise in recent years, however many staff and community members in the queer community tell us there is still work to do. This panel discussion will reflect on methods to go beyond discussion and into action, moving beyond a training and into making change in our organizations.

Battle of the Books for Grownups (working title)

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Andrea Berstler - Executive Director, Carroll County Public Library

Summary

We just completed our third year with this program and it is a huge success (over 400 participants just this year). This would be a panel discussion with members of the CCPL staff. We would walk attendees through the process for this program including overall planning, book selection, questions, marketing and promotions, general logistics, etc.

Literacy Sandcastle Building

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Harry Brake
Gabriel Morehouse
Sophia Cathcart
Jennifer Heck

Summary

'Students in high school redefine what a Reading Club can do in a high school library, beyond the school library setting, and pulling reputable authors and literacy organizations together to create amazing ''sandcastle''-like results. Using creativity, advocacy, and defying obstacles, students show how they use the organization of a school library reading club to develop literacy festivals, bring in authors as well as legislators, and how they bring in double the number of students into their school library, while connecting to their local public libraries. Discover the a unrecognizable achievements of this student reading club to advance librarianship.'

Diversifying Librarianship: Fellowships and Residencies are not Enough

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Jasmine Thomas - Towson University
Emily Minner - Towson University

Summary

Academic libraries have used diversity residencies to give opportunities to early career librarians from underrepresented groups and diversify librarianship. Despite the good intentions, residency programs often cause harm to residents. This presentation aims to share the experiences of early career librarian fellows and critique the reliance on residencies and fellowships to diversify the field. The presenters will also provide insight into recruiting, retaining, and supporting librarians of color. Attendees will gain insight into the unique experiences of librarians of color who experienced an Early Career Librarian Fellowship program.

Bridging the Divide: Enhancing Family Ties in Correctional Settings

Thurs Afternoon 1-Hour Programs: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Speakers

Karen Earp - Wicomico Public Library

Summary

'Children of incarcerated parents face negative consequences, including behavior problems, poor academic performance, and PTSD. It is an unfortunate side effect of the criminal justice system that children often pay for their parents' transgressions. Research has shown that the most effective way to limit these consequences is ensuring that the child maintains a relationship with the parent who is incarcerated. Incarceration affects lower-income families at a much higher rate than middle- or upper-income families, it can come down to the costs associated with maintaining connections. Phone and video calls are expensive, jails are typically in out of the way locations without access to public transportation, custodians might not be able to afford time off work to take children to jails during visiting hours. Even when children can visit their incarcerated parents, no-touch visitation makes maintaining those connections difficult. It was with all of these factors in mind that we entered into a partnership with our county correctional center that we call the Storybook Program. We help incarcerated adults record picture books for the children in their lives. It offers a connection to the children that is accessible when they want or need it.'

Happy Hour Reception

Thursday Happy Hour Reception: 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Thursday Evening Keynote and Banquet

Thursday Keynote & Banquet: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Summary

Keynote speaker to be announced soon. Dinner banquet is a separate ticket.

Pub Quiz!

Thursday Evening Social Events: 8:00pm - 10:00pm

Karaoke

Thursday Evening Social Events: 8:00pm - 10:00pm

Summary

Location to be announced soon

MLA Annual Member Meeting and Breakfast

Friday Breakfast & Annual Meetings: 7:30am - 9:00a

Summary

Open to all MLA members

DLA Annual Member Meeting and Breakfast

Friday Breakfast & Annual Meetings: 7:30am - 9:00a

Summary

This event is open to all DLA members

Closing Keynote

Friday Morning Keynote: 9:30am - 10:30am