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A Message From the CLA President

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Welcome to the 2021 Connecticut Library Association annual conference.  Obviously, things look a little different this year, but through all the challenges and changes, we are glad and grateful to be with you.  Our theme, “Libraries Meeting Challenges in a Changing World” might apply to any year, but never to the extent as it does today.  But challenges are also opportunities, and I am thankful for all the opportunities seized and mastered by our CLA team.  Many of these are reflected in the content of the program before you, and some occurred behind the scenes, to make this week’s event possible.


We are pleased to welcome all our featured and keynote speakers, and recognize the support of our exhibitors and vendors, without whom we could not present this conference in the way we have come to expect.  (Visit them virtually!)  


Congratulations for a job well done to conference co-chairs Chris Hemingway and Susan Ray, who pivoted from pre-planning an in-person event back in early 2020 to presenting today’s slate of sessions.  And where would we be without the tireless efforts of Alessandra Petrino and Kym Poe, our vendor and exhibits co-chairs, whose organization and energy extended well beyond their assigned duties?  Special thanks are also due to Bob and Michele Scheier, who, in their work through the New England Library Association’s administrative services, brought experience and problem-solving expertise to this conference.
I hope you enjoy the sessions and find them informative, entertaining and thought-provoking.  Let us know about your experience in the post-conference survey, or reach out to us directly.

 

Warmly,
Tom Piezzo,

President, Connecticut Library Association

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p.s. Are you a member?  Please join CLA to keep us viable and engaged with our library community.

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Day 1, Monday, May 10th

 

Session 1

9:00-10:00AM

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Helping Your Patrons Connect with Meaningful Career and Job Assistance in a Challenging Economic World: How Capital Workforce Partners Can Collaborate with Public Libraries

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Benjamin Clapp, a sector specialist supporting the manufacturing industry at Capital Workforce Partners  will speak on collaborating with CT librarians to provide jobseekers with a range of workshops, recruitment events and other resources geared toward connecting individuals with CT job opportunities.

Presenter: Benjamin Clapp , Capital Workforce Partners

 

Session 1

9:00-10:00AM

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Planning Your Escape: How to design engaging digital escape rooms for children, tweens, and teens

 

This in depth program will introduce participants into how to use the software programs Deck Toys and Canva to design engaging digital escape rooms that can be fun and/or educational. Victoria Barrette will explore how to design escape room puzzles and graphics to create the most engagement for young patrons.

Presenter: Victoria Barrette, Southington Public Library

 

Exhibitor Session 1

10:00-10:30AM

Room A

 

Presenter: Rosen Publishing

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Exhibitor Session 2

10:00-10:30AM

Room B

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Presenter: Baking Coach

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Session 3
12:00-1:00PM    

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Creating a Radio Show/Podcast for your community 
Learn how to create a radio show/podcast for your community using common tools such as Zoom and YouTube. Matt will cover such topics as using a simple recording platform, getting the word out, filling your time, interviewing guests, and working with a co-host. The flexibility of the format makes it applicable to all types of institutions. Matt has produced 34 programs of music, community information, and interviews for the Waterford Public School system during the past year. Participants will learn how to record and upload a Zoom meeting to YouTube, the problems and solutions when using YouTube music videos, interview techniques, how to create a rough script template, and creating templates for prospective guests. 
Presenter: Matt Cadorette, Waterford High School 

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Opening Keynote Speaker-Deborah Schander, Connecticut State Librarian
1:00-2:00PM

    
Deborah Schander began her tenure as State Librarian in 2021. Prior to joining the Connecticut State Library, she was an educator and law librarian, serving in library administration at Seton Hall University and Vanderbilt University as well as working at law libraries in Georgia and California. She holds a JD and an MLIS from Florida State University (2007). She writes and speaks on a variety of topics including legal research instruction, leadership development, personnel management, technology, and library outreach. Deborah is past chair of the Professional Engagement, Growth, and Advancement special interest section of the American Association of Law Libraries as well as past president of the Atlanta Law Libraries Association.

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Exhibitor Session 3
2:30-3:00PM   

 
Presenter:  TBA


Exhibitor Session 4
2:30-3:00 PM    


Presenter:  TBA

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Session 4
3:00-4:00PM

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Serving Older Patrons at the Library During Covid-19

Allan will discuss his research done while working on his article for the new book Pivoting during the Pandemic: Ideas for Serving Your Communiy Anytime, Anywhere published by ALA Editions.

Presenter: Allan Kleiman, Edison Public Library, New Jersey

 

Session 5
4:00-5:00PM     

 

Libraries Mean Business: Engaging and Supporting Your Town’s Economy During a Pandemic
Libraries are adaptable, resilient, and creative during the best of times, and even more so when a pandemic hits. Faced with closure during the pandemic, the Business Program at The Westport Library pivoted quickly to a virtual environment to support the town’s business community. The Library used a three-prong approach: programming targeted towards the business community; programming targeted toward people in transition; and expanding cooperation with community and library partners. Ellen will discuss steps to take to keep community engagement going; the benefits of collaboration; and the best marketing strategies. 
Presenter: Ellen Janpol

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Special Event - Monday Mixer

6:30:-8:30PM


Meet and greet with your library colleagues!

 

Day 2: Tuesday, May 11th

 

Session 1
9:00-10:00 AM    

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Virtual Astronomy & Space Academy 
Join forces with award-winning astronomer and NASA consultant, Kevin Manning, a man on no ordinary mission. “Look Up to the Stars” was founded with a mission to generate interest and foster scientific literacy in the general public nationwide through the delivery of awe-inspiring, educational and entertaining astronomy programs for all ages. Breathtaking images, video clips and fun hands-on activities make for an unforgettable cosmic journey. Using simple terminology and concepts, he teaches about space and the celestial objects that reside overhead. Ignite in young minds the excitement of the universe. 
Presenter:  Kevin Manning, Starlight Enterprises

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Session 1
9:00-10:00AM  

 

Libraries Meeting Challenges in a Changing World:  Outdoor Library Programs 
Today’s world has people experiencing more isolation due to social distancing. Christy Billings of the Russell Library in Middletown, Ct. will talk about creating two programs where book discussions and the outdoors came together as a natural fit. "Book Talk With a Walk,” met weekly during the summer to engage people in discussion around a topic, while walking from the library, along the riverfront, and through a historic section of Middletown. “Book Yak on a Kayak” partnered with the Middletown Rec Department allowed patrons to attend monthly book discussions on Crystal Lake in Middletown, with all the participants padding out in kayaks for the discussion. Christy will talk about the partnership, and factors of safety and logistics of setting up unique book discussions in the outdoors including updated logistics for the safety during the pandemic. 
Presenter: Christy Billings, Russell Library, Middletown

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Exhibitor Session 1
10:00-10:30AM  

Room A  


Presenter: Information and Library Science Department/SCSU

 

Exhibitor Session 2
10:00-10:30AM   

Room B 

 

Presenter:  TEAM DIG USA

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Session 2
11:00-12:00PM

    

Creating Communities Of Literacy Advocates To Combat the American Reading Crisis 
In America, two-thirds of fourth graders are not reaching fluency benchmarks. The future of libraries and of how our world evolves depends on reading. Awareness is the first step toward ameliorating the crisis. Librarians are in a unique and powerful position to point patrons toward important paradigm shifting ahha moments that will protect children and ensure that they read to their highest potential. During this talk, Dr. Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu will talk about how to connect the dots in your community to create a net of collective awareness that will create solutions. She will also address the issues of programming and outreach. 
Presenter:  Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu, PhD, Letters and Characters

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Session 2
11:00-12:00PM    

 

Think Outside the Chalk Lines - Creating a Sidewalk Obstacle Course at Your Library
Looking for a free, fun way to engage your patrons? Still worried about holding in-person programming? Come learn about this super fun way to get some wiggles out, get out of the house, and get (outside) the library. We will talk about how to design your own obstacle course, how to implement it, how to get the word out, and more. 
Presenter: Molly Virello, Southington Public Library

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Session 3
12:00-1:00PM    

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Programming During a Pandemic 
New Canaan Library closed their physical doors to the public on March 12, 2020. Their first virtual program was held by March 19th and are still going over 400 programs since. The library has offered the community programs ranging in topics such as art, history, science, medicine, writing, literature, and sustainability, as well as reference and technology training. The Adult Services team created a programming schedule that safely provided both enrichment, and entertainment during the pandemic. Since March over 11,000 virtual attendees have attended programs. Anthony Marrocolla will share the library’s success and how staff quickly adapted Zoom and other technology to assist them in programming. 
Presenter: Anthony Marrocolla, New Canaan Library, Kayla Del Biondo, New Canaan Library

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Session 4
1:00-2:00PM    

 

Communicate, Collaborate: Schools, Resources, and You! 
Do you wish you had a better relationship with your local schools? Or one at all? Do you wish the schools understood all the resources you have to offer to them? How do you connect resources and keep from duplicating them? How do you negotiate contracts to benefit both the public library and the school system? Come to the Hartford Public Library and the Hartford Public Schools presentation on their unique partnership called, Boundless. HPL and HPS work collaboratively to serve library and intervention needs of Hartford students and families through a system of resources, programming, and services. Get tips and inspiration for libraries large and small! 
Presenters: William Bailey, Denise Martens, Katherine Trouern-Trend 


Exhibitor Session 3
2:30-3:00PM 

Room C

  
Presenters: Scholastic Inc

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Exhibitor Session 3
2:30-3:00PM   

 
Presenters: TBA

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Session 4
3:00-4:00PM  
 

 

Supporting Your Homeschool Community 
Homeschooling is growing every year in Connecticut. Local libraries have space and resources to support the needs of the homeschool community. A handful of libraries offer programs aimed at these students. Local homeschool leader Melissa Robb, along with homeschooler and Homeschool Outreach Coordinator Solitaire Frisby, will lead this presentation of the ways libraries can support the homeschoolers in your community. An example of a wildly successful library/museum collaboration will be highlighted. 
Presenters: Melissa Robb ENRICHri Member Advocate and Solitaire Frisby, Woonsocket Harris Public Library, ENRICHri Member Advocate 

 

Session 5
4:00-5:00PM  
 

 

Outdoor Scavenger Hunts - Socially Distanced Family Fun
Our new normal is stressful for our patrons. They miss the library, their librarians, and having things to DO. If your library was, is, or is thinking about closing to the public, how can you still interact and engage with you patrons in a safe way? Why not with outdoor scavenger hunts! Creating scavenger hunts is a fun, frugal, and fast way to remind patrons that we are here, we care, and we want to help them. Scavenger hunts can be about almost anything, they can tie into STEAM concepts, and can be sneaky learning opportunities to connect with your town. 
Presenter: Molly Virello, Southington Public Library

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Day 3: Wednesday, May 12th

 

Session 1
9:00-10:00AM    

 

Cricut Storytime Success: How to use a Cricut to elevate Storytime felt boards 
We've all seen the wonderful creations of talented librarians who can design and cut beautiful felt pieces by hand. Using a Cricut, anyone can make them! No artistic skill required! Learn how to use Cricut design space effectively, when to use print to cut vs. cut, what blades and tools to use, and how to design detailed and intricate felt pieces to elevate your virtual or in person Storytime feltboards! 
Presenter: Tori Barrette, Southington Public Library

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Session 1
9:00-10:00AM    

 

Not So Fast: The Status of QR Code Utilization in Connecticut's Public Libraries 
Laurie Prichard will share the results of her survey on QR Code utilization that was the basis of her Masters of Library Science thesis. She will provide a brief eview of the Killingworth library's experience with trying QR codes, and which service(s) proved best suited for QR code deployment.  Copies of the survey and report will be available.
Presenter: Laurie West Prichard, Killingworth Library Association 

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Exhibitor Session 1
10:00-10:30AM

Room A   


Presenter:  EBSCO Information Services

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Exhibitor Session 2
10:00-10:30 AM

Room B   


Presenter:  Lyrasis

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Session 2
11:00-12:00PM    

 

How to Talk So Your Boss Will Listen: The Fine Art of Conversing with Your Supervisor 
Are your conversations with your boss not getting the results you desire? A panel of library directors and managers will discuss best practices for effective and rewarding communication with your supervisor and offer examples of Q&A dos and don’ts in this interactive program. 
Presenters: Barbara Cangiano, Sarah Morgan, Sunnie Scarpa, Janet Flewelling (moderator) 

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Session 3
12:00-1:00PM    

 

Rising Circulation in the time of COVID  
Borrowing at the East Hampton Public Library has been steadily rising for the past four years. Even during the fall of 2020 when many libraries’ circulation plummeted, East Hampton's borrowing increased 3% compared to same months a year before. Ellen and April will outline how they've been successfully increasing borrowing both before and during COVID, what it has meant for their library budget, what would have done differently if they could do it over again and how they hope to continue the trend into the future. 
Presenters: Ellen Paul and April Hannon, East Hampton Public Library

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Special Event: Annual Meeting
1:00-2:00PM

   
Join us to learn more about what the Connecticut Library Association does for libraries and librarians around the state.

 

Exhibitor Session 3

2:30-3:00PM  

Room C

 

Presenter:  Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame

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Exhibitor Session 4
2:30-3:00PM 

Room D  

 

Presenter:  Lothrop Assoc. LLP

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Session 4

3:00-4:00PM

 

New Approaches in Digital Equity

Our presenters will share the approaches they took in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic to expand and magnify the impact that Library services and programs have on the digital divide in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Taking an iterative approach, the Library worked toward small solutions in lending technology libraries, WIFI expansion, and program offerings. From these successes, the Library worked to expand to meet more critical community needs through the MeckTech program, leveraging CARES Act funding to make free computers available to 2055 local households. Finally, the Library, through a generous grant from IMLS is pursuing a new approach to delivering community access that prioritizes the adoption of broadband in historically marginalized communities. 

Presenters: Caitlin Moen and Seth Erwin,  Charlotte Mecklenburg Library , NC

 

Session 4
3:00-4:00PM  
 

 

Library Redesign: Working with the Space You Have 
Over time, all library buildings, even those that were “perfect” when new, need to be reconsidered and looked at with fresh eyes as library services, collections, and community needs change. Hear practical, manageable solutions from two library directors who refitted existing spaces in their old and not-so-old libraries for new purposes. You’ll learn how they determined the need for those changes, how they paid for them, what exactly they changed, and how patrons have responded. 
Presenters: Karin Taylor, Beardsley Library, Winchester and Kate Byroade, Cragin Memorial Library, Colchester 

 

Session 5
3:00-5:00PM    

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Libraries Take a Seat at the AntiRacist Table 
Kirsten Ivey-Colson and Lynn Turner will introduce conference participants to “The AntiRacist Table 30 Day Challenge” and how it can be used within the secular hub of a library to promote social justice. They will highlight tangible steps that librarians can take to engage with the community around antiracism. Their presentation will include a short breakout room exercise, meditation, and reflection. 
Presenters: Kirsten Ivey-Colson and Lynn Turner 

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Day 4: Thursday, May 13th

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Session 1
9:00-10:00AM    

 

Homeschoolers: What do they want? What do they need? 
There are a lot of misconceptions about homeschooling and homeschoolers. Understanding how it works, how it is different from traditional school and why that matters can help you have a better relationship with and better serve that part of your community. 
Presenter: Linda Hincks, Wren Homeschooling Consulting

 

Session 1
9:00-10:00AM  
 

 

There's a Policy for That: Crafting Your Library's Privacy Policy 
Most libraries already have collection development and patron behavior policies, but what about a privacy policy? A privacy policy is an opportunity to reaffirm a library's privacy ethics and can lead the way to creating a privacy mindset for both patrons and staff. 
Presenter: Sam Lee, Enfield Public Library

 

Exhibitor Session 1
10:00-10:30AM 

   
Presenter: TBA


Exhibitor Session 2
10:00-10:30AM  

 
Presenter: TBA

 

Session 2
11:00AM-12:00PM  
 

 

The Revolving Door: Moving Libraries to an Accessible Digital Environment 
Libraries have the unique opportunity of engaging an incredibly broad audience—their commitment is to serve literally anyone who comes through their doors. In this time of COVID-19, however, the doors have become virtual. The physical threshold, coded to accessibility standards, is now an online threshold leading to libraries’ websites and social media accounts. In order to uphold the mission of serving all patrons, including those with disabilities, it has become paramount for libraries to support accessible websites, programming, and, of course, books. Learn how to engage your audience as accessibly as possible and discover resources that will support you throughout your library’s digital lifecycle. 
Presenter: Kathryn Weber-Hottleman, University of Connecticut 

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Session 3
12:00-1:00PM    

 

The New Normal(ization): Applying Alma/Primo Normalization Rules to Problematic Subject Headings
Over the past year, faculty across the CSU system have been exploring and testing a method to replace the term “Illegal Aliens” in their discovery layer without changing the underlying MARC. This talk will take the form of a conversational guide through the planning and Alma/Primo implementation of this project, focusing not only on the steps they took, but on the problems they had to solve along the way. While presented as a how-to for institutions with Alma/Primo instances, the talk will aim to illustrate the broader iterative problem-solving process that any institution will have to go through as they embark on similar initiatives. 
Presenter: Patrick Crowley 


Awards Ceremony
1:30-2:30PM    


Celebrate with us the achievements of our wonderful libraries and their staff.

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Session 4
3:00-5:00PM    

 

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Where are all the staff of color? Let’s talk about racial equity in hiring and retention

Are you ready to talk about racial equity in hiring and retention? Have you been wondering where are all the staff of color (or why your library is so white)? Come learn about how to move beyond the superficial outreach efforts and practice digging into the root causes of systemic racism in hiring and retention. Walk away with a framework to engage your coworkers in conversations that move beyond the surface and closer to a racially just approach to recruiting and retaining staff of color. Interested attendees should bring a copy of a job description their library would send out for a vacant position. This session is primarily intended for people who already have a strong foundation in racial equity, but all are welcome. Interested attendees should bring a copy of a job description their library would send out for a vacant position.

Pre-Work: Participants are encouraged to complete the pre-work prior to the session.


Advancing Racial Equity in Libraries (GARE Policy Brief):

https://www.racialequityalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/GARE_LibrariesReport_v8_DigitalScroll_WithHyperlinks.pdf


The State of Black Women in Corporate America:
https://leanin.org/research/state-of-black-women-in-corporate-america#!


Why So Many Organizations Stay White:
https://hbr.org/2019/11/why-so-many-organizations-stay-white


Presenter: CiKeithia Pugh, Equity Matters 


Exhibitor Session 3
2:30-3:00PM    


Presenter: TBA

 

Exhibitor Session 4
2:30-3:00PM    


Presenter: University of Rhode Island

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Session 4
3:00-4:00PM    

 

Connecting Communities to Health Information: Graphic Medicine Kits at the Public Library 
To combat health misinformation and stigma, Darien Library created Graphic Medicine Kits to circulate within the community. During this webinar, hear about the creation, promotion, and circulation of these kits, successes and potential improvements in the process, and the NNLM grant that made it all possible. Attendees will be able to identify resources to aid in determining community health needs, discuss the uses of graphic medicine to combat health misinformation and stigma with public library patrons and define strategies and barriers for implementing graphic medicine book club kits in a public library.
Presenter: Brittany Netherton

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Session 4
3:00-4:00PM

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Sprouting Talent: Growing Library Leadership at Every Level 
Develop leadership at every level of your library after hearing the experiences of two veterans in the field in this practical and inspiring session. Former library director Maxine Bleiweis found ways to open up opportunities to all staff members through daily practices that helped staff become their best and step forward in the library, the community and the profession. Kate Byroade went from shelver to library director to statewide leader with the encouragement of wise supervisors and an adventuresome spirit. You’ll come away with ideas to put immediately into action and a plan for a longer strategy. 
Presenters:  Kate Byroade, Cragin Memorial Library, Colchester; Maxine Bleiweis, Maxine Bleiweis & Associates

 

Session 5
4:00-5:00PM    

 

Interpretive Reading – Evaluation and Feedback
Steve Mazeau, of the Niantic Toast Masters, will provide a brief summary of interpretive reading techniques. Any willing program participants will then be given the opportunity to give an interpretive reading of their own. (Participants will need to provide something of their own that they are comfortable reading out loud). Each participant will be limited to 4 to 6 minutes each. Evaluators will be on hand who will be assigned to each of the readers who will provide a 2 to 3 minute verbal evaluation of the reading, what they felt went well and where they feel there may be room for improvement. Time permitting the audience will be able to offer constructive feedback. Participants will be exposed to a variety of different interpretive reading styles that will allow them to pick up different technical variations they may be comfortable with and to learn from each other.  
Presenter: Steve Mazeau, Niantic Toast Masters


Session 5
4:00-5:00PM    

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Video Games: How to Curate and Care for Your Collection
Discover the various aspects of building and maintaining a video game collection. Kelly will discuss how to tell the appropriate audience for a game, what microtransactions are and how to tell if a game includes them, how to clean and care for game discs, cartridges, and cases, and which games are currently popular and family friendly. A list of recent games that are either family friendly or unique as well as a video game care sheet will be made available to participants. 
Presenter: Kelly Moore, Brainerd Memorial Library, Haddam

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Day 5, Friday, May 14th

 

Session 1
9:00-10:00AM

 

Embedding EDI Into Early Literacy Programming 
Margains are not in line with others It’s never too early to learn about equity, diversity and inclusion. In this lecture session, participants will learn     how to effectively evaluate books for authenticity and appropriateness, discover diverse songs and rhymes, and how to utilize these materials to engage children and their caregivers during storytime. 
Presenter:  Sophie Kenney, Aurora Public Library District (IL) 

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Session 1
9:00-10:00 AM  
 

 

How to Think Like a Designer 
You can level up your library marketing by creating content that is more accessible and better designed. It’s simple! The first step is to center your work around your patrons’ needs and interests. Next, you need to capture patrons’ attention through the basics of good design. That is, design that is accessible, speaks their language, and allows the patron to see themselves reflected in your work through the practice of creating diverse and culturally sensitive designs. In this session, you’ll learn simple ways to apply these practices and be well on your way to thinking like a designer. 
Presenter: Amanda L. Goodman, Darien Library


Exhibitor Session 1
10:00-10:30AM

  
Presenter: TBA


Exhibitor Session 2
10:00-10:30AM 

  
Presenter: TBA

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Closing Keynote Address– Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
10:00-11:00AM

    

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MLS, LEED AP, works with library leaders to ensure libraries are vital, visible, and viable. A passionate advocate for libraries, Rebekkah currently serves as the executive director of the Mid-Hudson Library System (NY). Rebekkah is the author of Sustainable Thinking: Ensuring Your Library's Future in an Uncertain World and Resilience,part of the Library Futures series from ALA Editions; the co-founder of the award-winning Sustainability Libraries Initiative; and serves as an advisory board member for the Center for the Future of Libraries. Named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker, Rebekkah speaks internationally on the topic of libraries as leaders for a more vibrant future for us all.
 

Session 2
10:30AM-12:30PM   

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The Power of Music to Make Libraries More Inclusive: A Sensory-Storytime and Livestreaming Professional Development  
AutismFriendlyShows.com and Turtle Dance Music will present a fantastic, interactive musical Sensory-Storytime and Technical “How-To” Professional Development Webinar. This workshop will cover topics ranging from trends in libraries for virtual programming, demonstrations for potential user-friendly musical activities in your library, promotional suggestions for wording of fliers, managing meltdowns, following the children's strengths and a range of practical topics that will also be covered. We will share strategies and tactics for running sensory-friendly programs digitally and quick hacks for setting up virtual events. Turtle Dance Music has developed their guidelines through graduate work and through our experiences collaborating with thousands of children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities as well as teachers, parents and administrators. 
Presenter: Matt Mazur, Autismfriendlyshows.com and Turtle Dance Music, LLC

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Session 2
11:00AM-12:00PM
      

 

Libraries and Digital Inclusion: Innovations and Best Practices

Libraries, towns, and community organizations are partnering to close the digital divide in all types of demographics. Hear about (1) the best practices and approaches that are being developed on a national basis and (2) how some CT libraries with fiber connections are innovating with Wi-Fi broadcast to offsite community hubs, TV white space, mesh networking, digital navigation teams, and device distribution to work toward digital equity in their towns. Participants will learn about the most advanced efforts to provide communities with the access, devices, technical basics, and digital literacy skills needed to achieve digital inclusion. A special emphasis will be on using partnerships and mentoring programs to reach and gain the trust of persons who have been red-lined out of digital citizenship. An overview of findings from the 2020-2021 Connecticut State Library Digital Inclusion Survey, which includes data collected from 129 public libraries in the state, will be discussed. 
Presenters: Dr. Brian Real, Assistant Professor, LIS Department, SCSU;  Julie Redding and Kashif Chaudhary from Hartford Public Library.; Christine Gauvreau, Consultant, Division of Library Development, CT State Library 

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Session 2
11:00AM-12:00PM
      

 

Set the Stage: An Early Childhood Initiative
Set the Stage is an early literacy initiative program designed for any library staff member who works with or wishes to work with children ages birth to five and their families. Initiated and designed by children’s librarians Allison Murphy and Caitlin Augusta, Set the Stage is a partnership initiative with the Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development (CSL DLD). Facilitated by CSL DLD's Children and YA Consultant Kymberlee Powe, this year-long program will begin in January 2021 with ten core courses including Child Development, Storytime 101, and Collection Management. Learn how the pilot initiative is running and our plans for the future. 
Presenters: Kymberlee Powe, Allison Murphy, Caitlin Augusta 

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Exhibitor Session 3
2:30– 3:00PM  
 


Presenter: TBA


Exhibitor Session 4
2:30- 3:00PM    


Presenter TBA

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Session 3
3:00–4:00PM    

 

Coaching 101
An effective but often underutilized method of engaging employees and improving performance is through coaching. Unlike the annual performance review, regular coaching, done on an as needed basis, builds an ongoing relationship with your staff member that helps them take ownership of their professional development. Coaching can improve productivity, increase morale, and build confidence resulting in staff who are able to take risks and work more independently on the job. Whether you have a rising star or an employee who is struggling, effective coaching can help all of your staff achieve success. Deborah Hoadley, Director of the Moultonborough Public Library in New Hampshire, and Beth Crowley Director of the Cheshire Public Library in Connecticut will present the basics of coaching. In this session, you will learn the skills for coaching effectively, why this type of work is different from the annual performance review, and how coaching can work in reverse where lower-level employees “coach up” to higher-level coworkers and managers. All levels of employees can benefit from the skills presented in this session. Deborah and Beth are both alumni of the New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS). 
Presenters: Deborah Hoadley, Moultonborough Public Library, NH and Beth Crowley, Cheshire Public Library 

 

Session 3
3:00–4:00PM    

 

The New Normal of RDA: An Overview of Structure and Concepts 
The beta version of RDA Toolkit became the official version of RDA in December 2020. Kate James will provide an overview of structure and concepts in the official RDA using familiar cataloging language to explain new terminology. Attendees should leave feeling more confident about exploring the new RDA Toolkit and thinking about implementation. 
Presenter: Kate James 

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Session 4
4:00–5:00PM    

 

Children’s Edition: STEAM Success in Person or on Zoom 
STEAM has become an integral part of programming within libraries. Discover STEAM Programs for 3 year old's- 11 year old's in the Public Library Full Steam Ahead (3-5 years old), Girls Who Code (3rd-5th grade), and General STEAM programs (K-5th grade). Participants will learn why STEAM is so important, what the benefits are and why libraries should support STEAM initiatives. Come hear about programming formats for different ages, creating content and executing successful STEAM events both in person and through Zoom. 
Presenters: Tamara Lyhne, Lauren Sweeney, Emily Muller 

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Thank You to our CLA Sponsors

 

 

 

Diamond Sponsor

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Gold Sponsor

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Silver Sponsor

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Thank You to Our Zoom Session Sponsors!

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BCALA-CT
CLA Children’s Section
CLA Adult and References Committee
CLA Career Development Committee
CT State Library, Division of Library Development
CLA ADA Committee
CLA EDI Section
CLA Technology Session
CLA Technical Services Section
CLA Public Libraries Section
Denise Martens
Donohue Group, Inc.

Fairfield County Library Administrators Group
Intellectual Freedom Committee/Library Freedom Project
Niantic Toastmasters, Club #9213
Past Presidents of CLA 

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Congratulations to our 2021 Award Winners

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Outstanding Librarian Award

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Honoring the career accomplishments of a librarian who has demonstrated an outstanding record of service to

his or her library and to the library profession

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Josephine Fulcher Anderson

The Ferguson Library

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Special Achievement Award

Dr. Hak Joon Kim

Southern Connecticut State University

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Edith B. Nettleton Award

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Recognizing an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding record of 
volunteer service to his or her library


Pamela Tankard

Groton Public Library
 

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Excellence in Public Service: Serving a Population Under  15,000

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Honoring public libraries that have provided an outstanding program or service to their communities

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East Hampton Public Library

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Excellence in Public Service: Serving a Population Greater over 15,000

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Honoring public libraries that have provided an outstanding program or service to their communities

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Simsbury Public Library

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Faith Hektoen Award

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Recognizing career achievement in the field of Children’s Services or an outstanding program or project that

has made a significant impact on library service for children in Connecticut.

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Martha Simpson

Stratford Public Library 

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Scholarship Award

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Presented  to students in the field of librarianship by the career development committee

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 Martha Hegley

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Support Staff Award

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Honoring an outstanding Library Assistant or Support Staff Member


Karina Gonzalez 

New Haven Free Public Library

 

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Supporter of Support Staff Award

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Honoring a library administrator or manager who promotes the role of library assistants and support staff

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Intellectual Freedom Award

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Recognizing an individual for the demonstration of extraordinary personal courage in the defense of intellectual freedom, or for the implementation of a successful and creative project developed to raise awareness of intellectual freedom issue, or for a published work on intellectual freedom

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Young Adult Services Award


In recognition for her years of services to young adults and young adult librarians in the State of Connecticut

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Mia Orobona
Assistant Head of Teen Services
Darien Library

 

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Congratulations to our 2021 Publicity Award Winners

 

Recognizing accomplishments in design marketing, and publicity by Connecticut Libraries 

 

Print Media

Public Library: Wilton Library

Description:  Wilton Library Annual Report 2019-2020
Your Bridge to the Future

Designer: Janet Crystal and Peter Verrilli of be3Marketing 

 

Print Media

Public Library: New Canaan Library

Description: 13th Annual Literary Luncheon Fundraising Event Program

Designer: Sean Walsh

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Electronic Media

Public Library: Darien Library

Description: 

Connected Community Videos

https://www.darienlibrary.org/connected-community

Designer: Krishna Grady and Amanda L. Goodman

 

Electronic Media

Public Library: Woodbridge Town Library

Description: New Website Project

Designer: Cliff Huizenga

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Other Award

Library: Darien Library

Description: Women’s History Month/Women’s Suffrage Display

Designer: Amanda L. Goodman


Small Library Award

Library: Deep River Public Library

Description: Library Video Campaign

Designer: Susan Rooney, Mike Pellettieri, and Tegan Mahford

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Designer’s Award

Public Library

Description 

Designers: 

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