Deepen community connections with new bridgebuilding resources

Public libraries provide spaces where people can connect, learn, and build a shared future. They also play a crucial role in fostering social trust and civic engagement. IREX and the Urban Libraries Council have been partnering with OCLC’s WebJunction for several years on bridgebuilding initiatives.
Explore updated resources in the Bridgebuilding Resources Hub and learn about the Community of Practice, where members collaborate to scale trust-building efforts, share best practices, and measure impact. An upcoming session explores simple strategies to strengthen the trust-building impact of your programming and services.
Local open data made simple: A toolkit for any-sized library

For small libraries with limited resources, the prospect of open data may seem daunting. The Open Data Toolkit, by the Asotin County Library, offers resources for libraries of any size to publish local open data. Supporting local open data can increase civic engagement and empower residents with community-driven knowledge creation. Read the full article to learn more and download the toolkit.
Free October webinars for library staff

It's a great time to put a learning opportunity on your calendar, and you'll have plenty of choices this month. Whether you're looking to pick up some programming ideas, sharpen your technology skills, or gather tips on curating a digital collection, there's something here to support your growth. The list, provided by the Maine State Library, includes over 50 webinars.
New Public Library Fundamentals course: Building confidence from the ground up

Public Library Fundamentals, the newest addition to the Library Foundational Training (LiFT) program, introduces the core principles and values that shape public libraries. This on-demand course also explores what makes public libraries unique, how they serve their communities, and the ethics that guide the profession.
Our next steps: Insights from the WebJunction experience survey

Every two years, we ask for feedback on what WebJunction offers so we can better understand your challenges, priorities, and how we can better meet your needs and interests. Here’s how we’re using what we learned from you to plan what’s next.
WebJunction highlights
Library Foundational Training (LiFT)
Navigating Civil Legal Issues of Natural Disasters (course series)
Researching low morale in libraries
Digital Collections Stewardship (course series)
Weed 'em and reap: Getting your collection from awful to awesome (webinar)
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Upcoming webinars
28 October 2025
10 Things Every Library Friend or Trustee Should Know
Join us to learn about the role and responsibilities of an effective library board member and how to be a true advocate for your library.
18 November 2025
Big impact, small budget: After-school ideas that cost next to nothing
Discover how one librarian launched a thriving after-school program from the ground up with less than $100 a year. Learn how to tap into community partnerships, think outside the box, and turn your library into the go-to after-school hub for enrichment, creativity, and connection.
09 December 2025
Navigating new building projects
Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another. Come learn from one library’s successful experience.
08 January 2026
Generative AI and collection development policies: A proactive approach
Learn how to craft a collection development policy and create selection guidelines that address the rapidly growing amount of AI generated materials.