Every library staff member knows that you visit libraries in other places when on vacation, right? Now you don’t have to do it on vacation!

Join the Recharge Section for our very own inaugural Magical Mystery Library Tour at the Chinatown Branch--the busiest branch in the Chicago Public Library system. Meet the staff and learn about the history, architecture and design of the library as well as discuss the issues associated with those aspects.

Light snacks and coffee will be served.

Register on Eventbrite

The LACONI Circulation Services Section is proud to introduce the final installment of the "I'm a Manager, Now What?" series. In this edition, we’ll tackle the more challenging aspects of management, including often-overlooked paperwork and strategies to keep your team informed and engaged. We’ll also explore effective ways to boost team morale during tough situations, such as when you need to make the difficult decision to let someone go.

Secure a spot by registering here. - Eventbrite

Join LACONI YSS for a day at the Morton Arboretum!

Get ideas for bringing the outdoors into your programs and creating outdoor programs for children and families.

Arboretum staff will present on nature-based story times, including planning and partnering. They will also present on nature themed programs for elementary and middle school students. 

Opportunities for touring the Morton Sterling Library and exploring the Arboretum.

9:15am = Check-in and light breakfast

9:30am-2pm.

9:30-10am = LACONI YSS Board meeting

10am-2pm = Morton Arboretum programs + Lunch

Due to limited availability and the popularity of this event, we ask that each library send no more than two attendees. Thank you for your understanding.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-services-day-at-morton-arboretum-tickets-881394975097

The LACONI Trustee Banquet is an evening of networking and learning alongside other Chicagoland Library Trustees. Held at the charitable organization, the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park attendees will have a chance to connect with fellow library trustees.

This year we are featuring a conversation between John Chrastka, Executive Director of Everylibrary and Kelly Jensen of Book Riot. They will discuss the latest issues facing libraries and how library boards can better support their libraries.

A plated dinner will be served with a cash bar available. Meal options include:

• Panko Herb Crusted Salmon with seasonal vegetables, rosemary spaetzli and lemon sauce

• Hanger Steak with fried potatoes, cauliflower and a demi-glace sauce

• Tagliatelle pasta with asparagus, cherry tomato, garlic, lemon, basil, parmesan and pine nuts

Tickets must be purchased by Sunday, April 28th 2024. Refunds are available up to 7 days in advance of the event.

Register for this program on Eventbrite

Representatives from Baker & Taylor, Brodart, Children’s Plus, Ingram and Midwest Tape will give presentations on what services they offer and how Technical Services and Acquisitions may benefit from their services. Register here.

Dispel stigma and judgments towards mental illness -- support your friends, family members, and community by increasing your knowledge and confidence in mental health advocacy. Join NAMI Metro Suburban (https://namimetsub.org/) to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges during this full day certification training.

Read testimonies, review the course agenda, and learn more about Mental Health First Aid by visiting www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

The course will be delivered by a certified instructor, and learning is comprised of group discussions, scenario-based activities, shared lived experiences, PowerPoint presentation and videos. The certified instructor will lead the course and follow a national curriculum and teaching standards, while emphasizing hope for recovery. Classes usually consist of 30 people or less and are offered in a respectful, comfortable environment.

Registration will be open until April 15, 2024. Participant names and email addresses will be entered into the Mental Health First Aid Learning Management Software prior to the event to receive certification.

Lunch, snacks and light beverages will be provided. We encourage people to bring their favorite reusable cup to use throughout the day.

Register for this event on Eventbrite through April 15!

Library staff are asked to wear many hats, including playing the role of instructor or public speaker. But public speaking can be stressful. Join Jez Layman and Leora Dowling as they provide a step-by-step guide to mastering public speaking in libraries. Jez discusses what makes an effective library program, how to become a more confident speaker, and even how to fill in last-minute for a presenter. Then, take your skills to the next level by turning your hobbies and interests into a side hustle as a public speaker. Meanwhile, Leora will focus on our worst enemy–our egos– to develop a mindset that focuses on gratitude, generosity, and giving your unique gift so you can present with authenticity, enthusiasm, and appropriate pride in any situation.

Networking and a light breakfast from 9 am - 10 am.

About Jez Layman: Jez is a librarian, public speaker, and full-time plant mom. Jez loves teaching and empowering others to embrace their creativity and strengths. She has taught at over 80 libraries, colleges, and community centers about crafts, astrology, life skills, and job hunting. She has a deep love for audiobooks and a spreadsheet for every occasion.

About Leora Dowling: Leora Dowling is a public speaking, confidence & communication coach now based in Oak Park. She works privately with individual clients and does seminars and workshops for businesses and non-profit organizations including Beyond Hunger, King Arthur Baking Company, The Oak Park Public Library, Burlington International Airport, The United Way, Middlebury College, and WCAX TV. She is a former radio broadcaster, high school teacher, and college professor.

Register for this event on Eventbrite starting March 13, 2024!

Do you have a routine at work but wish you could take your organization and productivity to the next level? Mackenzie Scott of Mission 2 Organize knows what it's like to juggle and prioritize tasks at work. Whether your work is physical, behind a desk or working with customers, she'll share all the tips and tricks to help you reach your productivity goals. This one-hour presentation will cover:

• Cultivating a doable daily checklist

• Prioritizing both last minute and long term tasks

• Protecting your distraction-free work zone

• Rejuvenating your work by establishing your “why”

Participants are invited to stick around after the presentation for a Q&A. Ask a Certified Professional Organizer all of your burning questions!

This program will be recorded for future viewing.

Register for this program on Eventbrite

Libraries have enormous potential to support people with dementia and their caregivers, and demand for dementia-friendly library services is only likely to increase in the future. Have you considered these questions for your library?

1. How is this increasing demographic affecting your library and community?

2. How can you serve this growing population?

LACONI-POP is pleased to offer a webinar for library staff who serve older adults, people with dementia, and caretakers. Explore innovative examples to meet the needs of this population from three professionals with outstanding experience in this area:

• Tina Williams, Outreach Services Manager, White Oak Library District

• David Kelsey, Outreach Services Librarian, St. Charles Public Library

• Glenna Godinsky, Manager of Life Enrichment Services, Gail Borden Public Library District

During this webinar you will:

1. Increase your understanding for meeting the unique needs of caregivers and those suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

2. Discover successful strategies for delivering services through programming, in-house kits, collections, and memory cafes.

This program will be recorded.

Register for this program on Eventbrite (More Seats added 2/27!)

Congratulations on your promotion to manager! “cue balloons and confetti” Now that you've taken on this new role, you may be wondering what steps to take next. Join LACONI CSS and SAAM for the first presentation in a three-part Middle Manager series, presented by Michelle Petersen, Patron Services Manager at Helen Plum Public Library. Michelle will help us explore our unique management styles, understand our managerial approach, and cover other fundamental aspects of effective management.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided, just bring your learning caps and questions!

Register for this program on Eventbrite

Join the LACONI Youth Services Section to better understand the science of reading!

This session will clarify some basic understandings of the body of research known as the science of reading, including what it is, what it is not, and how librarians may use this knowledge to support library patrons. A FAQ will follow the presentation.

Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry is a co-founder and Chief Academic Officer for The Reading League, where she oversees the Professional Development Department and designs, supervises, and delivers educator learning opportunities for over 60 partnering school districts. Heidi is frequently invited to speak about the Science of Reading and has presented widely at conferences and events across the US and internationally. Before working for The Reading League full-time in 2019, Heidi spent 21 years working in public schools where she made use of her certifications in Elementary Education, K-12 Special Education, and K-12 Reading Education. When Heidi began her doctoral coursework in Reading Education in 2006, she became a champion for evidence-aligned literacy instruction, and has led a number of successful reform efforts. Heidi was an adjunct professor at Syracuse University and SUNY Oswego, where she specialized in teaching clinical reading intervention coursework.

This virtual presentation will be recorded and available for two weeks after the recording.
A link will be emailed to participants along with a short feedback survey.

Register for this program on Eventbrite

If you're feeling overwhelmed by DDC and want to gain a better understanding, consider joining our learning experience with Karen Snow. In this session, she will cover the theory behind Dewey class numbers, selecting appropriate numbers, constructing DDC numbers, and more. Since DDC is no longer published, she will demonstrate how to use Webdewey effectively, highlighting useful tips and personalization features. If you don't have access to Webdewey, it's recommended to enroll in the 30-day free trial for the program.

Register for this event on Eventbrite!

Staff of all levels are invited to join us for a morning of conversation, laughter, and ideas. Michelle Petersen will be presenting 'Dealing with Challenging Situations: A Solution-Centered Discussion.' Michelle will facilitate a discussion on the many challenging situations that we face in the library. Using her philosophy of focusing on 'how,' Michelle will provide tips and suggestions for handling difficult situations. She will also lead conversations to find solutions together. Please come prepared to share your scenarios/issues and work together to come up with possible solutions.

This event will take place in person at the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S Emerson St, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, so come prepared for an engaging conversation with Michelle Petersen.

Unsure of which ticket your library qualify for? Click on this link before purchasing your ticket to see if your library is a member of LACONI or not. https://www.laconi.net/member-libraries

Register Here

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated and even angry when a child is having a meltdown. This experience is hard for both the person having the meltdown, as well as for anyone present at the time. In this Webinar, we will begin with a brief review of the stress response system and an introduction to sensory processing.

By understanding the anatomy of a meltdown everyone who cares for and/or works with young children with these types of challenges will be better equipped to understand what a child’s behavior might mean and offer help and support during these difficult times.

Presented by Jennifer Rosinia, PhD, OTR of Kid Links Unlimited

This event will NOT be recorded and will only be available live.

Schedule

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM: LACONI YSS Business Meeting

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Opening Comments

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM: Differences Between a Tantrum and a Meltdown

10:20 AM - 10:45 AM: Neurosensory Framework for Understanding Meltdowns

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Stages of a Meltdown

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Prevention and Intervention Strategies

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM: Q&A and Discussion

Register Here

Feeling stuck in your role, your place, a problem, a policy? Break out of the rut in this mini unconference, co-presented by LACONI and the Recharge Committee. Keynote speaker David Seleb will open our morning with a charge to engage in a community of practice. Then, connect with other library professionals for career troubleshooting, fresh eyes on old issues, and all-around inspiration. Topics will include:

• Career moves in (and out of!) libraries

• Community partnerships & outreach

• Data driven decision making

• Leadership & coaching

• Library unions

• Equity based programming

• Intellectual freedom

Come with questions, problems, and a growth mindset. Leave with practical ideas and a newfound energy for your worklife. Breakfast will be provided.

Schedule:

Register Here

We’re told the age of Al is upon us, but what does the mean for our libraries?An exploration of policy development, staff training, and public programming, as we prepare our organizations for change.

This program will be presented by Nick Tanzi who is a nationally recognized library technology consultant, and author, whose work has been featured in publications including Public Libraries Magazine, VOYA, Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Marketing Library Services.

Register Here for the Virtual Program

Do you want to know how to decide on the proper supplies to use in repairing library & archival materials? Or the right techniques to use in different material damage situations? Or how to determine whether an item is worth repairing or replacing? Would you like to streamline your work flow with a manual on processing materials?

If so, this workshop is for you. Join LACONI TSS at Tinley Park Public Library on Friday November 3, 2023. At this workshop, you will learn:

• Book construction - the different ways books are bound

• Different types of book repair supplies commonly used for most repairs

• What kind of tape and glue to use in repairing books, and why

• Different book repair methods for various types of damage (torn pages, loose pages, spine damage, torn covers, markings, odors, and more)

• How do determine if a book should be repaired or withdrawn

• Preservation methods for preventing damage

• How to use the CoverBind thermal binding machine

• How to handle LP record albums

• How to use disc cleaning machines

• Panel on creating and maintaining processing procedure manuals

Register here

How do you design a survey that will give you the specific data you are trying to collect, and what methods are best for interpreting that data? Join Mallory Edgar, a consultant and co-founder of Fifth Star Collective, and Rebecca Teasdale, an assistant professor of educational psychology at UIC and an evaluation methodologist, for a presentation on figuring out what survey information is truly relevant and useful to libraries.

Register Here

Join LACONI Youth Services Section for a day of science, technology, engineering, and math at the Museum of Science and Industry! This program will include expert STEM instruction and activities from the museum’s makerspace, after school programs, and learning labs. Their focus is on innovation and creativity! At the conclusion of the day, participants will be able to further explore the museum on their own time.

Parking and lunch vouchers will be provided.

Due to the popularity of this program, we ask that you limit your attendees to two people per library.

Free to LACONI members; $15 for non-members.

Check to see if your library is a member here: https://www.laconi.net/member-libraries

Register Here