[CASL-L] March 2026 Workshops and Webinars

[Gail Hurley]

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March 2026 Workshops and Webinars

The Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development is sharing the following learning opportunities for March. There are LOTS of topic areas to choose from. We hope you’ll join us for one or more!

Click on specific March training topics below or scroll through!:
ACCESSIBILITY
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY NEEDS
LEGAL REFERENCE
LIBRARY OF THINGS
LIBRARY SIGNAGE
MISINFORMATION
OLDER ADULTS
PROGRAMMING
READERS ADVISORY
SOCIAL MEDIA
YOUTH SERVICES

ACCESSIBILITY



TIAL: Creating Accessible Digital Documents, Excel [DLD Workshop] Wednesday, March 5 from 10-11 | Register for Creating Accessible Digital Documents Excel<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/16033721>



Join Matt Geeza, director of the CT Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB), for a 60-minute session that will cover the basics of creating accessible Excel spreadsheets. This session will highlight the features built into Excel that can be utilized to ensure that your spreadsheets can be read by all.



TIAL: Creating Accessible Digital Documents, PDFs [DLD Workshop] Thursday, March 19 from 10-11 | Register for Creating Accessible Digital Documents PDFs<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/16033764>



Join Matt Geeza, director of the CT Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB), for a 60-minute session that will cover the basics of creating accessible PDF documents. This session will review tips for creating accessible source document, how to convert them into PDFs that can be read by all, and will include an introduction to the steps used to check PDF accessibility using Adobe Pro.


ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Ethics of AI (2026): Copyright, Citation, and Circumspection [Library 2.0] Tuesday, March 10 from 4-5 | Contact Gail.Hurley at ct.gov<mailto:Gail.Hurley at ct.gov> for the registration link.

As AI tools become increasingly essential in schools, workplaces, and libraries, from ChatGPT and other mainstream platforms to specialized applications, understanding the ethical implications of their use is no longer optional. The challenge: Without clear guidelines, learners of all ages and in all environments risk developing AI practices that undermine professional standards, violate copyright, or compromise work quality. Critical questions remain unanswered: How do we navigate copyright when using AI? When and how should AI assistance be acknowledged? How do we maintain the integrity and quality of our work? More information about the Ethics of AI webinar…<https://www.library20.com/ai-sessions/ethics-of-ai-2026>

AI Research Intensive: The Future of Finding [Library 2.0] Tuesday, March 17 from 1-4 | Contact Gail.Hurley at ct.gov<mailto:Gail.Hurley at ct.gov> for the registration link.

This three-hour intensive workshop synthesizes insights from multiple past presentations, blog posts, experiences, and other offerings from Reed Hepler. It focuses on research with AI, using AI to search, information literacy techniques, and other aspects of human-AI collaboration in information professionalism and the general information ecosystem. This session is designed with librarians, researchers, educators, other information professionals, and students in those fields. It encourages researchers to actively use information literacy techniques in proactive, AI-enhanced, holistic search projects. More information about the AI Research webinar…<https://www.library20.com/ai-sessions/ai-and-research-intensive>

Vibe Coding for Beginners: Create Interactive Visuals, Mini Apps, and Learning Tools with AI [Library 2.0] Friday, March 20 from 2-3:15 | Contact Gail.Hurley at ct.gov<mailto:Gail.Hurley at ct.gov> for the registration link.

This session is designed for information professionals who want to create dynamic digital experiences—without needing a coding background. Learn how to turn library statistics and information literacy content into beautiful, accessible interactives. We’ll demonstrate how these can be created using natural-language prompts in a few beginner-friendly “vibe-coding” tools. We’ll walk through how these tools work, what they’re good at (and not so good at), and how to iterate from a rough draft to something you can actually use. More information about the Vibe Coding webinar…<https://www.library20.com/ai-sessions/vibe-coding-for-beginners>

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Strategic Collection Development for Middle Schoolers [DLD Workshop] Thursday, March 5 from 11-12:30 | Register for Strategic Collection Development<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/16167109>

Middle school is a time of “inbetween-ness,” and the transition from childhood to adolescence can be tumultuous for even the most well-adjusted kid. The same can be true of middle schoolers in the library, unsure of where they fit in the dichotomous world of children’s and teen services. However, intentional collection development practices can help middle schoolers feel confident finding their materials and provide a sense of belonging in the library. In this session we will review the criteria and best practices Cranston Public Library uses when collecting for middle schoolers as well as discuss collection resources, display ideas, and readers advisory tools.

Weeding Popular Materials Collections [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, March 4 from 2-3 | Register for Weeding Popular Materials Collections | Register for Weeding Popular Materials<https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2317645962306/WN_lAwnpEjZTCKKJotuDMckgQ> Note: Registration is for library staff in Connecticut only.

When it comes to books, we all like to buy! However, selecting materials is only half of the collection development process. Book hoarding does not create a useful collection. Weeding, or deselecting materials, must receive equal and continuous attention as selection to have a truly patron driven collection that serves its community.  As increasing demands tax libraries’ limited resources, every item in a physical collection must justify its shelf space; while every item, both physical and digital, vies for patrons’ time and attention. We’ll discuss practical advice for weeing popular materials collections for youth or adults across formats.

COMMUNITY NEEDS

Mapping Community Needs with Foresight, Empathy, and Data [DLD In-Person Workshop] Wednesday, March 25 from 1-2:30 at the Middletown Library Service Center | Register for Mapping Community Needs<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/16403253>

Join DLD staff in person at the Middletown Library Service Center, and participate in exercises designed for a powerful community needs assessment. Integrating foresight into this process helps organizations and stakeholders better understand what resources, services, or programs are lacking, as well as what empathy-focused challenges and opportunities are most important to address. The session is designed to empower grant-seeking library staff to effectively understand the specific community and target audience that they will work with to co-create programs, services, or projects. Participants will learn exercises built from EXCITE Transformation for Libraries workshops including how to do empathy mapping and how to facilitate community conversations to reveal the true needs and wants of the group. The goal is for participants to leave better prepared to describe the community needs within a grant application. All library staff involved in writing grant applications are encouraged to attend.

LEGAL REFERENCE

Hands-on Legal Reference for Public Librarians [DLD Workshop]  Tuesday, March 31 from 10-1 | Register for Hands-on Legal Reference<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/16402148>

Does the thought of handling a patron’s legal question cause you to feel uneasy? Wouldn’t it be great to have someone coaching you on what to do? Then sign up for this interactive class with law librarian Chris Roy (Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries) and law librarian Anne Rajotte (UConn Law Library). In this small class, you will gain confidence and insight by actively researching legal problems with partners or small groups using free legal resources on the Internet. Along the way you will get great tips from experienced law librarians that will get you on track to providing legal information and help you avoid giving legal advice.

LIBRARY OF THINGS

Programming with Your Library of Things [WebJunction] Tuesday, March 3 from 3-4 | Register for Programming with Your Library of Things<https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/library-of-things1.html>

Join us for a practical, idea-rich session on how to design and deliver programs that put your Library of Things to work. Participants will hear real-world programming examples spanning disaster preparedness, workforce development, local food security, multi-generational engagement, and “stealth” sustainability initiatives, and leave with adaptable strategies for turning collections into meaningful, mission-aligned experiences.

LIBRARY SIGNAGE

Library Signage: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, March 25 from 2-3 | Register for Library Signage<https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9417645966252/WN_bJ_vd9UeQAOdcBPCl4NOrg> Note: Registration is for library staff in Connecticut only.

Customer service and library signage go hand in hand. How do patrons see your library’s signage and does it address appropriate customer needs? The session will look critically at many types of library signs and review the positive and negative aspects of library signage. We will also address how to conduct a signage audit and the importance of library branding. This session also addresses customer service issues as they relate to signage. Online resources will be provided and there will be opportunities for Q&A and discussion.

MISINFORMATION

Navigating Misinformation in One-on-One Patron Interactions [WebJunction] Thursday, March 19 from 3-4 | Register for Navigating Misinformation<https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/misinformation-patron-interactions.html>

A librarian from Dallas Public Library and a researcher from the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public (CIP) will present a brief overview of why people believe misinformation and approaches library staff can use during interactions with patrons.

OLDER ADULTS

TIAL: Growing Up and Growing Older: Confronting Ageism at Any Age with the CT Age Well Collaborative [DLD Workshop] Wednesday, March 11 from 1-2 | Register for Growing Up and Growing Older<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/15409842>

Aging is a completely normal part of living, but because of ageism, some people believe getting older is a problem or something to fear.  Negative assumptions about older adults are largely derived from age-based stereotypes, centered on illness, irrelevance and incompetence. Ageism has become culturally normalized and largely invisible. To kickstart conversations about ageism across the lifespan, we wrote "A Kids Book About Ageism." Learn how your library can use this book and its associated conversation guide to empower community members (and yourselves!) to tell a more complete story of aging and work toward dismantling implicit bias around aging.

PROGRAMMING

Unlocking Possibilities: Program Design for the Future of Libraries [Niche Academy] Wednesday, March 18 from 2-3 | Register for Unlocking Possibilites<https://www.nicheacademy.com/webinar-unlocking-possibilities-program-design-for-the-future-of-libraries>

Join Lu Bangura to transform your programming approach. Based on the groundbreaking strategies outlined in Unlocking Possibilities in the Library: Programming for the Future, this session provides practical, actionable techniques that you can implement immediately to create more impactful and sustainable programs. Whether you're looking to refresh existing programs or launch new initiatives, you'll leave with concrete strategies and a clear action plan for creating programming that truly serves your community's future.

READERS ADVISORY

Booktalk Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town [DLD Workshop] Monday, March 16 from 2-3:30 | Register for Booktalk<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/15842620>

Booktalking is at the heart of what we do with patrons at the public library. Whether we are sharing books informally at the services desk, presenting a prepared list of books, or posting information online, talking about books is something we do each and every day. It is a core service, but it is also hard to do. Or is it? It is not, especially if you focus less on tallying transactions and move toward an environment of cultivating conversations. Join experienced Readers’ Advisor Becky Spratford as she shares the secret behind deepening patron engagement, creating relationships, and increasing circulation, all by simply rediscovering the power and joy that comes from sharing a good read.

Best Romances of 2025 [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, March 18 from 2-3 | Register for Best Romances of 2025<https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9217645964342/WN_xtzRlOm6RCeEjRKqpxn_Nw> Note: Registration is for library staff in Connecticut only.

In 2025, publishers gave us thousands of ways to fall in love. But which romance novels made our hearts really sing? Join us for our “Best Romances of 2025” webinar, where we’ll talk about our favorite love stories that came out last year. We’ll cover titles at all heat levels as we discuss contemporary, historical, romantasy, and more. From award winners to sleeper hits, we won’t let your dream read pass you by!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Update 2026 [DLD Workshop] Friday, March 27 from 3-4 | Register for Social Media Update <https://cslib.libcal.com/event/15843247>

This presentation explores the continuing evolution of social media and its ongoing influence on library outreach and engagement strategies. The latest trends and platform updates across various social media channels are explored, offering insights into effective content strategies and best practices tailored for each platform. Attendees will gain practical guidance on optimizing their social media presence, from crafting engaging content to implementing current best practices that resonate with diverse audiences.

YOUTH SERVICES

Summer Symposium [DLD In-Person Workshop] Friday, March 20 from 10-3 at the Middletown Library Service Center | Register for Summer Symposium<https://cslib.libcal.com/event/16177296>

While Summer library programs may look different in every town in the state, there are best practices, training, and ideals that can benefit all library workers on town, state, and national levels. At this year’s Summer Symposium, attendees will dive into the core concepts of connected learning and how those principles can help library workers connect to the youth in their communities. They will learn why and how building and maintaining authentic partnerships with local organizations provide opportunities to connect with community residents who aren't (or can't be) regular library users. And we'll have fun exploring activities from the iREAD manual and give attendees and opportunity to share some of their favorite library programs with each other! The Summer Symposium will provide an opportunity for information gathering and communication around summer reading, summer services, and how libraries serve their community.

Managing the Afterschool Crowd at Your Library [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, March 11 from 2-3 | Register for Managing the Afterschool Crowd<https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8617646272341/WN_T3F9y34mR72n4KSYrjgWFw> Note: Registration is for library staff in Connecticut only.

The hours of 3-5pm, Monday-Friday can be a busy time for libraries. This is where libraries may get an influx of young people, and an increase in behavior incidents. But this is also a time of great potential impact, where libraries can be a safe place and reach out to teens. In this webinar you’ll hear from a former teen services librarian whose library typically had 100-150 teens most days after school. She will share her and her colleagues’ experiences on how to manage these chaotic (and fun!) hours.

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For other 2026 events, please Visit: https://cslib.libcal.com/



For any questions, please contact Gail Hurley at Gail.Hurley at ct.gov<http://Gail.Hurley@ct.gov/> or

860-704-2223



CT State Library is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

© 2016 CT State Library. All rights reserved.



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