Virtual Learning for Library Trustees, January-March 2021

There are plenty of opportunities for library trustee learning in early 2021. Here are a few that may be of interest to Colorado public library trustees.

Click the links to view more information and to register. 

January 13: Proactive Advocacy and Communication for Library Trustees and Staff  (WebJunction)

This free webinar explores communication tools and strategies for boards and library staff to be better prepared for unknown changes.

January 22-26: ALA Midwinter (American Library Association)

This virtual conference features internationally acclaimed keynote speakers, library-related “News You Can Use” programs, and the Symposium on the Future of Libraries. Discounted registration is available for ALA Members.

January 26: Fighting Budget Cuts and Finding Funding (United for Libraries)

United for Libraries President David Paige and United for Libraries Board Member Maura Deedy will lead a discussion on how library Trustees, Friends groups, and Foundations can advocate for funding in the current environment.

January 27: Colorado Public Library Standards: A Tool for Trustees (Colorado State Library)

This free webinar will provide an overview of the Colorado Public Library Standards for library trustees. It will highlight some of the ways the Standards can be used by library boards for long-range strategic planning, ongoing improvement of library services, and in policy development.

January 29: Sustainable Thinking for Building Community Resilience  (Colorado Association of Libraries)

This webinar will look at sustainable thinking, a concept that aligns the core values of libraries with the “Triple Bottom Line” definition of sustainability (i.e. the intersection of economic feasibility, environmental stewardship and social equity) to inspire investment and build support for your library in the future. This webinar is free for CAL members (individual and organizational memberships).

February 9: Colorado Library Board Essentials (for Advisory Boards) (Colorado State Library)

This free virtual workshop provides a foundation of essential information to help Colorado Public Library Trustees be better prepared to meet the responsibilities of service on a library advisory board. Topics covered in this workshop include the link between governance and operations, roles and responsibilities of library boards, open meeting requirements, and core principles of public library service.

February 23: Colorado Library Board Essentials (for Governing Boards) (Colorado State Library)

This free virtual workshop provides a foundation of essential information to help Colorado Public Library Trustees be better prepared to meet the responsibilities of service on a library governing board. Topics covered in this workshop include the link between governance and operations, roles and responsibilities of library boards, open meeting requirements, and core principles of public library service. If your library is part of the High Plains Library District, then register for the special edition of this workshop on February 25.

February 23: Proactive Advocacy and Communication for Library Trustees and Staff (United for Libraries)

Is your library board and staff prepared for change and any crises that might come your way? Learn simple steps that library boards and staff can integrate into communication processes, using both outward- and inward-facing tools. Find out about these tools and how they can set the stage for dealing more effectively with any crisis your library faces in the future.

March 23: Trustee Talk: Building Community Support for the Library (Colorado State Library)CANCELLED

Trustee Talk is a series of free quarterly virtual meetups to allow for informal learning amongst library trustees, hosted by the Colorado State Library. This meetup will provide an online space for trustees to come together and consider important issues from a broad range perspectives. The topic for the March 2021 Trustee Talk will be about the role of trustees in building community support for the library.

March 23: Building Support for the Building America’s Libraries Act (United for Libraries)

Join ALA Public Policy & Advocacy office staff to prepare for the next big library campaign, which already is underway. The Build America’s Libraries Act would provide $5 billion to repair, modernize, and construct library facilities. Public libraries, tribal libraries and state libraries that serve the public would be eligible for funding, with priority for libraries serving marginalized communities. Email Crystal Schimpf and ask for details about *free* registration for Colorado public libraries. 

United for Libraries Self-Paced Learning Pilot

Just a few spots remain in this pilot program for Colorado public library trustees, with content provided by United for Libraries (American Library Association). Learn more about this free program and how to apply to participate.

Virtual Trustee Training Available By Request

Looking for something different? Colorado public library boards can request free virtual training and consultation through the Colorado State Library (CSL). Read more about what topics are available and how to request a training.

Colorado Library Trustee (COLT) Email List

Stay up to date on the latest information for Colorado Library Trustees by subscribing to the COLT email list. Members of the list receive up to four emails per month with news, training opportunities, conferences, and tips relevant to public library trustees.

Crystal Schimpf