Event Details

• Audience: Northeast Kansas Public Library Directors
• Date: October 4, 2024
• Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM, Retreat 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lawrence
• Room: Brazilian Ballroom section BC
• Address: 200 McDonald Dr, Lawrence, KS 66044
• Event Host: Dan Alexander, dalexander@nekls.org
• Registration Form: 2024 Fall Directors Institute Registration (CLOSED)
• RSVP Deadline: September 20, 2024
• Cost: There is no cost for our guests to attend!

Registration is Closed

Purpose

• The purpose of our upcoming retreat is to explore the strength and benefit of connections.

Agenda Highlights

• At our retreat, we will explore concepts from The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. Brenda Hough, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and former NEKLS consultant, will facilitate a discussion about how we might utilize these concepts in our work.
  • Priya hones in on the benefits of showing the fresh, raw, and honest sides of ourselves when we leave egos at the door. “Nowhere is puffed-up phoniness more palpable than at conferences. Nowhere else is the chance to have conversations across borders, identities, and professions so often wasted. Nowhere else are so many people with the influence to change things so frequently brought together, only for the resulting conversations to remain on the surface. They lurk there because everyone is presenting the best self they think others expect to meet.” At our retreat, let us prepare to engage with vulnerability.
• Lissa Staley, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and a 2024 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, will facilitate a discussion on making meaningful connections with the community.

Logistics

• No Recordings: There will be no recordings or online component. We encourage all member public library directors to register and attend the retreat from beginning (9:30 AM) to end (3:00 PM).
• Meals & Refreshments: Lite breakfast bites will be available starting at 9:00 AM. A baked potato bar and salad bar will be provided at Noon. Water, tea, and coffee will be available throughout the day. Guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverages.
• Parking: Ample parking is available. Brazilian Ballroom section BC is closest to the southwest entrance. (DoubleTree Floorplan).
• Accessibility: Accommodation requests can be noted when registering.

Preparation

• Please consider the following prompts over the next few weeks before we gather:
  • What was a moment in your career that profoundly influenced your approach to librarianship? How did it shape your professional journey?
  • What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your role that led to significant personal or professional growth? How did you overcome it?
  • How do you stay inspired and motivated in your role, especially during challenging times?
  • What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone new to the field? How has this advice been relevant in your own experience?
  • Describe a time when collaboration with others in the field made a significant difference in your work. What did you learn from that experience?

Final Note

• We’re looking forward to a day of meaningful engagement. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dan Alexander, dalexander@nekls.org.

The secret is out, our special mystery guests are our NEKLS member public library directors! This event is about leaning into our connections with each other.