NLA/MPLA Joint Conference

Library boards and committees make decisions that shape the direction, funding, and public trust of their organizations—but many members receive little training in how meetings actually work. This practical, plain-language session demystifies the essentials of meeting management, parliamentary procedure, bylaws, and minute-taking for library contexts.

Participants will learn how governing documents guide decisions, how to run efficient and inclusive meetings, when (and when not) to use formal parliamentary process, and how minutes can document accountability without creating unnecessary risk. Real-world library examples and ready-to-use templates will help attendees strengthen governance practices immediately.

Ideal for trustees, Friends groups, foundation boards, advisory committees, and library staff who support board work.

Providing computers for use by the public is a key service unique to libraries. It is crucial that these "public" computers be properly secured and the privacy of the patrons who use them is protected. This program will cover the necessary steps that need to be be taken to accomplish this.

In this engaging presentation, we'll provide a roadmap for you to follow to host your own young child fair that includes community resources and organizations benefiting families with young children, ages 0-6. Our Library started its annual event 13 years ago to connect families with local resources, while also including fun activities like Storytime, block play, bubbles, and games. Our event now involves many community organizations, including Parents as Teachers, local preschools, health departments, mental health resources, fire and police departments, pediatricians and pediatric dentists, food pantries, and hearing and vision screenings. The young child fair has truly become a community event as much as a Library event, impacting families of all ages from our service area and beyond.

A library’s strategic plan is a roadmap that aligns staff, board, and community with shared goals. Cheyenne Chontos (Harrisburg Community Library Director, SD) will share real-world examples and guide participants through hands-on planning activities—from surveys and SWOT analysis to stakeholder engagement and writing a clear, actionable plan—helping attendees build confidence in creating strategic plans tailored to their libraries.