Pre-Conference | Author Events | Programs | Discussion Groups
Pre-Conference
The ABC's of Preserving Intellectual Freedom - Anticipating, Bridging and Conversing: How to Help Protect Your Library
Friday, June 24, 2022, 1:00-4:00 pm | Washington Convention Center, 207B
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
This workshop will help library Trustees, Friends, and Foundations to develop a framework of responses to intellectual freedom challenges. Topics include becoming familiar with varying viewpoints, working with your library to customize responses to difficult questions and situations, and educating the public. The workshop will include discussion about your past experiences, as well as interactive exercises that simulate scenarios library Trustees/Friends/Foundations might face in the future. Following the workshop, the trainers and United for Libraries will provide access to a toolkit of resources to help you and your library be prepared to speak with one voice on intellectual freedom concerns.
Robyn L. Stein
President, Robyn L. Stein Group (RLSG)
Robyn established RLSG, an integrated marketing/communications consulting firm for nonprofits, in 2006. For more than 35 years, Robyn has worked to leverage impact, drive visibility and fundraise for issues ranging from the digital divide and the environment, to food insecurity, reproductive rights, and arts and justice. Clients include Harlem Stage, Planned Parenthood, City Harvest, and the American Library Association (ALA) where she consulted for nine years with incoming presidents, garnering attention for Banned Books Week, National Library Week, #eBooksForAll, and other key issues such as Supreme Court decisions and the digital divide. Her work also includes toolkits and workshops for ALSC (100th anniversary Mock Newbery Award Toolkit) and the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Robyn is an Adjunct Associate Professor at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She earned an MBA from SUNY Binghamton and a BFA from the University of Colorado. An avid hiker, Robyn backpacks in upstate NY, Colorado and Utah in her spare time.
Cara Taback
Founder/President Cantata Communications
Cara Taback, founder and presdient of Cantata Communciations, is dedicated to translating the mission and values of an organization into compelling content, conversations, and campaigns. She recently partnered with the American Library Association (ALA) on the Build America's Libraries Act and #eBooksForAll initiatives. As VP, Communications, Madison Square Garden (MSG), Cara conducted media trainings and helped develop what is now called the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Before starting Cantata Communications, Cara served as City Harvest’s Communications Director, where she assisted in guiding the renowned food rescue organization through its strategic plan. Cara has worked extensively with the New York City Marathon, North Shore Animal League, Bideawee, the KIND Foundation/Empatico, and Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. She served as writer/editorial assistant for MSG’s 125th anniversary book Garden of Dreams, City Harvest’s 100 Recipes from 100 Great New York Restaurants, and the New York Road Runner Club’s Complete Book of Running. She enjoys literacy volunteering and exploring scenic trails.
Pre-Conference | Author Events | Programs | Discussion Groups
Author Events
The Laugh's On Us sponsored by Ingram Content Group
Saturday, June 25, 2022 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Renaissance, Potomac Ballroom Salon 1
Ticketed Event
Laugh out loud at this wine-and-cheese event, featuring headliner and United for Libraries spokesperson Paula Poundstone (THE TOTALLY UNSCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE SEARCH FOR HUMAN HAPPINESS). Featured authors will include Olivia Abtahi (PERFECTLY PARVIN; AZAR ON FIRE), Mark Schiff (WHY NOT? LESSONS ON COMEDY, COURAGE, AND CHUTZPAH), and Iona Whishaw (Lane Winslow Mystery series), A book signing will follow, with free books/advance copies for attendees (subject to availability).
Gala Author Tea sponsored by Data Axle Reference Solutions
Monday, June 27, 2022 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Renaissance, Anacostia Ballroom
Ticketed Event
Enjoy tea and treats while hearing from bestselling writers about their forthcoming titles. Featured authors will include Buzz Bissinger (THE MOSQUITO BOWL), Jonathan Dee (SUGAR STREET), Jon Gray (GHETTO GASTRO PRESENTS BLACK POWER KITCHEN), Tricia Hersey (REST IS RESISTANCE), Dani Shapiro (SIGNAL FIRES), and Catherine Adel West (THE TWO LIVES OF SARA). Attendees will receive advance copies and have the opportunity to have them signed by authors (subject to availability). Barbara Hoffert, editor of Library Journal's Prepub Alert, will moderate.
First Author, First Book
Saturday, June 25, 2022 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 145A
Preview the season's most anticipated debut novels during this conference-favorite. Featured authors will be Sopan Deb (KEYA DAS’S SECOND ACT), Zain Khalid (BROTHER ALIVE), Victor Manibo (THE SLEEPLESS), Robin Peguero (WITH PREJUDICE), and E.M. Tran (DAUGHTERS OF THE NEW YEAR). A book signing will follow. Moderated by Barbara Hoffert, editor of Library Journal's Prepub Alert.
In Real Life: Must-Read Memoirs
Saturday, June 25, 2022 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 154A-B
Memoirists will discuss their forthcoming titles. Featured authors will include Rabia Chaudry (FATTY FATTY BOOM BOOM), Jessi Hempel (THE FAMILY OUTING), Erika L. Sánchez (CRYING IN THE BATHROOM), and Isaac Wright (MARKED FOR LIFE). A book signing will follow. Moderated by Aryssa Damron, Booklist Advisory Board Member and Children’s Librarian, District of Columbia Public Library.
Reads Like Fiction: Nonfiction You Can't Put Down
Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 9:00am – 10:00am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 152B
Preview the most compelling forthcoming nonfiction titles in this panel. Featured authors will include Brandi Collins-Dexter (BLACK SKINHEAD), Eleanor Herman (OFF WITH HER HEAD), Jamie Fiore Higgins (BULLY MARKET), and Sarah Horowitz (THE RED WIDOW). Book signings will follow. Moderated by Donna Seaman, Editor, Adult Books, Booklist.
Immersive Historical Fiction
Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 202A
Check out the latest historical fiction by a panel of bestselling authors, including Wanda Morris (ANYWHERE YOU RUN), Amita Parikh (THE CIRCUS TRAIN), Lev AC Rosen (LAVENDER HOUSE), and Noelle Salazar (ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE). Book signings will follow. Moderated by Barbara Hoffert, editor, Library Journal's Prepub Alert.
Pre-Conference | Author Events | Programs | Discussion Groups
Programs for Trustees, Friends, and Foundations
501(c)3, 501(c)4 and More! Which Not-for-Profit Organization Gives You the Most Bang for Your Advocacy Buck?
Saturday, June 25, 2022 | 9:00am – 10:00am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 140B
A panel of experts clarify the differences among the various nonprofits as well as the requirements, the benefits and the drawbacks of each, using examples from the library world.
Ask the Experts: Friends of Libraries
Saturday, June 25, 2022 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 149A-B
A panel of experts will address common issues that arise between friends’ groups and library administration and boards of trustees and how to solve them. Themes will include difference in roles and responsibilities, memorandums of understanding, and effective communication. Panelists will present two in-depth scenarios, provide tips and best practices, and answer questions from attendees. During a "lightning round" session, speakers will field questions from the audience. Suggested resources for the presented in-depth scenarios.
Friends, Foundation and Finds-Partnerships for Building a Future
Saturday, June 25, 2022 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 143B
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library has been fortunate enough to have a well-established Friends of the Library and newly formed Foundation to support their library and achieve a common goal, the building and opening of a Makerspace. This presentation will discuss how libraries can have Friends and Foundations co-exist to maximize fund raising and revenue generation to support future innovation.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Inclusive Workplace by Deanna Singh
Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 9:00am – 10:00am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 149A-B
After our national reckoning on racial injustice, many companies found themselves searching in vain for guidance on how to translate ideology into action—not just writing checks, but doing the hard work of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. Actions Speak Louder offers a blueprint for leaders and teams ready to look at their surroundings with new eyes, get out of their own way, and turn their energy into a concrete plan.
Renowned leadership and DEI consultant Deanna Singh has led diversity trainings for a wide range of organizations, from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. Using her unique “use your privilege, check yourself, and build a bridge” methodology, Singh shares exercises, strategies, and step-by-step instructions for:
- Gaining buy-in from stakeholders at all levels of your company for DEI initiatives
- Designing and implementing inclusive policies, from writing job advertisements to conducting performance reviews
- Training your DEI trainers--who are too often thrust into their roles with little instruction or clarity about their decision rights--to audit your "racial climate" and hold you accountable in the future
Transformational Capital Campaigns: Maverick Approaches that Lead to Organization-Changing Projects
Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 9:00am – 10:00am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 146A
Public libraries large and small are conducting successful capital campaigns, even in contentious times and environments. Diverse examples of how panel libraries developed successful capital campaigns will spark your community’s interest in and serve as supplemental funding for building and expansion projects. Is a formal and expensive feasibility study truly necessary? How involved is the Director in the campaign? Tap into your institution’s potential to turn residents and businesses alike into Library investors.
How to Create an Engaging & Successful Virtual Friends Event
Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 146B
Virtual live events are events that are completely hosted and run online with the potential for attendees to view or participate from anywhere in the world. A virtual live event is a great fundraising and outreach strategy for Friends groups. In this workshop we discuss what you need to turn a live event into a virtual event and most importantly raise money for your library. Including:
- How to set clear fundraising goals
- Determining whether the event is a friendraiser or fundraiser
- Best ways to promote your virtual event
- How to create a show run to make your event run seamlessly
- Creative ways to engage your audience
United for Libraries President's Program
Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | Location: Washington Convention Center, 149A-B
With the national rise in censorship, what do library Trustees, Friends of the Library groups, library Foundations, and those who work with those groups need to know about preparing for future trends? Join 2021-2022 United for Libraries President Charity Tyler, executive director of the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library Foundation, as she discusses the fight for intellectual freedom with Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read Foundation, and Megan Cusick, deputy director, state advocacy, ALA’s Public Policy & Advocacy Office. Attendees will learn about what groups are behind current censorship efforts, how to advocate for intellectual freedom in libraries and communities, the Unite Against Book Bans initiative, and what to expect in the coming year.
Diversity in Library Boards, Friends Groups, and Foundations: Successes and Struggles in Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Members
Monday, June 27, 2022 | 10:30am – 11:30am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 147A
Library boards, Friends groups, and Foundations have sought to recruit and retain diverse members, still some groups undoubtedly struggle. As a part of the 2022 ALA Emerging Leaders, we examine case studies, stories, and real-life examples of equity, diversity, and inclusion in library boards, friend groups, and foundations and how they are building and sustaining diverse memberships within their groups. Working with United for Libraries, our ultimate goal is to provide information and resources that will support Library Directors, Boards, Foundations, and Friends Groups in achieving this diversity, while at the same time highlighting some common struggles and success.
Pre-Conference | Author Events | Programs | Discussion Groups
Discussion Groups
Friends & Foundations Discussion Group
Monday, June 27, 2022 | 8:30am – 10:00am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 102A
Friends of the Library members, library Foundation board members, and library/Friends/Foundation staff and invited to join this informal discussion group with colleagues from across the country. Bring your best practices to share, topics to discuss, and questions to ask.
Trustees Discussion Group
Monday, June 27, 2022 | 8:30am – 10:00am | Location: Washington Convention Center, 103A
Join this informal discussion group and bring your best practices to share and questions to ask of fellow library Trustees from across the country.