September 2026 Workshops and Webinars
The Connecticut State Library, Division of Library Development is sharing the following learning opportunities for September. Remember that these are offered for FREE to ALL
Connecticut library staff! Please share with staff not signed up to the library lists or the DLD Newsletter!
Click on the training topics below or scroll through to see all the offerings:
ACCESSIBILITY
TIAL: The Basics of Web Accessibility and Basic Testing for Accessibility
[DLD Workshop] Tuesday, September 29 from 10-11:30 |
Register for Basics of Web Accessibility
Join Geoff Freed of onfocusAccess as we kick off a series of three workshops on web accessibility and the Department of Justice's ruling on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). This workshop will be divided into two parts. In the first half of the workshop, participants will receive an introduction to digital accessibility, focused not just on what constitutes an accessible Web site or application, but why it’s important
to design and create accessible digital materials. The session provides key insights to explain the challenges people with disabilities face when trying to navigate inaccessible digital materials. Participants will understand the impact of inaccessible content
as well as the benefits of inclusive design.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
The Potential and Peril of Generative AI [WebJunction] Thursday, September 10 from 3-4 |
Register for the Potential and Peril of Generative AI
Generative AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and public libraries can play an important role in helping their communities understand these technologies. Generative
AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and public libraries can play an important role in helping their communities understand these technologies. Everyone needs to understand GenAI's potential and limitations - regardless of whether someone uses
a particular tool. Through their daily interactions with the public, librarians see how using these powerful tools can produce intentional and unintentional harm. This session will give an overview of how to work, live, and thrive in a world with GenAI. Panelists
will share resources librarians can use to continue their own professional development and support their communities.
10 Great Ways to Use AI for Writing Well
[Library 2.0] Friday, September 11 from 12-1 | Contact Gail.Hurley@ct.gov for
registration information
Library work runs on writing. Newsletters, signage, social posts, board reports, grant narratives, and the delicate email to the patron who is having a hard day:
it all has to get written, usually by someone who has eleven other things due. AI promises to help, and it can, but its default voice is generic, and readers can spot unedited AI text from across the room. This workshop offers ten writing strategies that keep
you the author. Rather than treating AI as a ghostwriter, this session positions AI as a drafting partner, an honest editor, and a tireless reviser, while your voice, your judgment, and your name stay on the work. Participants will see real examples and leave
with techniques they can use on the next thing they write…
AI Foundations For Your Library Team [Library 2.0] September
16 from 2-4:30 Note: If interested in watching this live webinar, please contact
Gail.Hurley@ct.gov.
This will be available in our
Niche Academy following the live event for one year.
Most library staff have already used AI, or been asked about it by a patron, without anyone ever explaining what it is. Confidence with AI often runs well ahead
of actual understanding. At the same time, many staff have stopped paying attention to AI altogether, even as patron questions keep coming.AI Foundations for Your Library Team is designed to get an entire staff to a shared starting point. The content
starts with the basics and is library-specific. For staff who already use AI, the sessions provide an opportunity to slow down, reflect on their habits, and strengthen their practice with new strategies for evaluating, prompting, and using AI responsibly.
It doesn't assume anyone has used these tools before, and it doesn't try to talk anyone into using them. Breaking the material into four shorter sessions gives people time to absorb the ideas, discuss them with coworkers, and come back with better questions…
Frame Generative AI in Ways that are Aligned with Library Values [Niche Academy Webinar] Wednesday,
September 30 from 2-3 | Register for Frame Generative AI
Hannah Cyrus covers how to frame generative AI in ways that are aligned with library values, including tips for reference, programs, and instruction. Generative AI is being
pushed by big technology companies through forced adoption by design, resulting in purple sparkles appearing everywhere you look and plenty of questions from frustrated and confused library patrons. In this webinar, Hannah Cyrus will cover how to frame generative
AI to patrons in ways that are aligned with library values, including tips for reference interactions, passive programs, direct instruction, and teaching classes. From quickly explaining to low-digital-literacy patrons how this technology works and why it
is not a reliable information source, to finding opportunities to correct misunderstandings among enthusiasts, to providing directions for how to turn the darn things off, attendees will come away with strategies for pushing back against a technology rife
with labor, environmental, and social concerns that library workers can take a stand against.
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
Weeding in the Garden of Good & Evil [DLD Workshop] Wednesday, September
23 from 10-12 | Register Weeding in the Garden of Good & Evil
Weeding your library's collection can be a daunting task, but it is a critical component to providing excellent library service to your community. This workshop
will give you the tools and enthusiasm that you will need to assess your collection and make decisions on what material needs to be weeded out of it. Our approach to weeding is that it isn't the irresponsible disposal of the library's property, but rather
a part of good public service to borrowers in terms of maintaining the best possible collection for the community.
Collection Development Basics [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, September 30 from
2-3 | Register for Collection
Development Basics
Are you new to the library world or selecting materials and suddenly responsible for a collection? Join this session for a basic introduction to collection development
focused on popular materials collections. Beginning with the core principles of collection development, the session will move through how to follow or establish a collection development policy and how to discover materials.
DATA
Microsoft Excel: Back to the Basics [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, September 23 from 2-3 |
Register for Microsoft Excel
Stop guessing and start clicking with confidence! This one-hour webinar is designed for anyone who wants to stop feeling overwhelmed by Excel. We’ll teach you some shortcut tricks
to streamline work, focus on basic formulas, analyze your data and more.
DESIGN/MARKETING
Intro to Canva [DLD Workshop] Tuesday, September 15 from 10-12 |
Register for Intro to Canva 9-15
Learn how to make logos, social media images, and flyers using the online design site Canva. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the Canva environment,
design elements, and some of its newest features. Participants will work on their own designs during the workshop and will finish the class with projects they can use at their library. Since this is a small group workshop, participants will need a computer
with a camera and microphone so they can share thoughts and ask questions throughout the class. This is a beginner class for those who have little to no prior Canva experience. Participants should sign up for a free Canva account before the workshop.
Add’l date:
Friday, September 25 from 10-12 |
Register for Intro to Canva 9-25
Principles of Great Flyer Design
[DLD Workshop] Tuesday, September 29 from 10-11:30 |
Register for Principles of Great Flyer Design
Making a great flyer is both a science and an art. Learn about the visual design principles that can help your flyers convey information efficiently and effectively.
Discuss fonts and the ways they can work to enhance your flyers. After discussing design principles, participants will look at sample flyers and use their knowledge to improve them. Participants are asked to “bring” (digital copy on your laptop is fine) a
flyer from their Library for group discussion and design brainstorming.
DIGITAL COLLECTIONS
Reimagining Digital Collections for the Next Generation of Library Users [Library Journal webinar] Tuesday,
September 22 from 11-12 | Register
for Reimagining Digital Collections
Today's library users expect more than access to digital collections. They expect intuitive discovery, engaging digital experiences, and seamless access to unique institutional resources
that support learning, research and community engagement. As these expectations continue to evolve, academic libraries are rethinking how digital collections can better serve students, faculty, researchers, alumni and broader communities. Join library leaders
from Texas Christian University and The University of Texas at Dallas as they discuss how their institutions are approaching the next generation of digital collections. From modernizing existing environments to improving discoverability, expanding engagement,
and leveraging AI-powered capabilities within Alma Specto, the conversation will explore how libraries are creating more impactful digital experiences while preparing their collections for the future.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Heat, Health, and Disasters: The Role of Libraries
[National Library of Medicine] Tuesday, September 22 from 2-3 |
Register for Heat, Health and Disasters
Extreme weather events can have significant effects on individual and community health, while also disrupting the services and resources communities rely on. This training will examine
the health impacts of extreme heat and other disasters and consider how libraries may be affected by and respond to these events. Participants will explore practical ways libraries and librarians can support their communities during periods of extreme heat
and throughout each phase of the disaster management cycle, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Ready NOW: A Framework for Disaster Response in Libraries [National Library of Medicine] Wednesday, September
23 from 11-12 | Register for Ready NOW
Libraries show up in moments of crisis because they have spent years earning the trust of the people they serve. When disaster hits, when a pandemic reshapes daily life, or when the
quieter crisis of mental health need settles into a community, people find their way to the library. The question is whether staff will have what they need to respond in ways that actually meet people where they are. The Ready NOW Field Guide was built with
that question in mind. Developed through a multi-year IMLS-funded project at the University of Maryland, it is a free, research-based toolkit that helps library staff at every level move from good intentions to grounded action through two core mindsets and
three essential tasks focused on relationship-building, co-creation, and internal capacity.
GEN Z
How Gen Z Use and Don’t Use Public Libraries: New Data and Analysis [WebJunction] Tuesday,
September 22 from 3-4 | Register
for How Gen Z Use and Don’t Use Public Libraries
A new survey shows big increases in use and trust of librarian recommendation. How do Gen Z use public libraries? Learn why libraries fit into Gen Z book discovery behaviors, and
what prompts Gen Z to identify as readers—or not. Professors Kathi Inman Berens and Rachel Noorda, media researchers at Portland State University, present 2025 data and insights about how Gen Z use libraries. The researchers contextualize their longitudinal
survey data with ethnographic research and conversations with many librarians. What are some successful strategies libraries use to reach and serve Gen Z? What paradoxes characterize Gen Z’s media identities and behaviors? Participants will leave with tips
on how to strengthen Gen Z’s connection to libraries, how to understand Gen Z, and how promote services that resonate with younger audiences.
HEALTH
Supporting Long-Term Memory & Cognitive Health of Older Adults [National Library of Medicine] Wednesday, September
2 from 1-2 | Register
for Supporting Long-Term Memory
Featuring St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, this webinar provides insight from the Long-Term Memory Program and the Memory Kit Program that launched at St. Mary’s
County Library that supported cognitive function for older adults and individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
MANAGEMENT
Stepping into Management: The Basics [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, September 2 from 2-3 |
Register for Stepping into Management
Stepping into management can feel like a promotion and a pressure test all at the same time. This webinar is designed to help you think about or navigate the transition with clarity
and confidence. We will explore how to shift from doing the work to collaborating with and leading others, while building credibility along the way. Led by Tiffany Duck, an experienced public library manager, trainer, and consultant. This session will offer
practical guidance to help you step into leadership with confidence.
Using Cross-Training to Develop Your Employees and Strengthen Service Excellence [Niche Academy Webinar] Wednesday,
September 2 from 2-3 | Register
for Using Cross-Training
How nimble is your library? If a staff member is gone for an extended period of time, can their major job duties be covered? Do your staff want to build new skills? Cross-training
is a solution to all of these challenges! Whether you work in a single library or multi-branch system, there are multiple ways to design a cross-training program to help your staff grow and enable your library to rapidly adapt to changing needs. In this session,
Garrison Libby and Emily Leachman will discuss the benefits of cross-training and ways to implement it at your library.
Mastering Difficult Conversations [Niche Academy Webinar] Wednesday, September 23 from 2-3 |
Register for Mastering Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are inevitable, but that doesn't mean we should avoid them. Whether you avoid difficult conversations to keep the peace, freeze up when trying to negotiate
with others, or feel bad when you’re responsible for giving bad news, the anxiety and fear you feel are more common than you think. And while there is no shortage of workshops and webinars that talk about communication skills, true confidence in hard conversations
comes from both mastering ourselves as well as mastering the art of facilitating the conversation. Join Chris Wong to learn skills to go into conversations feeling prepared, as well as proven communication techniques to create an environment of collaboration,
rather than fighting.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Management Essentials for Libraries [PCI Webinars] Wednesday, September 16 from 2-3 |
Register for Project Management
Essentials
Do your project plans unravel after the first team meeting? Are your project outcomes often delayed or differ dramatically from expectations? Library professionals can apply project
management best practices to improve a wide variety of projects, processes, and collaborative initiatives. Attendees will be introduced to the basic principles of project management and presented with essential strategies to help them plan and deliver more
successful projects.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Back to Basics with Public Speaking
[PCI Webinars] Wednesday, September 9 from 2-3 |
Register for Back to Basics with
Public Speaking
For this workshop, we will explore public speaking anxiety and consider transferable strategies to reduce our apprehension. Through this workshop you will learn how to prepare for
your next speaking engagement and reduce your speaking anxiety as well as how to harness public speaking anxiety while presenting.
REFERENCE
Hands-On Legal Reference for Public Librarians [DLD Workshop] Wednesday, September 16 from
10-1 |
Register for Hands-On Legal Reference
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.
There are no prerequisites for this session, but since this is a small group workshop, participants will need a computer with a camera and microphone so that they can research questions
provided to them, share their results, and ask questions throughout the class.
SELF-CARE
How to Wear Many Hats Without Losing Your Head [DLD Workshop] Wednesday, September 9 from 10-12 |
Register for How to Wear Many Hats
If you had a well-defined job, or if your job didn't shift the minute you thought you'd gotten your work done, life would be fairly easy. But when you're cataloging books, handling
reference requests, managing acquisitions, etc. plus dealing with the challenges of the customers/patrons who are especially needy, you find yourself multitasking and it's exhausting. In this upbeat and interactive Zoom session, learn how to : *Single task,
*Minimize disruptions, *Give yourself breaks, *Bundle non-essential tasks, *Ask for help. Designed for library staff, these critical steps will help you wear many hats without losing your head.
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For other 2026 events, please visit the
Continuing Education Calendar
For any questions, please contact Gail Hurley at
Gail.Hurley@ct.gov
or
860-704-2223
CT State Library is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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