Hot Takes: A Virtual Series for PLA Members

Free and available exclusively to PLA members

Ever wonder what other libraries do about “x”? New members rank staying up to date on library issues and trends as the most important reason for joining the Public Library Association (PLA). In this fast-paced information exchange, PLA members will learn a little bit about a lot of things. Sample topics include facilities issues (bed bug protocols, food at computers), programming and services (Narcan administration, centralized vs. location-specific programs), and policies (do you charge for late materials, prints, faxing, or community rooms?). Capture new ideas from presenters and attendees, affirm old ones, and leave with connections across libraryland to invent what comes next.

Series registration automatically enrolls you in all three webinars. You also have the option of enrolling individually in each webinar.

Webinars

Webinar #1
October 15, 2024, 1:15 PM–1:45 PM Central

Hot Takes: Youth Services

In this fast-paced session, PLA members will learn about what’s happening in youth services.

Panelists:

• Jennie Garner, Library Director at North Liberty Community Library in North Liberty, IA
• Maryann James-Daley, Director, Public Services - MLK (Central) at DC Public Library in Washington, DC
• Annie Kemmerling, Director of Neighborhood Services at Denver Public Library in Denver, CO

Webinar #2
November 12, 2024, 1:15 PM–1:45 PM Central

Hot Takes: Safety and Security

In this fast-paced session, PLA members will learn about the latest safety and security practices in public libraries.

Panelists:

• Jenny Choi, Deputy Director of Operations at the San Jose Public Library in San Jose, CA
• Megan Maurer, Assistant Director at Scenic Regional Library in Union, MO
• Jennie Pu, Director at the Hoboken Public Library in Hoboken, NJ

Webinar #3
December 10, 2024, 1:15 PM–1:45 PM Central

Hot Takes: Adult Services

In this fast-paced session, PLA members will learn about what’s happening in adult services.

Panelists:

• Annie Kemmerling, Director of Neighborhood Services at the Denver Public Library in Denver, CO
• Amita Lonial, Director of the Tacoma Public Library in Tacoma, WA
• Kathy Zappitello, Director of the Conneaut Public Library in Conneaut, OH

Important Registration Information

An ALA eLearning account is required to register for this free virtual series. Don’t have an account? Create one for free by going to the “Log in” menu located at the top right corner in the ALA eLearning site. Although no membership is required to create the account, you must be a PLA member to register for this PLA member-exclusive webinar. If you encounter any issues registering for this series, then please email ce@ala.org for assistance.