Happiness at Work (PCI Webinar)
2024-03-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Happiness, a wonderful and elusive emotion linked to a better quality of living can be developed. Being happy changes your thoughts and emotions which ultimately changes your behaviors. Happy people are more fun to be around, tend to be healthier, and more productive!

In this lighthearted look at happiness discover the science of happiness, the health benefits, and specific ways to boost happiness while being mindful of the conundrum that directly pursuing happiness can backfire and leave us less happy.

This program will explore:

The science of happiness

Steps you can take to become happier

Ways you can help others become happier

Laura Greco ~ Biography

Laura Greco, RN, MEd is a certified wellness coach and speaker who facilitates learning and changing habits. She helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance, and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. Self-care (body, mind, and spirit) is the basis for well-being and we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes are 2 of her foundational beliefs.

Library Giving Day
2024-04-03 00:00 - 23:59
Join the movement!

Your local public library is a place where you and your neighbors belong. Beyond the doors of your library lies a treasure trove of facts, figures, and feats of the imagination. Plus, there are people who are always ready to help.

Learn more and donate here: https://foundation.nekls.org/lgd

2024 Spring Directors Institute
2024-04-12 09:30 - 16:00
Northeast Kansas Public Library Directors, please join us on April 12, 2024, for the Spring Directors Institute at the NEKLS Office. This will be an in-person retreat, though we hope to have resources to share with those who cannot attend. The deadline to register to attend was April 1st, contact Dan Alexander (dalexander@nekls.org) if you have any questions.

Our special guest will be Dr. Beth Wahler! Check out out her new book, Creating a Person-Centered Library from the NEKLS Professional Collection: https://nextkansas.org/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=1376956.

Morning: Trauma-Informed Library Management: Practical Strategies for Supporting Both Patrons and Staff, facilitated by Dr. Beth Wahler. Workshop topics will include: Trauma-informed librarianship, Trauma-informed leadership skills to reduce staff stress and trauma, and Self-care strategies for library leaders.

Lunch: NEKLS will provide lunch, and will contact registrants about dietary needs before the retreat.

Afternoon: We will discuss the NEKLS Mental Wellness Grant, and other mental wellness topics. Following the facilitated group discussion, three directors from our region, Marie Pyko (Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library), Rachael Hissong (Paola Free Library), and Erin Verbick (Morrill Public Library), have agreed to share about partnerships and outreach. We will end the day with time for more group discussion.

About our Guest: Beth Wahler, PhD, MSW is a social work consultant, researcher, trainer, and experienced administrator whose primary focus is trauma-informed librarianship, public library patrons’ psychosocial needs (needs related to mental health, substance abuse, poverty, etc.), library staff needs related to these types of patron issues, and various kinds of collaborations, services, and programs to meet these types of patron and staff needs (such as social work programs). Dr. Wahler has worked with multiple public libraries- urban, suburban, and rural- as well as large library systems and state library associations to provide personalized training opportunities, conduct needs assessments, complete program evaluations, and to develop individualized plans to help meet the needs of their patron populations and staff. She has completed extensive research on existing public library/social work collaborations and programs throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. She has also published and presented internationally on library patron and staff needs, library-based social work practicum placements, and library/social work collaborations. Dr. Wahler has a book forthcoming in December 2023, “Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons,” published by Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, which focuses on strategies for supporting patrons with psychosocial needs while simultaneously supporting library staff. Prior to her current roles, she has 14 years of experience as a social work practitioner and administrator, working with organizations serving individuals who have barriers to economic mobility and stability including homelessness, mental health problems, substance use problems, intimate partner violence and other experiences of trauma, disabilities, and chronic health problems, and as an academic researcher, professor, and administrator in schools of social work for 11 years.

Next Users Group, Osage City Library
2024-04-16 10:00 - 12:00
Quarterly Meeting for Next libraries.

2024 NEKLS Competitive Grant Q&A
2024-05-01 14:00 - 15:00
This meeting is to discuss the 2024 NEKLS Competitive Grants. Information about the grants can be found here: https://www.nekls.org/nekls-competitive-grants/.

NEKLS staff will do our best to answer questions over Zoom. You can register here: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrcu-qrT4jH9CgFDvWP-tVFN1MrgCJmYI2

We will meet at 2:00 PM on the 1st, see you then!

After-lunch course: Advocacy in a Polarized World with Peter Bromberg
2024-05-30 13:30 - 14:30
How can we effectively communicate with all decision-makers, and stakeholders about the important work happening at your library regardless of their political beliefs? In this session you will learn the principles of “The Three Languages” of politics, and how to apply them when communicating with people from across the political spectrum. We will build upon these principles and learn how to effectively use data, stories, and research to craft compelling, resonant messages.

Please join us Thursday May 30th, 1:30 – 2:30 PM over Zoom; this presentation will be recorded.

Registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vdO-hqzwrGtbhDuOLV6i2nvbhURot2ppv

Cost: Free for Kansas Librarians

Host: Kansas Regional Library Systems

Presenter: Peter Bromberg, Associate Director, EveryLibrary Institute

Peter has over 30 years of experience applying a human-centered approach to the transformation of library services, creating value and positive experiences for people and communities while fostering healthy, equitable, and effective organizational climates. As a library advocate on local, state, and national levels, he coaches and consults with library leaders, boards, grassroots groups, and associations to develop effective messaging and build strong community and political support for library funding. As a library director in Salt Lake City, Peter applied an equity lens to board development, operations, and policy development, garnering a Distinguished Service Award from the American Society for Public Administrators (ASPA) for his work in eliminating inequitable barriers to service. Peter tweets at @pbromberg and is on BlueSky at pbromberg.bsky.social

The Library Trustee Playbook: Building a Better Board
2024-06-01 10:00 - 11:30
Who needs a playbook? For any kind of team, from the Kansas City Chiefs to the board of a library, a playbook can help engage and strengthen its members and contribute to an organization’s success. A playbook outlines the who, what, how, and why a team works together to achieve a common goal. Join us to find out how you can be a better board member and work with your colleagues and your director to make your library a success in your community.

Register to attend, over Zoom, here: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwuc-2qqD8pG9O6OOfYqyST-4UU482ocpO8

Event Details: We will meet on Saturday, June 1st, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Can’t make it? This workshop will be recorded.

Gina Millsap is the retired chief executive officer of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, the 2016 Gale/Library Journal Library of the Year. She previously served as the CEO of the Ames (IA) Public Library. She’s worked in libraries for 45 years and received her Masters of Library Science from the University of Missouri. She’s been recognized as a 2007 Library Journal Mover and Shaker and is Past President of the Library Leadership and Management Association, a division of the American Library Association. She currently works as a library consultant and executive coach. She has worked with boards for 25 years and currently serves as the board president of the YWCA of Northeast Kansas.

Hello, Goodbye: Reflecting on Onboarding and Offboarding Library Staff
2024-07-31 14:00 - 15:00
Only 12% of employees surveyed by Gallup believe their organization has a strong onboarding process, despite its critical impact on retention, productivity, and job satisfaction (SHRM). Join facilitator Dan Alexander in this webinar as we delve into the complete employment cycle—from effectively welcoming new team members to addressing challenges during employee departures.

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned. Engage in discussions on organizational success and enhancing worker satisfaction through a consistent approach to managing staffing transitions.

Learning Outcomes

Practical strategies to enhance and structure onboarding and offboarding processes

Insights into improving organizational success and staff satisfaction

Best practices for account management and protecting institutional knowledge

Details

Facilitator: Dan Alexander

Target Audience: Public Library Managers and Administrators

Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Format: Live on Zoom

Registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqf–tqj8uGtwbhCWwmbT91KZJxA5OVCul

Next User Group Meeting, Tonganoxie Public Library
2024-08-27 10:00 - 12:00
Quarterly user group meeting for Next libraries.

HR check-in meeting for NEKLS public libraries
2024-08-28 10:00 - 11:00
Questions? Please contact Michael McDonald! mmcdonald@nekls.org

Special Executive Board Meeting
2024-08-29 10:00 - 10:30
will be a special board meeting held on this coming Thursday, August 29th at 10am in order to approve Board nominations for the upcoming year. The agenda for this meeting can be found at

NEKLS_ExecutiveBoard_Agenda_SpecialMtg_29aug2024Download

The Zoom link for this meeting is https://kslib.zoom.us/j/82999961081

System Budget & RNR Hearing
2024-09-10 10:00 - 12:00
Save the date for the annual budget hearing and also the revenue neutral hearing. This meeting will be available online for NEKLS System Board members and the general public. If anyone wishes to attend the NEKLS office, please contact us at 785-838-4090. More details linked below.

Date: September 10

Time: 10:00 AM – Noon

https://www.nekls.org/2025-budget-hearing-and-2024-annual-meeting/

Libraries Transform Minds Conference
2024-09-12 09:00 - 15:30
Do you and your fellow public library staff frequently serve older adults at the library? Do you have a friend or relative facing memory changes? Do you wonder how you can best care for your own aging brain? Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) and Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS) are hosting a conference for library professionals to explore memory care:

Libraries Transform Minds Conference: Learn, Connect, and Share about Library Services for Older Adults

September 12th, Marvin Auditorium, Topeka and Shawnee County Library

Attendees can expect to network and share with peers, and learn how they can strengthen memory care at work and at home.

Registration: https://forms.gle/qFXpsAa1A3N9Rvz17

Presenters

Connie Michaelis, Author of Just Now Old Enough (website)

Dr. Maritza Buenaver, MD, Director of Geriatric Psychiatry, Geriatrics Psychiatrist at the Oklahoma City VA healthcare system

Kelly G. Loeb, MSW, Community Engagement Coordinator, KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Tami Hurst, Library Programming Specialist, Olathe Public Library (Memory Café program)

Details

Lunch will be catered by the Millennium Café, and there will be no cost to attend.

This will be a live, in-person, day-long conference – there will be no recordings. Presentation descriptions may be found at the bottom of this event page.

Date: Thursday, September 12

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Location: Marvin Auditorium, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

Address: 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604

Cost: Free for Library Staff to Attend

Contact: Dan Alexander, NEKLS or Brenda Hough, TSCPL

Registration: https://forms.gle/qFXpsAa1A3N9Rvz17

Schedule

9:00: Arrival, sign-in, light breakfast9:30: Welcome and Overview of the day9:45: You’re Just Now Old Enough! with author Connie Michaelis 10:30: Break 10:45: The Aging Brain with Dr. Maritza Buenaver 11:40: Table Activity12:00: Lunch1:00: Shelf Care: What Libraries Can Do to Support Caregivers with Kelly G. Loeb of KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center1:45: Programming for Dementia with Tami Hurst of Olathe Public Library 2:30: Break2:40: Discussion Topic Tables3:20: Wrap-Up and Adjourn

Connie Michaelis

You’re Just Now Old Enough!

Description: Attitude is everything when it comes to aging. When we embrace the future and all that it brings, we are in the right mindset to age successfully. My career has allowed me to meet thousands of Seniors and their families. I’ve seen it all and determined that the biggest difference between those who are happy and engaged and those who are grumpy and angry is their attitude. Along with a positive attitude, I advocate lifelong learning, socialization, movement, and having fun.

“You don’t stop having fun because you’re old; you’re old when you stop having fun!”

Presenter: Connie is a passionate advocate for healthy aging. With years of experience in sales and marketing, including hospice, durable medical equipment, and retirement living, she has become a knowledgeable problem solver for life transitions. As a weekly newspaper columnist and author of Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging, Connie speaks and writes to encourage and support seniors and their families. Connie has a BA in biology and history from the University of Kansas and a teaching degree in secondary education. Her family consists of six children and 15 grandchildren

Dr. Maritza Buenaver

The Aging Brain

Description: Library staff will learn about brain changes with aging, including normal changes and abnormal changes, as well as presentation of the most common types of dementia. Will understand risk factors for cognitive decline and review tips for healthy aging, including factors that libraries can help address such as staying active and engaged by learning as well as interacting with individuals who may be experiencing dementia.

Presenter: Dr. Maritza Buenaver is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and neurology with sub specialization in Geriatric Psychiatry and Hospice and Palliative medicine. Completed Medical School and Psychiatric Residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City Campus. Trained in Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospital and clinics, where she also received clinical practice in Hospice and Palliative care . Dr. Buenaver spent 11 years as a director of the Behavioral Health Community Living Center (Geriatric psychiatry care) at the Topeka VA. Currently, Dr. Buenaver provides care to Veterans in long-term care settings, namely State Veteran’s homes, through Clinical Video Telehealth and E-consults to the inpatient and outpatient settings as well as an expert Consultee for the VA National Expert Consultation & Specialized Services – Mental Health Geriatric Psychiatry Telehealth Program (NEXCSS-MH) reaching out to rural areas within the country. She is an assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. Specialized in assessment and treatment of mental health disorders in the elderly, dementia evaluation and treatment, focusing on non-pharmacological interventions and education of caregivers of persons with dementia. Recipient of a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program-HRSA grant for Dementia education, she has led multiple community conferences, has presented some of her work at the national level and has been a guest Speaker of the KACE (Kansas Adult Care Executives) Annual meeting in 2018 and 2022. Introduced Virtual reality into multidisciplinary education at the Topeka Veterans Administration as well as training of un-paid caregivers in rural Kansas. Currently runs 2 rural Dementia Caregiver support groups in Kansas. Dr Buenaver enjoys educating members of the geriatric interdisciplinary team, geriatric fellows, resident physicians, psychology interns, medical students, nursing students and caregivers in the community.

Kelly G. Loeb

Shelf Care: What Libraries Can Do to Support Caregivers

Description: Check out this session on how libraries transform the minds of family caregivers of people experiencing cognitive change. From cataloguing must-reads on dementia details to hosting educational forums on detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure, libraries are well-positioned to scaffold patrons. Presenter Kelly G. Loeb, MSW will share about how libraries can replicate innovative programs for caregivers – including the Family Series and the Breakfast Club – that don’t go by the book! Taking advantage of technology and maximizing community strengths don’t have to be overdue – renew your library’s commitment to reading between the lines for nurturing, empowerment and compassion.

Presenter: Kelly G. Loeb, MSW, is the Community Engagement Coordinator at the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, where she hosts the Weekly Webinar about brain health, writes and distributes the MyAlliance for Brain Health newsletter (in English and Spanish) and works alongside researchers advancing us to detection, treatment, prevention and cure of dementia. She is a member of the Community Leadership Board of the Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter. Kelly has more than 20 years of experience educating, guiding and nurturing people experiencing cognitive change and their communities and she fervently works toward the day when Alzheimer’s disease (which both of her beloved grandmothers had) is just a memory.

Tami Hurst

Programming for Dementia

Description: Research shows that many people living with dementia can still read and benefit from a wide variety of library materials. Tami will share straightforward methods to create more dementia-friendly libraries, along with practical advice on selecting reading materials tailored to each individual.

Presenter: Tami Hurst has worked for the Olathe Public Library in Olathe, Kansas for 22 years. For the past 6 years, she has coordinated the Olathe Public Library’s Library to You service, a free home delivery service for individuals who can’t physically travel to the library. She and her coworker Roya Mortazavi also make monthly visits to local retirement communities and care centers to do outreach and literacy-based programming such as Tales and Travel Memories programs for older adults. Tami has a personal interest in improving the quality of life for people living with dementia as her father passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2019.

Fall Directors Institute
2024-10-04 09:00 - 15:00
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.

Not Just Cute: Planning for Powerful Play a KLA Pre Conference
2024-10-30 09:00 - 11:30
Weave a Tale Workshop presents a KLA Pre Conference: Not Just Cute: Planning for Powerful Play featuring Amanda Morgan, nationally recognized play expert.

Date: October 30, 2024

Time: 9-11:30 AM

Location: Cypress A Classroom, Hyatt Regency Wichita

Registration: https://kslibassoc.org/

Canceled--Next User Group meeting, Mary Cotton Library--Canceled
2024-11-14 10:00 - 12:00
Quarterly users group meeting for Next libraries.

Due to illness: the Next Search Catalog meeting scheduled for November 14, 2024, has been postponed.A new date and time will be announced soon.

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

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.
