Expanding Possibilities: Public Libraries and Adult Learning – Insights from the Field

Public libraries are at the forefront of adult learning in the United States, serving as trusted, accessible programming providers. In a new report, “Expanding Possibilities: Public Libraries and Adult Learning – Insights from the Field,” PLA provides insights and innovations from the field based on a national survey of more than 350 public libraries, literature review, and case studies. Watch this on-demand webinar to hear about key findings related to priority needs, barriers, and program responses; funding and evaluation; and partnerships. The report and webinar are sponsored by Gale, part of Cengage School.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the current landscape of public library adult learning topics and trends;
• Identify barriers and implement strategies to address these with adult learners; and
• Improve outreach and partnerships to better reach adult learners.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PDF)
• Expanding Possibilities: Public Libraries and Adult Learning White Paper (PDF)
• Chat Transcript (PDF)

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for all public library staff.

Panelists

Bobbi L. Newman (she/her) is an associate professor of practice in the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa, and the founder and principal consultant at Bobbi L. Newman Consulting. She is a speaker, educator, and workplace well-being advocate. Bobbi is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Handbook for Libraries and the editor of Well-Being in the Library Workplace: A Handbook for Managers. Her career spans public, academic, and special libraries, including roles in strategic leadership. She writes for libraries at https://librarianbyday.net/.

Larra Clark (she/her) serves as deputy director for both the Public Library Association (PLA) and the American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy Office. Her portfolio includes broadband access and adoption, public library data and research, strategic communications, and national initiatives and partnerships. Her career spans twenty-five years managing library communications, policy, and research following a decade in non-profit public affairs, government relations, and print journalism. She received her library master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Maricela Leon-Barrera (she/her) has worked with youth and families for over twenty years as a librarian and bilingual educator both in school and public libraries. Her areas of professional interest include literacy development, early learning, biliteracy, and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a librarian she has worked with all age groups and is a graduate of San Jose University’s MLIS program. She holds a California multiple subjects teaching credential with bilingual certification in Spanish and received her BA from University of California, Berkeley in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. She currently serves at the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) as the digital equity manager at the Bridge at Main, SFPL’s print and digital learning center. She proudly works and lives in her beloved “City by the Bay” with her husband, two kids, four cats, and two dogs.

Carrie Goodall (she/her) is the assistant director for collections at Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales, Louisiana. She has been a librarian for twenty-six years, beginning her career in school libraries before transitioning to her hometown public library eight years ago. Her experience working in both public and private schools at all levels of PreK–12 education laid a foundation that allows her to bring a unique perspective to public librarianship, particularly in the areas of collection development and lifelong learning. It has been a joy for her to work in the library that helped shape and support her love for books and learning. She currently lives in Prairieville, Louisiana, with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, bird watching, baking, and napping.

Amanda Winchel has been a dedicated advocate for public libraries since joining Gale, part of Cengage School, in 2013. With over a decade of experience supporting library innovation and access, she recently stepped into a leadership role managing the public library market across North America. In this capacity, Amanda collaborates closely with sales, product, and marketing teams to drive strategic initiatives and ensure libraries have the tools they need to serve their communities. Amanda lives in Wisconsin with her 11-year-old son and sheepadoodle, Maddy. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and biking—activities that reflect her love of nature and active lifestyle.