NEKLS Office Closed
2024-11-28 08:00 - 2024-11-29 17:00, 2024-12-24 08:00 - 2024-12-25 17:00, 2025-01-01 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)

Record Manager (OCLC)/ Importing MARC Records Training
2024-12-03 10:00 - 12:00
Jessi Harris will present a Record Manager/ Importing MARC Record Training on December 3rd at the NEKLS office at 10am. This is a hybrid event and will also be available over Zoom.

Please feel free to bring your laptops and a couple items that you would like to import. We can practice after the training. The importing part of the training will be for the Next Search Catalog specifically.

Now that many of you have had cataloging training with the new Next Cataloging Manual, this is the next step! If you do not know how to access Record Manager, or you have not set up your account, please let me know. I’ll help you get set up!

Here is the Zoom link for the training if you are not able to make it in person: https://kslib.zoom.us/j/83953987323

Here is the form to register if you plan to attend in-person: https://forms.gle/Er5PMRTyBP7TY3qLA

Color Our World with Priscilla Howe (Summer Youth Staff Workshop)
2025-01-14 10:00 - 11:30
Color Our World with Priscilla Howe (Summer Youth Staff Workshop)

Save the Dates – Summer 2025 webinars by NCKLS & NEKLS

Co-sponsored by NCKLS and NEKLS; made possible in part through the State Library of Kansas Library Services and Technology Act provided by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

What: Confetti! A celebration of stories, songs, ideas and more for SLP 2025 (Summer Youth Staff Workshop)

When: Tuesday, January 14, 2025; 10-11:30am

Where: Online–Register https://forms.gle/RRMmi2doUzCqfJeE7

Mock Youth Media Awards
2025-01-17 13:00 - 16:00
You’re invited to an event that should be of interest to anyone who serves youth in your libraries! Here are some brief details:

What: A Mock Youth Media Award DiscussionWhen: Friday, January 17, 2025; 1-4pmWhere: Northeast Kansas Library System, 4317 W. 6th Street, LawrenceWhy: To discuss great books for youth, have fun, and learn with colleagues!

What is a Mock Award? Every year, ALA selection committees read and meet to discuss the best books of the year in order to make awards in multiple categories. Mock Awards are our opportunity to try our hand at the book selection and evaluation process and see how our choices line up with the awards committees.

January 24th, 2025 at the NEKLS Office.

Mock YMA 2025 Description – Save the DateDownload

Color Our World with Jay Williams and Harley Bienko, Manhattan Public Library (Summer Teen Staff Workshop)
2025-01-23 13:30 - 15:00
Save the Dates – Summer 2025 webinars by NCKLS & NEKLS

Co-sponsored by NCKLS and NEKLS; made possible in part through the State Library of Kansas Library Services and Technology Act provided by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

What: Summer 2025 Teen Programming Workshop: Creative Ideas and Successful Strategies! (Summer Teen Workshop)

When: Thursday, January 23, 2025; 1:30-3pm

Where: Online — Register https://forms.gle/zk1h3L2LUf8bWCqS9

KLA Legislative Day
2025-01-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Kansas State House, Topeka, Kansas, SW 8th &, SW Van Buren St, Topeka, KS, 66612
Save the date, January 28 2025, to visit the Capitol Building and speak with legislators. State Library of Kansas will be celebrating 125 years!

Next Users Group Meeting & Public Library Survey Drop-In
2025-01-30 10:00 - 15:00
The Next Users Group will meet at the NEKLS Office for the first quarterly meeting of 2025. In the afternoon NEKLS Staff will be available to help complete the 2024 Public Library Survey. The Survey must be completed by February 5th.

Public Library Survey Drop-in (Online)
2025-01-31 13:00 - 15:00
NEKLS Staff will be online to help member public libraries complete their 2024 Public Library Survey from 1 to 3 PM. Contact us if you would like to arrange an alternate time for help. The survey must be submitted by February 5th.

Join us over Zoom anytime between 1 and 3 PM: https://kslib.zoom.us/j/83419189703

Public Library Survey Deadline
2025-02-05 08:00 - 17:00
Surveys must be finalized through Counting Opinions, the software used by the State Library of Kansas. For help with this required action please contact NEKLS staff for support.

Color Our World: Creative Library Programs for Adults with Greta Funk
2025-02-06 13:30 - 14:30
NEKLS will host one more webinar to help you get ready for Summer 2025: Color Our World: Creative Library Programs for Adults. This webinar will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, 1:30-2:30pm.Thanks to Greta Funk, chair of the CSLP Adult Programming Manual and Director of Nortonville Public Library, for volunteering to present this session!

Rural and Small Libraries Event - Canceled
2025-02-13 10:00 - 14:00
Small & Mighty: Libraries Enhance Rural Living

Sadly, due to incoming snow and cold this event has been canceled.

Gather with us to reflect on how small libraries support community health, build partnerships, and create lasting impact, on February 13th at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Flory Meeting Hall, 10 AM to 2 PM. This event will be open to our NEKLS member library directors, staff, volunteers, and trustees. Registration is required by February 6th: https://forms.gle/8qpDMb9AjGV7AwRi7

Douglas County Fairgrounds Flory Meeting Hall: 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046, Doors open at 9:30 AM!

Featured Presentations

Derik Flerlage & Lainey Faulkner, KDHE Bureau of Family Health: Public Health Foundations, Community Engagement, & KDHE Programs

Robin Hastings, NEKLS: Grant Project Management

There will be no cost to attend this in-person event and lunch will be provided. Contact Dan Alexander (dalexander@nekls.org) for more information.

Lunch and Learn: Recipes for Raising
2025-04-24 09:30 - 14:00
With library funding becoming increasingly uncertain, it’s essential to explore strategies and partnerships to maximize funding opportunities. Join NEKLS on Thursday, April 24th, for a Continuing Education workshop focused on effective revenue-building approaches.

Topics & Presenters:

Navigating Building Campaigns: Insights on foundation grant applications, partnerships, individual donations, and managing a building project.Presenter: Cari Cusick, Director, Newton Public Library

Monthly Giving Programs: How to implement and scale a successful recurring donation program for any library size.Presenter: Logan Isaman, Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator, Lawrence Public Library

Grant Management Strategies: Best practices for managing grants effectively.Presenter: Robin Hastings, Consultant—Library Services, NEKLS

Event Details:

Location: NEKLS Office, 4317 W. 6th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049

Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch provided by NEKLS)

Capacity: Limited to the first 30 registrants

Cost: no cost to attend

Recordings: No recordings for this event

Registration Deadline: April 11

Register here to secure your spot!

For more information, contact Robyn Kollar at rkollar@nekls.org.

NEKLS 2025 Trustee Training
2025-06-07 09:30 - 11:00
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

Next User Group Meeting
2026-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 | NEKLS Office & Zoom
Here is the registration form for our January 20, 2025 Next Users Group meeting, lunch, and State Stats Help Drop-in: https://forms.gle/FjZfNju72RKSaX9T9

Next Users Group Meeting (10am-Noon)

Lunch (Noon-12:30pm)

State Stats Help Drop-in (12:30-3pm)

Please register by 1/13/2025. This helps us make sure that we have enough lunch for everyone that wants it!

After the Next meeting, please feel free to stay for lunch. If you have any annual state public library survey questions, NEKLS staff will be available at the drop in to help. Don’t forget to bring your laptop!

Public Library Survey: In-Person NEKLS Support
2026-01-20 12:30 - 15:00 | NEKLS Office, 4317 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66049, United States
Here is the registration form for our January 20, 2025 Next Users Group meeting, lunch, and State Stats Help Drop-in: https://forms.gle/FjZfNju72RKSaX9T9

Next Users Group Meeting (10am-Noon)

Lunch (Noon-12:30pm)

State Stats Help Drop-in (12:30-3pm)

Please register by 1/13/2025. This helps us make sure that we have enough lunch for everyone that wants it!After the Next User Group Meeting, please feel free to stay for lunch. If you have any annual public library survey questions, NEKLS staff will be available in the afternoon to help. Don’t forget to bring your laptop!

Unearth a Story: Will Stuck Webinar
2026-01-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Online
Please join us on January 22nd at 1:30pm -3:00pm for a wonderful 2026 Summer Reading webinar with Will Stuck hosted by NCKLS and NEKLS!

Join longtime public librarian, professional speaker, and Edutainer Will Stuck for a high-energy, idea-packed webinar designed to help libraries bring the UNEARTH A STORY summer reading theme to life in 2026.

Will Stuck worked in a public library for 24 years. During that time, he worked in multiple positions but he found his calling while working in the library’s Children’s Department and ended up spending 20+ years working with children. However, his work isn’t limited to the youngest library patrons. He planned and performed programs for preschoolers through senior citizens both in the library and throughout northwest Missouri. Since 2017, Will has been a professional speaker, library consultant and an Edutainer, bringing his M.E.S.S. (Music, Education, Stories & Science) across multiple states.

Attendees will leave with concrete ideas, renewed confidence in the theme, and tools they can adapt to fit their community’s needs as they plan for Summer Reading 2026.

The webinar link will be sent out the week of the session. The recording will be available after the session.

Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPgC0Z04BDHorlgQ1yFY6wfUSKQWOehKKHrfL5K0PKpN_Ppg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100135973194181931719

Unearth a Story: Dig into Library Programs for Adults
2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:15 | Online
Do you provide summer programs for adults at your library?Save the date!

Thursday, February 12, 2026 – webinar 1-2:15pm

Register at: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/C49oMc3RQAiDcFjMq8UCHg

You will be provided the log in information once you register. Hope to see you there!

Join Greta Funk, Chair of the CSLP Adult Programming Manual, for a webinar packedwith ideas for adult activities that will Unearth a StoryTM during Summer 2026 andbeyond.Greta Funk is the director of Nortonville Public Library (a town of about 650 people)and has been providing library programs for adults in her community for more than fiveyears. She has two adult and two teen “children” and when not hosting craft nights,paint nights, and other library programs for adults in the evenings, she obsessivelycrochets amigurumi critters while listening to audiobooks.Registration and Zoom log in information will be announced a few weeks beforethis event.

Questions? Contact Anna Foote @ NEKLS, afoote@nekls.org.

How to be an ILL Sleuth
2026-02-17 10:00 - 12:00 | NEKLS Office, 4317 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66049, United States
We will discuss the various reasons you may not be finding an item to request, ILL workflow best practices, resources for ILL sleuthing, and current ILL issues that NEKLS libraries may be experiencing. This training is for anyone that places interlibrary loan requests.

Digging into SLP, 2026: Teen Idea Share
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:15 | Online
SEKLS invites all Kansas librarians to join Annelies Brubaker, Director at Eureka Public Library, Brandon Tiecke, Teen Librarian at Parsons Public Library, and Jennifer McCulley, Youth Services Director at MacPherson Public Library to gather and share ideas related to this year’s Summer Library Programming for Tweens and Teens.

Click here to register: https://bit.ly/Teen_SLP26

KOMA Training for Trustees
2026-02-19 17:30 - 19:00
Maintaining openness in government is a key responsibility for a library’s board of trustees. It is critical for every board of trustees, and the staff who support them, to have a working knowledge of the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). While enforcement of KOMA is typically corrective, the Act allows for civil penalties of up to $500 per knowing violation, per individual. This webinar, presented by Nicole Prouix Aiken of the League of Kansas Municipalities, will provide an in-depth analysis of KOMA. Attendees will learn:

• Types of governmental meetings and bodies covered by KOMA;

• Requirements of the Act;

• Executive sessions; and

• Enforcement and penalties.

Registration is now open: https://forms.office.com/r/UsepaVRxqR

Registration closes at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18.

The webinar will be held live on Thursday, February 19, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. A recording will be available for sixty days—the link will be sent to all registrants. The webinar is open to NEKLS member libraries only. Registrants will receive the webinar link by email prior to the event.

When viewed in its entirety and discussed by the board of trustees, this training satisfies the trustee continuing education accreditation requirement for NEKLS member public libraries.

Nicole Proulx Aiken is communications & education counsel for the League of Kansas Municipalities. In this position, Nicole enjoys conducting trainings on topics like the Kansas Open Meetings Act and the Kansas Open Records Act. Nicole graduated from Benedictine College with a B.A. in political science and attended the University of Kansas School of Law. After law school, Nicole clerked for the Kansas Supreme Court and has been practicing municipal law for over 15 years.

The League of Kansas Municipalities is a membership association that advocates on behalf of cities, offers training and guidance to city appointed and elected officials, and has a clear purpose of strengthening Kansas communities. Since 1910, the League has been a resource for cities across Kansas and has acted as a body to share ideas, facilitate communication between members, and provide information on best practices in city operations. League membership consists of cities with populations from 20 to over 390,000.

Website Accessibility Meetup
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Save the date: NEKLS Website Accessibility Meetup📅 February 26 | 🕐 1:00 PM

For library administrators and web editors (WordPress + Next catalog users especially).WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) set the standard for making websites function for all users—and expectations are tightening. We’ll cover what this means for library websites, catalog landing pages, and digital resources, with practical tools and real-world fixes.

Participants will leave this meetup with practical next-step strategies and a clearer sense of their current accessibility gaps.

Register in advance: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/_EMWPCp9RjeIegFMEE3kyw2

Lunch & Learn: A Conversation with Tony Silvestri
2026-03-12 10:00 - 13:00 | NEKLS Office, 4317 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66049, United States
Lunch & Learn: A Conversation with Tony SilvestriThursday, March 12, 202610:00 am–1:00 pmNEKLS Office | Lawrence

Schedule

10:00–10:15 am — Welcome & Announcements10:15–11:15 am — Conversation with Tony Silvestri11:15–11:30 am — Break11:30 am–12:00 pm — Spark Talks12:00 pm — Lunch Provided

*No Cost to Attend

A Silver Thread — Available on Hoopla!

“I continued my exploration of the library’s medieval history section, gobbling up King Arthur stories and books about the Crusades, popes, monks, Venice, Vikings — whatever I could get my hands on. In 1973, David Macaulay’s Cathedral, a new book featuring mind-blowingly detailed pen-and-ink drawings of a Gothic cathedral, appeared on library shelves. That book got me started drawing castles and maps, inventing whole worlds inscribed upon reams of my accountant dad’s discarded columnar paper pads.” [From: When I Was 6, My Parents Gave Me A Christmas Gift. None Of Us Knew It Would Change The Course Of My Life | Huffington Post]— Tony Silvestri

Libraries do more than circulate materials. They set trajectories.

Join us for a rare opportunity to gather with Tony Silvestri—one of the preeminent choral lyricists of our time—for a morning of conversation, reflection, and shared insight designed specifically for library staff. “Charles Anthony Silvestri is an award-winning poet, writer, educator and speaker. He is the author of three books, and his poetry has been set to choral music by over 100 composers worldwide.“

Together, we will explore curiosity, mentorship, history, and the long arc of influence that libraries quietly shape every day. The morning will include guided conversation with Tony, brief participant reflections (Spark Talks), and time to connect with colleagues across library services—followed by lunch together.

The study of history is like a whole civilization going to see a therapist, to be guided through an analysis of how we got to this point.— Tony Silvestri

Participants are encouraged to read Tony’s essay in advance as a shared touchstone for the conversation.

If you are interested in how libraries nurture lifelong passions, support artists and learners, and create space for discovery—this gathering is for you.

Kids know who they are. Trust them. If your kid wants a space rocket explorer for their birthday, or wants to talk your ear off about going to the horse farm, museum or sports arena, or is obsessed with Fender Stratocasters, or is constantly taking your small appliances apart and putting them back together again, they are telling you something essential about themselves. You can enable them to take their first small steps to change the world.— Tony Silvestri
