Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

Commemorating 250 Years: 12 Library Programs to Explore Local History During the United States Semiquincentennial

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Start preparing now with these 12 program ideas.

What Library Patrons Have to Say About Accessibility

Three library users with disabilities share what they've noticed and what they'd still like to see in their library's accessibility efforts.

Partnering for Accessibility in Small & Rural Libraries

Community partnerships can be instrumental for small and rural libraries. These libraries share how they benefit from working with partners on important accessibility projects.

Solving Accessibility Challenges in Small & Rural Libraries

Through a combination of practical workarounds, creative rethinking and sheer persistence, these small and rural libraries have worked to bring their accessibility plans to fruition.

Feb 12, 2020

Crafting from Trash: Zero-Waste Programs

The average American throws away four pounds of garbage each day. Turn some of that trash into crafts.

Feb 10, 2020

Free Facilitation Resources for Small and Rural Libraries

Free materials from ALA are designed to help library workers prepare for and lead discussions in their communities.

8 Ways to "Go Green" for Earth Day

Still looking for an Earth Day program? Think: Beeswax wrap, fix-it fairs and composting classes.

Feb 7, 2020

Programming for the Census

Check out resources from ALA, the Census Bureau and others for help preparing for the 2020 Census.

Jan 28, 2020

'Stepping Forward' in Library Programming: 4 Takeaways from Rich Harwood's New Book

Rich Harwood's latest book, "Stepping Foward," offers community building strategies for libraries to adapt.

12 (More!) Tabletop Games Your Library Should Have (Part 2)

Part 2 in a series about must-have tabletop games explores those that might not yet be on your radar.

9 Ways To Take a Walk with the Library

Walking is good for your health, the environment and even the economy. Get out there and take a stroll.

Downward-Facing Goat: Programs for Animal and Human Health

Who says the library has to be for humans only? These health and wellness programs serve our two- and four-legged friends.

The Tunnel Tour: Heading Underground

Springfield-Greene County Library's underwater creek tour brought folks into a rarely seen ecological world.

Jan 13, 2020

Rainy Day Ready: An Interview with Melanie Welch

A new book from ALA Editions explores how libraries across the country are empowering people to make sound financial decisions.

Earth Day 2020: The 50th Anniversary

Mark your event calendars: April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and its theme is climate action.

Looking to Cook? Instant Pots, Supermarket Dieticians and More

Equipment demos, visits from local cafe owners and other cooking programs have been a success at rural Winterset Public Library.