On the road: Why the hard work of public libraries matters
As the Director of WebJunction, I've had a unique opportunity to attend several recent conferences to represent our work, learn from the library field, strengthen partnerships, identify trends, and network with the library community.
From Minneapolis (PLA) to Prague (EBLIDA) to Columbus (International Public Library Fundraising Conference, IPLFC), Chicago (ALA Annual), and most recently Montgomery (ARSL), the last stretch of conferences has felt like a rapid tour through the questions public libraries are wrestling with in real time: relevance, trust, capacity, sustainability, and impact.
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 a variety of webinar topics.
Build community engagement skills for everyday library work with LiFT courses
Community engagement is not a single program, event, or department. It is an ongoing practice of listening, learning, building relationships, and working alongside community members to help the library better serve everyone.
WebJunction offers two self-paced courses designed to help public library staff and leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make community engagement part of their everyday work:
· Introduction to Community Engagement
· Community Engagement for Leaders
Getting started with outreach: From your library to the community
New to outreach at your library? Explore these eight tips and first steps for new outreach librarians in this article from WebJunction. Ultimately, getting started in outreach is less about having all the answers upfront and more about showing up, staying curious, and building from there.
Start strong by taking it slow: Tips for new public library directors and managers
This article provides tips for new public library directors and managers. It is part of a WebJunction series offering practical guidance for library staff who are new to their roles. Looking for more support? Explore WebJunction's course catalog and specifically the LiFT courses for foundational training and professional development.
WebJunction highlights
Library Foundational Training (LiFT) (course series)
De-escalation strategies for Libraries, Archives, and Museum Staff (course)
How public libraries are teaching AI and digital literacy skills
Supercharged Storytimes (course)
Digital Collections Stewardship (course series)
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Upcoming webinars
13 October 2026
How to host a job fair at your library
Public libraries are uniquely positioned to support workforce development and connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. This session will guide attendees through the process of planning, promoting, and executing a successful job fair at their library.
03 November 2026
Middle management strategies for success in public libraries
Learn from Brooklyn Public Library staff about their successful middle management strategies. Leave with tips for managing expectations when directives are unclear and techniques for being an effective bridge between executive goals and daily library operations.