Virtual Conference from the State Library: January 25, 2024

It's hard to believe, I know, but are you ready for ILOC? This event started as a virtual conference in 2008 as a way for Iowa librarians to stay connected during the winter months when travel gets difficult. Initially designed for small libraries, today institutions of all sizes can find something of value on the program.

But, we will need your help to make ILOC a success... watch the Monday Morning Eye Opener and this newsletter for a call for proposals in early November. The theme for this year’s conference is “Libraries are Forever!” The ILOC conference will encourage attendees to consider sustainable operations, long-term outcomes, and positive community differences the library makes. 

Learn More about ILOC

Newly-Added Events

Library for the Blind (November 2023): Braille and Tactiles

Thursday, Nov. 9, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This webinar will provide an overview of the braille format, how individuals access braille, and braille eReader information. We will also include the services the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled provides and things that you can do in your libraries

More Information & Registration

Check it Out (November 2023)

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Check it Out! is a monthly webinar series from the State Library of Iowa spotlighting the best new books for ages 0-18. Youth Services Consultant Janeé Jackson-Doering will share collection development tips, programming ideas, and of course, new titles galore for kids and teens. This is a fun, fast-paced session that will fill both your library shelves and your TBR list!

More Information & Registration

Security for Rural Librarians: Staying Safe at Work When Help Is Far

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

If you work in a rural library location you need to consider every available safety and security option. This webinar is here to help. This 60-minute webinar is sponsored by the State Library of Iowa and presented by Dr. Steve Albrecht; Library Service, Safety and Security Consultant and Author, Library Security (ALA, 2015) and The Safe Library (Rowman, 2023). It will be recorded.

More Information & Registration

Additional Upcoming Events

Skills for Community-Centered Libraries

Tuesdays, throughout the Fall, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

As a follow up to the in-person Learning Circuit on Sept. 28, the State Library is pleased to offer 3 additional Zoom sessions to those across the state interested in continuing the conversation around engaging their communities. Here are our dates & topics:

Program Development: October 24, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Community Engagement: November 7, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m

Check it Out (October 2023)

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Check it Out! is a monthly webinar series from the State Library of Iowa spotlighting the best new books for ages 0-18. Youth Services Consultant Janeé Jackson-Doering will share collection development tips, programming ideas, and of course, new titles galore for kids and teens. This is a fun, fast-paced session that will fill both your library shelves and your TBR list!

More Information & Registration

Library Horizons: What's new from ARSL 2023?

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

If you missed the Association for Rural & Small Libraries annual conference in September, but want to learn about some of the great ideas people brought back, then join this 90 minute panel presentation to hear about attendees’ favorite conference sessions. State Library staff will host Iowa librarians who, as ARSL conference-goers, will share some of what they learned in Wichita, KS.

More Information & Registration

Intersections: Where City and Library Meet

Monthly throughout the fall, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Intersections is a three-part series, designed for library boards and cities, highlighting best practices for city governments and libraries to meet in the middle comparing policy and practice. We hope to help foster good communication and cooperation between city and library. Past recordings will be on IA Learns and our YouTube channel.

Part 2: Budgets Thursday, Oct. 26 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Part 3: Personnel Thursday, Nov. 30 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Branding on a Budget: Achieve More with Less

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
In-Person Workshop at the Marion Public Library

Ever pondered the power behind a library's unique brand? It's more than just a logo or a color scheme; it's about creating a memorable identity that resonates with your community. Branding isn't just another item on your to-do list; it's a strategic tool that can elevate your library's presence, attract a wider audience, and strengthen local support.

Register for "Branding on a Budget"

Lunch with the State Library (November 2023): People's Law Library

Thursday, Nov. 2, 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

This month's feature for Lunch with the State Library highlights a legal resource for you to share with your patrons: The People's Law Library of Iowa. State Law Librarian Mandy Easter and Amy Koopman of the University of Iowa Law Library will give an overview of the website and highlight new legal topic areas for you and your community.

More Information & Registration

Pop YS Live (November 2023): Reader's Advisory for Kids & Teens

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For this installment of Pop YS Live, State Library Consultant Janeé Jackson-Doering and a panel of practitioner experts will take you through the basics of RA for Youth Services… everything from nailing the ‘what should I read next?’ conversation to sources you should follow so you can recommend the latest and greatest titles to kids, teens, and their caregivers.

More Information & Registration

Big Ideas Book Discussion (November 2023) | The Art of Talking With Children

Friday, Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Next up in the Big Ideas Book Discussion series is “The Art of Talking With Children: Simple Keys to Nurturing Kindness, Creativity, and Confidence in Kids” by Rebecca Rolland. We’ll discuss the ideas presented, and see how they apply to how all staff can better serve the library’s youngest patrons and their caregivers!

More Information & Registration