As we step into February, it’s a perfect time to refresh your skills and dive into new learning opportunities. Whether you're looking to enhance your technology know-how, explore new approaches to community engagement, or expand your leadership skills, there's something here to support your growth. The list, provided by the Maine State Library, includes over 50 webinars and an online conference, covering 19 different topic areas.

Invite new staff or volunteers to become a top-notch Dewey shelver. In the recently updated course, Shelving with Dewey, learners new to the Dewey Decimal Classification system learn the fundamentals of subject-based classification, how to read call numbers and, most importantly, how to accurately shelve books based on those call numbers. Few tasks in the library are more vital for shelf maintenance and patron access.

Not only is this course an opportunity to learn more about the Dewey classification system, it’s also designed to provide online training that will help new staff members and volunteers become productive as quickly as... Read more

We’re celebrating another year of learning, collaboration, and innovation with public library staff at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the year, we focused on our mission to provide free and practical professional development, foster vibrant peer learning, and support libraries in addressing today’s challenges. Whether you’re exploring our new offerings or revisiting community favorites, we hope these resources energize and inspire your work in 2025. 

A Friends of the Library group can provide great assistance to libraries—often in the form of fundraising, advocacy, or reaching underserved groups. These resources can help you as you think about starting a Friends group, revitalizing one, or boosting their effectiveness. 

A go-to spot for resources and training to support Friends groups is ALA’s United for Libraries. Several state libraries and associations have training videos and resources available online. While much of this content is generalizable, specific state regulations and resources should be consulted.