NEKLS 2025 Trustee Training
2025-06-07 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Stronger Together: Building Productive Board-Director Partnerships

NEKLS Member Public Library Trustees and Directors: Join us Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:30–11:00 a.m. CDT on Zoom for this year’s NEKLS Trustee Training. This session, presented by Nicolle Davies, Colorado State Librarian, will explore the essential relationship between library boards and directors, providing practical strategies for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and strengthening partnerships that drive library success.

Register to attend: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tyZErEyeQgq0LjEcVRNnrAThis webinar will be recorded.

What You’ll Learn:• Clear role definitions for boards and directors• Common friction points—and how to navigate them• Strong communication practices• Advocacy vs. marketing: what they are, when to use each, and why it matters• Real-world examples of both advocacy and marketing strategies

About the Presenter

Nicolle Davies serves as the State Librarian for Colorado. Davies holds both a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS). Prior to this position, Davies served as the Executive Director of the Charleston County Public Library (SC), where she designed five new libraries, introduced new technology, and established a progressive service delivery model. Previously Davies served as the Executive Director of the Arapahoe Library District (CO), during which time she was named Library Journal’s 2016 Librarian of the Year. She is President of the Chief Officers of State Agencies (COSLA) and serves on the United for Libraries Board of Directors. Before coming to libraries, Davies worked in broadcast journalism and public relations.

Why This Training Matters for Trustees

This session is an opportunity to learn from one of the nation’s top library leaders, while strengthening your skills as a trustee. Beyond the professional development value, this webinar also helps fulfill your library’s accreditation requirement that trustees complete at least one continuing education activity annually. Participating live or watching the recording by September 15 will ensure your library remains in good standing for Library Development Grant eligibility. Check out the Library Trustee Resources webpage for more information on this requirement.

Need Help?

If you’re unfamiliar with Zoom, contact Dan Alexander at dalexander@nekls.org to schedule a help session before June 7th.

NEKLS Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing and Budget Hearing
2025-09-08 10:00 - 12:00
Please see this post to learn more and register: https://www.nekls.org/2026-budget-hearing-and-2025-annual-meeting/

Library Directors Retreat
2025-09-10 09:30 - 15:00
NEKLS Member Library Directors,

We hope you’ll join us for the Fall Directors Retreat on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Flory Meeting Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Theme: Space, Story & Strategy

Register Here: https://forms.gle/ZW2k7QLVGohXoiCZ8

Our morning session features David Vinjamuri. David has worked with Lawrence Public Library and libraries across the country to reimagine how space can better serve community needs.

In the afternoon, Hilary Beashore and Brooke Cinalli of bcDESIGNGROUP will continue the conversation. Their firm is behind the renovations at the DeSoto Library.

We’ll also enjoy a catered lunch from Barbwire Barbecue, time to connect with peers, and a large-group discussion focused on other pressing topics.

This retreat is a chance to step back from the day-to-day, reflect with colleagues, and think strategically about where your library is headed.

This event will not be recorded. Please register to attend in person by Monday, September 1st. There is no cost to attend—this retreat is sponsored by NEKLS.

Please note: This event is intended for NEKLS member library leadership. Due to logistics, we are unable to accommodate registration from board members, assistant directors, or other staff members.

TimeProgram9:00 a.m.Doors open (coffee and light refreshments)9:30 a.m.Welcome & opening remarks9:45 a.m.David Vinjamuri – Doing More with Less: A Retail Perspective on Space Organization10:45 a.m.Morning break12:00 a.m.Lunch (provided)1:00 p.m.Hilary Beashore & Brooke Cinalli of bcDESIGNGROUP – Reimagining a Library: Adaptive Building Solutions to Foster Community Connection1:45 p.m.Afternoon break2:00 p.m.Large-group discussion3:00 p.m.Wrap-up3:15 p.m.Adjourn

Older Adult Services Conference
2025-10-22 09:30 - 15:15
Please join us for the Libraries Transform Minds Conference, a one-day gathering focused on library services for older adults. This event will be an opportunity to learn from experts, connect with peers, and share ideas that support aging with dignity and purpose in our communities.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604

Schedule

Doors Open (Coffee, Tea, and Light Refreshments): 9:00

Opening Remarks: 9:30 – 9:45

Yes, And…! The Joy and Power of Improv with Older Adults: 9:45 – 10:45

Break: 10:45 – 11:00

Brain Aging 101: How Aging & Dementia Reshape Our Minds: 11:00 – Noon

Lunch (Sandwich/Salad): Noon – 1:00

Connect and Learn: 1:00 – 1:45

Break: 1:45 – 2:00

Older Adult Services Panel Discussion: 2:00 – 3:00

Closing Remarks: 3:00 – 3:15

Registration is free: lunch, beverages, and morning refreshments are catered by the Millennium Café, and provided at no cost to our registrants. Please note dietary restrictions when you register.

Registration is Now Open (Click Here)

Session Descriptions

Yes, And…! The Joy and Power of Improv with Older Adults

Join award-winning actor, educator, and improv director Marvin Stottlemire as he kicksoff our day with an experience focused on spontaneous fun and creative connection.Research shows that improv can improve attention, memory, and executive function,helping to build cognitive reserve, which is a protective factor against cognitive decline.It also strengthens social bonds, boosts creativity, and encourages emotional well-being. For older adults, improv provides a safe, playful space where mistakes don’texist, laughter comes easily, and everyone can contribute.

In this interactive session, Marvin will guide participants through fun and accessibleimprov exercises. You’ll get to play, laugh, and discover how improv nurtures flexibility,creativity, and joy, helping to enrich daily life and connect us more deeply with others.Marvin Stottlemire is an award-winning actor, educator, and improv director withdecades of experience in law, teaching, and theatre. Known for his humor, warmth, andresilience, he brings heart and insight to every class. Marvin directs Senior Class, animprov troupe at Topeka Civic Theatre, where older adults showcase the joy, creativity,and vitality of improvisation.

Brain Aging 101: How Aging & Dementia Reshape Our Minds

As we age, our brains naturally change, and certain factors can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This talk will explore how the brain supports memory for everyday events, how these processes are affected by aging and disease, and what science reveals about practical steps and emerging interventions that can help protect cognitive health.

Dr. Heather Bailey is an associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kansas State University. Her research focuses on memory systems and aging. Specifically, she studies factors that influence memory (e.g., aging, dementia, PTSD, emotions) as well as well as how the brain supports memory for real-world events.

Connect and Learn

During this lively, quick-paced session, library staff will exchange examples, resources, and strategies for engaging older adults. Shine a light on your successes, learn from colleagues, and discover new ideas you can bring back to your library!

Older Adult Services Panel Discussion

This panel discussion will examine how libraries are adapting to the evolving needs of older adult populations. Panelists will discuss impactful programs and services, strategies for addressing barriers to access, and approaches for effective outreach and community partnerships. The session will also highlight the broader social outcomes of library engagement. Attendees will gain insight into current challenges and emerging opportunities as libraries prepare to serve an increasingly aging population. Panelists: LaVoyce Capps (TSCPL), Tami Hurst (Olathe Public Library), and Donna Porter (Dorothy Bramlage Public Library)

Thank you to TSCPL for partnering with NEKLS to plan this event.

Librarians in Action: What’s the Big AI-dea?
2025-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Join Robin Hastings and Dan Alexander for a chat about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Robin and Dan have been early adopters and frequent presenters on AI, as it constantly evolves!

No need to to register in advance just use the link below—this session will be recorded.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—from your phone’s autocomplete to the headlines about chatbots writing novels (and occasionally fibbing about their sources). But what does it really do, and what does it mean for libraries?

Join us for an engaging, plain-English introduction to Generative AI (GenAI) designed especially for librarians and library board members. We’ll explore:

How AI works: Pull back the curtain on how large language models like ChatGPT actually “think” (spoiler: they don’t, but they’re very good at patterns).

What AI can do for you: Discover practical ways to use AI in daily library life—drafting policies, summarizing reports, creating programs, and saving time without sacrificing your professional judgment.

Tools that make life easier: A guided tour of librarian-approved AI helpers that organize, write, design, and even translate library magic into plain language.

Why AI might not be the best solution for that problem: A candid look at bias, privacy, data ownership, and the moments when human expertise beats the algorithm every time.

Expect plenty of time for questions and to get your burning curiosity about AI satisfied!

Join us on Zoom: https://kslib.zoom.us/j/85100657886
