Maintaining a Peaceful Attitude: How to Bring Positivity to the Workplace
4/13/2020

Do you ever find it challenging to maintain a positive attitude at work? If so, this webinar is for you! This session will teach you how to deal with negativity and the value of self-care.

Presenters:
Amber Elfrink and Brooke Vanderlin, Talmadge Branch of Akron Summit County Public Library System

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

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Managing Change and Worry in a Time of Uncertainty
4/21/2020

Finding and sustaining a sense of control during times of ambiguity is complicated and very human.  
 
Learning Objectives

• You will gain self awareness surrounding their own personal signs and triggers to worry and grief

• You will learn ways to heal and cope with tools to support the process

• You will gain awareness of ways to practice emotional agility during times of stress.  

Presenter:

Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including, trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom

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Self Care Is Survival: Stress, Burnout, Work, & COVID-19
5/13/2020

Do you find yourself always being busy at work? Working past your regular hours? Thinking about work night and day? Not taking your vacation time? Starting to dread going to work, getting sick a lot, or feeling overworked and exhausted? You are not alone. Library work, in any role and any type of library, can take a heavy toll on people. This panel presentation will address best practices for self-care from three perspectives: what you can do for yourself, what you can do as a coworker for others, and what you (or others) can do in management roles. Hear from a variety of library staff in different roles and types of libraries. Participants will come away with practical tips and action items to implement right away to better take care of yourself, others, and to foster a physically and mentally healthy work environment.

Presenters:

Emily Clasper, Director of Service Strategies, River Campus Libraries University of Rochester
Since 2003, Emily Clasper has worked with a wide range of libraries across the country, offering a unique skill set as a librarian, technologist, speaker, trainer, consultant, and certified Project Management Professional (PMP®). A leader in the profession and Library Journal Mover and Shaker (2012), Emily has served as an ALA Councilor, member of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and member of numerous other ALA and NYLA committees. Most recently, Emily has entered the world of academic libraries, joining the University of Rochester’s River Campus Libraries as their Director of Service Strategies. This comes on the heels of 13 years working with the 56 public libraries of Suffolk County, NY as the Training and Operations Manager for their shared ILS.

Janie L. Hermann is the Public Programming Librarian at Princeton Public Library in Princeton, NJ where she oversees a cross-departmental team of 15 staff that members that plan and execute more than 1,700 programs per year with an annual attendance in excess of 54,000 at the programs. She is currently a member of the ALA Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee and the co-chair of the ALA Programming Librarian Interest Group. 

  

Djaz F. Zulida is a Programs & Community Outreach Librarian at the Boston Public Library. Their service focus is on outreach, library events, contributing to the BPL We are Pride booklist, and sharing non-traditional like seeds and honey from the library's hive with their neighborhood. They have been a librarian with the Boston Public Library since 2014 and a spoonie for longer than that.
 

Carson Block, President, Carson Block Consulting Inc.
Carson Block has lead & loved library technology efforts for more than 20 years. He's been called a "Geek who speaks English" and occasionally compared to Ferris Bueller and Calvin (and Hobbes). Carson is dead serious about the essential and positive community impacts of libraries and focuses his consulting practice on helping libraries increase their capacity to serve patrons. Carson has served in leadership positions in ALA ASCLA, ColoradoPLA and others, and evangelizes libraries to SXSW Interactive and other tech communities. Carson is the author of Managing Library Technology: A LITA Guide (Rowman & Littlefield).

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.

Location: Online via Adobe Connect

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Coping in a New World: How to continue to thrive and cope while providing public service
11/19/2020

Participants will engage in learning around ways to take care of ourselves and provide quality public service during COVID.
 
Objectives:

• Consider change and how it impacts us
• Learn ways to keep ourselves safe and well emotionally during times of change
• Learn new techniques to support decreasing levels of worry and anxiety

Presenter:
Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 88 spots remaining out of 200

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Coping in a New World: How to continue to thrive and cope while providing public service
11/19/2020

Participants will engage in learning around ways to take care of ourselves and provide quality public service during COVID.
 
Objectives:

• Consider change and how it impacts us
• Learn ways to keep ourselves safe and well emotionally during times of change
• Learn new techniques to support decreasing levels of worry and anxiety

Presenter:
Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 163 spots remaining out of 200

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2021 Breath by Breath: Dealing with Anxiety through Yoga- 30 minutes
1/25/2021 - 1/29/2021

Approximately 40 million Americans deal with anxiety disorders.  Anxiety is a common mental health concern that we are seeing more often.  Our brain function remains the same but our lifestyles keep taking on more and more stress, just like what is happening during the current COVID-19 crisis.   Yoga helps to reduce anxiety by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system or the “rest and digest” system. 

Learning Objectives

• How Yoga/Meditation help to reduce anxiety 
• Breath Control for anxiety
• The Basics of Mindfulness

Presenter:

Vanessa Blair Farris, currently residing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is no stranger to Northeast Ohio.  Born and raised near Youngstown, Vanessa has a passion for both her Indiana and Ohio communities.  She uses yoga to soothe the mind and the body.  Vanessa has a passion for helping people with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  She has spent countless hours educating herself on trauma-sensitive yoga methods, attending online summits for trauma sensitivity, as well as learning the fundamentals of yoga and meditation to help those that are struggling. 

 

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Creating & Maintaining Good Habits
1/25/2021 - 1/29/2021

During the pandemic lock-down (followed by the NE Ohio winter) many people noticed a shift in their personal and professional habits: some for the better, some for the worse. Harnessing the better habits and nixing the unwelcome habits requires an understanding of the science of habits, awareness of the foundational habits, and the tools to evaluate your habits. Join Dr. Tamsin Astor, Chief Habit Scientist, International Speaker & Author for a deep dive into habits, so you can create and maintain the right habits for your life!

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the science of habit formation
• Learn about the 5 foundational habits for success
• Learn how to evaluate your habits

Presenter:

Tamsin Astor, PhD is the founder and Chief Habit Scientist of Yoga Brained Coaching. She is known for giving her clients the tools to shift their mindset, organize their vision, and improve their habits to create an efficient, productive business. We make 35,000 decisions every day, which leads to decision fatigue. Dr. Astor helps her clients reduce the amount of overwhelming decision-making they do by harnessing their goal-achieving machine – AKA – their brains. This also increases their time and energy for fun!

Tamsin Astor holds a PhD in neuroscience and psychology and a post-doctorate in education. She also has certifications in yoga (RYT500, Yoga Ed.), mindset & Ayurveda (Living Ayurveda, Yoga Health Coach). She is an executive coach and author of the book Force of Habit: Unleash Your Power by Developing Great Habits. 
 

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Caring for Yourself First - A Conversation about Self Care
11/18/2021

Providing care and customer service in a public setting is purposeful and wonderful work.  However, without our ability to take care of ourselves outside of the work, we can become unwell and at risk of burnout.  Our communities need you now more than ever!  Let's come together to discuss how and why this work can be depleting and ways to seek and sustain balance so that we can keep doing it!  


Presenter:
Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Caring for Yourself First - A Conversation about Self Care
11/18/2021

Providing care and customer service in a public setting is purposeful and wonderful work.  However, without our ability to take care of ourselves outside of the work, we can become unwell and at risk of burnout.  Our communities need you now more than ever!  Let's come together to discuss how and why this work can be depleting and ways to seek and sustain balance so that we can keep doing it!  


Presenter:
Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Staff Development Week: Staff Care as Community Care
1/24/2022 - 1/27/2022

Monday, January 24, 2022
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Taking Care of Self, Staff, and Community
Self-care is important. Everywhere you look there are articles promoting the value of self-care: eat healthy, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly. It can be exhausting just reading about all the things we should be doing to feel better! How can we help self-care feel less like a burden and more like genuine kindness and nurturing? What if we could tap into our larger community to bolster our own well-being while increasing social cohesion for all? There is a continuum – from self-care to staff (workplace) care to community care – that gets stronger as it fans out from solo activity to broader inclusive action and impact.

Learning Objectives:

• Reflect upon what genuine and meaningful self-care looks like
• Describe the connection between self-care, workplace well-being, and community care
• Take actionable ideas for community care back to your library

The presenters will share program and activity ideas and examples, and you will be encouraged to think about your own unique interests and how they could connect to the needs in your community. There will be opportunities to share what is already happening in your library and community and to make plans for building supportive connections moving forward.
References: https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/taking-care-of-self-staff-and-community.html 
 
Presenters:
Brenda Hough is a librarian, writer, and learning professional with 25 years of professional experience working in and supporting libraries by providing training and consulting services. She is the author of Crash Course in Time Management for Library Staff and the co-editor of WebJunction’s Competency Index for the Library Field. She is an adjunct instructor for Emporia State University (KS). She has worked on projects for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WebJunction, the Public Library Association, Infopeople, California Libraries Learn (CALL), the State Library of Arizona, the State Library of Oregon, the Northeast Kansas Library System, and more. She is the owner of EluciDare Learning.

Since joining OCLC’s WebJunction team in 2005, Betha Gutsche has contributed to library staff training through compiling the Competency Index for the Library Field, developing curricula, delivering training, and exploring new strategies. In addition to leading many grant-funded projects, Betha created curriculum and training for Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces, Supercharged Storytimes, Wikipedia + Libraries, and Creating Pathways to Civil Legal Justice. Betha received her MLIS from the University of Washington Information School and interned with the Gates Foundation U.S. Libraries Program 2002-2004.

Tuesday, January 25. 2022
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Words Matter: Mindful communication that creates caring connections
Employing mindful communication strategies creates opportunities to demonstrate caring and enhance connections within the library community. Utilizing mindful communication can also avoid retraumatization for those individuals who have experienced trauma.

Learning objectives:

• Participants will learn about the characteristics and effects of trauma on the individual.
• Participants will learn about mindful use of language that will avoid retraumatization for individuals.
• Participants will become aware of professional resources that provide guidance on non- discriminatory language

Presenter:

Meghan Harper, Ph.D. Director and Professor, School of Information at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Library Safety as Burnout Prevention: Reframing Safety and Security for Staff Sustainability

Learning Objectives:

• Tools to handle acute problems that influence burnout including principles of service, de-escalation phrases, and established boundaries
• Proactive preparations to avoid or mitigate incidents that cause burnout including interdepartmental communications and establishing community partnerships
• Unmasking how vocational awe makes us handle safety and security issues poorly and inequitably 

Presenter:

Eddie Kristan ran the Safety & Security Team at Warren-Newport Library in Gurnee, IL for nearly 7 years before finishing his MLIS to become a reference librarian and staff training coordinator in 2020. During his time as Head of Security, Eddie re-wrote procedure and advised on policy to turn a distrusted and counter-productive security team into a force of support and empathy for staff and the community. With the help of Ryan Dowd (author of "A Librarian's Guide to Homelessness") and Warren Graham (author of "The Black Belt Librarian") Eddie was able to balance a need for confident enforcement of policy with a desperate need for trauma informed services and empathy in all things. He was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in the Community Builder group in 2020 and Herbert Goldhor Award Winner for Public Librarianship by the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences in 2021. As Staff Training Coordinator, Eddie has developed monthly content for his library on a wide range of subjects including Person Pronouns, Trauma Informed Services, Material Challenges, and Bystander Intervention.

Thursday, January 27, 2022
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Self-Care: How to Increase Productivity while Avoiding Burnout
Increasing demands from our public for various library services can and will create an environment for burnout as a result of heavy workloads. While some stressors are unavoidable, prolonged exposure to it can cause detachment, pessimism, and a loss of enjoyment in the public library profession. During this session we will explore approaches on how to identify and overcome stressors while retaining optimal levels of efficiency during our workday.
Learning Objectives:

• Identify signals of Physical, Behavioral and Emotional barriers that leads to burnout
• Understand methods to mitigate stressors caused by public service demands
• Learn how to adopt self-care techniques at work.

Presenter: 
Nicole Bryan, MLS Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Brooklyn Public Library
Nicole has spent some of her career within the social services arena, developing programs and meeting constituents' needs. Currently, she assess the delivery of library services, by employing trauma-informed methods, to transitional populations in public library branches and homeless shelters in Brooklyn, N.Y. She received her MLS degree from Long Island University.


2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Be the Change: Improving staff morale from within
Presenter Haley Holmes from the San Antonio Public Library will talk about her experiences leading staff from all levels of the organization to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to be heard. Operation Transformation was a three year project that resulted in more staff engagement, recognition, and innovation. Haley will explain how the project started and outline several of the initiatives that were created as a result to address the need to improve morale in a workplace with over 500 employees in 30 locations.
 
Learning Objectives

• Participants will come away with a better understanding of organizational health.
• Participants will be given specific tools and examples they can use in their organizations to gather staff feedback concerning morale in their work locations.
• Participants will learn how to turn staff feedback into meaningful change.

Presenter:
Haley K. Holmes, Ph.D., is the Central Library Public Services Administrator for the San Antonio Public Library overseeing Reference Services, Childrens, Texana/Genealogy, the Latino Collection and Resource Center, and Circulation. Haley has been with the San Antonio Public Library for 17 years, serving as a branch manager for 7 years and Coordinator of Services to Adults for 3 years. Before moving to San Antonio, she worked in academic libraries and at the Library of Congress. She is the coauthor of Library Programming Made Easy, part of the “A Practical Guide for Librarians” series and a 2020 Library Journal Mover and Shaker.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 63 spots remaining out of 100

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Time Management Yours and Theirs
7/13/2022

Wednesday, July 13, 2022
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Time Management Yours and Theirs
Time management is one of the most important skills that any manager/supervisor should have.   Understanding, implementing and following effective time management practices will help you accomplish more.
 
Learning objectives:

• Valuing your own time
• Setting realistic priorities
• Delegating tasks effectively
• Recognizing and avoiding time wasters
• Taking Action
• Practical Tools

Presenter:

Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 11 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on ALA Council, ALA’s Committee on Organizations and co-chairs PLA’s Membership Advisory Group. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Time Management Yours and Theirs
7/13/2022

Recorded 7/13/2022

Time Management Yours and Theirs
Time management is one of the most important skills that any manager/supervisor should have.   Understanding, implementing and following effective time management practices will help you accomplish more.
 
Learning objectives:

• Valuing your own time
• Setting realistic priorities
• Delegating tasks effectively
• Recognizing and avoiding time wasters
• Taking Action
• Practical Tools

Presenter:

Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 11 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on ALA Council, ALA’s Committee on Organizations and co-chairs PLA’s Membership Advisory Group. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Attentional Fitness: Sneaking Mindful Habits into Real Life
2/1/2023

Instead of trying to add one more self-care challenge to your list, why not use mindfulness to help you address what's already on your list: healthier eating, moving your body a little more, and getting more rest?

Learning Objectives:

• Learn a practical approach to practicing mindfulness — with or without meditation
• Expand your understanding of mindfulness beyond breath awareness and relaxation.
• Explore how to apply mindfulness insights to common self-care challenges

Presenter:
Daron Larson is a Mindfulness Coach who discovered from personal experience that consistent mindful habits really can make ordinary moments better — including the uncomfortable ones. As a parent, social worker, and librarian, he has always found purpose in identifying resources to help people respond more effectively to the challenges of ordinary life. Daron says mindfulness is about much more than temporary relaxation. It offers a variety of flexible ways to experience your life with greater vitality despite its inevitable discomforts and uncertainties. His TEDx talk — Don't Try to Be Mindful — has been viewed over half a million times.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Attentional Fitness: Sneaking Mindful Habits into Real Life
2/1/2023

Recorded 2/1/2023

Instead of trying to add one more self-care challenge to your list, why not use mindfulness to help you address what's already on your list: healthier eating, moving your body a little more, and getting more rest?

Learning Objectives:

• Learn a practical approach to practicing mindfulness — with or without meditation
• Expand your understanding of mindfulness beyond breath awareness and relaxation.
• Explore how to apply mindfulness insights to common self-care challenges

Presenter:
Daron Larson is a Mindfulness Coach who discovered from personal experience that consistent mindful habits really can make ordinary moments better — including the uncomfortable ones. As a parent, social worker, and librarian, he has always found purpose in identifying resources to help people respond more effectively to the challenges of ordinary life. Daron says mindfulness is about much more than temporary relaxation. It offers a variety of flexible ways to experience your life with greater vitality despite its inevitable discomforts and uncertainties. His TEDx talk — Don't Try to Be Mindful — has been viewed over half a million times.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Attentional Fitness:: Responding Effectively Takes Practice
4/12/2023

Rest and relaxation are important, but preparing for inevitable emotional triggers is empowering. Learn practical ways to turn habitual reactivity into ways to respond more effectively and with less regret.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply mindfulness to ordinary social and emotional challenges.
• Explore mindfulness strategies for developing emotional awareness and regulation.
• Learn how to take emotional reactions off autopilot. 

Presenter:
Daron Larson is a Mindfulness Coach who discovered from personal experience that consistent mindful habits really can make ordinary moments better — including the uncomfortable ones. As a parent, social worker, and librarian, he has always found purpose in identifying resources to help people respond more effectively to the challenges of ordinary life. Daron says mindfulness is about much more than temporary relaxation. It offers a variety of flexible ways to experience your life with greater vitality despite its inevitable discomforts and uncertainties. His TEDx talk — Don't Try to Be Mindful — has been viewed over half a million times.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Attentional Fitness:: Responding Effectively Takes Practice
4/12/2023

Recorded 4/12/2023

Rest and relaxation are important, but preparing for inevitable emotional triggers is empowering. Learn practical ways to turn habitual reactivity into ways to respond more effectively and with less regret.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply mindfulness to ordinary social and emotional challenges.
• Explore mindfulness strategies for developing emotional awareness and regulation.
• Learn how to take emotional reactions off autopilot. 

Presenter:
Daron Larson is a Mindfulness Coach who discovered from personal experience that consistent mindful habits really can make ordinary moments better — including the uncomfortable ones. As a parent, social worker, and librarian, he has always found purpose in identifying resources to help people respond more effectively to the challenges of ordinary life. Daron says mindfulness is about much more than temporary relaxation. It offers a variety of flexible ways to experience your life with greater vitality despite its inevitable discomforts and uncertainties. His TEDx talk — Don't Try to Be Mindful — has been viewed over half a million times.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Intergenerational Collaboration: In Diversity, We Trust!
7/19/2023

The five generations currently represented in the workforce have their own world view and attitude toward work and life. Oftentimes, each generation's unique approach and/or generational stereotypes create friction among individuals and teams. This fun, interactive workshop will explore how unique views of each generation may impact an individual's approach to work, discuss the harmful effects of generational stereotypes, and identify leadership strategies to leverage the collective strength in generational diversity.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore how formative events in generational year spans may impact individual perspective
• Discuss the harmful effects of generational stereotypes in the workplace
• Identify strategies to leverage the collective strength of generational diversity

Presenter:

Ellen Procida is the Operations Manager in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Cape May County. She has worked in various roles throughout her 26 years with the courts including ombudsman, training coordinator, team leader, and probation officer. Ellen has a Master Degree of Arts in Human Resources and Training Development from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Criminal Justice from Stockton University. Ellen brings her passion for leadership and learning to every training session she facilitates.
 

Location: Online via Zoom

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Intergenerational Collaboration: In Diversity, We Trust!
7/19/2023

Recorded 7/19/23

The five generations currently represented in the workforce have their own world view and attitude toward work and life. Oftentimes, each generation's unique approach and/or generational stereotypes create friction among individuals and teams. This fun, interactive workshop will explore how unique views of each generation may impact an individual's approach to work, discuss the harmful effects of generational stereotypes, and identify leadership strategies to leverage the collective strength in generational diversity.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore how formative events in generational year spans may impact individual perspective
• Discuss the harmful effects of generational stereotypes in the workplace
• Identify strategies to leverage the collective strength of generational diversity

Presenter:

Ellen Procida is the Operations Manager in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Cape May County. She has worked in various roles throughout her 26 years with the courts including ombudsman, training coordinator, team leader, and probation officer. Ellen has a Master Degree of Arts in Human Resources and Training Development from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Criminal Justice from Stockton University. Ellen brings her passion for leadership and learning to every training session she facilitates.
 

Location: Online via Zoom

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Preventing Burnout and Fatigue
3/27/2024

Burnout is increasingly a conversation topic among library workers.  Feeling burnout and/or experiencing fatigue can seriously impact the quality of life-work balance and work performance.  While burnout is not considered a medical condition but “an occupational phenomenon,” it is felt by library workers as it brings acute stress that is challenging to manage.

In this masterclass, we will start with definitions of burnout and fatigue which are characterized by different symptoms. We will focus on specific aspects and their challenges. These can be unique to each participant, therefore each individual needs personalized specific strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue. Garcia-Febo will guide attendees on a self-reflection session to check in with themselves. After that, everyone will create a checklist to identify stressors igniting burnout and fatigue, and then will set up their unique strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue. Participants are encouraged to bring pen/paper/devices to take notes and to work on their assessments and toolbox. Garcia-Febo’s events on wellness including burnout and fatigue have been attended by over 8,000 library workers from around the world. Read more general news about her work on her website.

Learning Objectives:

• Personal burnout assessment
• Personal fatigue assessment
• Identify stressors, unique to each one, causing burnout and fatigue
• Learn basic strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue
• Learn basic self-care and mindfulness strategies they can adapt to their personal situation
• Create a basic "Toolbox to manage burnout and fatigue”

Presenter:

Loida Garcia-Febo is a Puerto Rican American librarian and International Library Consultant with 24 years of experience as an expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. Garcia-Febo is worldwide known for her passion about diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness for library workers, and new librarians about which she has taught in 45 countries. In her job, she helps libraries, companies and organizations strategize programs, services and strategies in areas related to these topics and many others. Recently Garcia-Febo started a partnership with the San Jose State University iSchool where she is its first Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo has a Bachelors in Business Education, Masters in Library and Information Sciences.

Garcia-Febo has a long history of service with library associations. Highlights include- At IFLA: Governing Board 2013-2017 2023-Present, Co-Founder of IFLA New Professionals, two-term Member/Expert resource person of the Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee of IFLA (FAIFE), two-term member of the Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section of IFLA (CPDWL). Currently: CPDWL Advisor, Chair of the Management of Library Associations Section. Currently at ALA: Chair, IRC United Nations Subcommittee, Chair Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship. Recently at ALA: Chair, Public Awareness Committee; Chair, ALA United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Task Force developing a multi-year strategic plan for ALA. Garcia-Febo is serving her second term on the Freedom to Read Foundation. She is a Past President of REFORMA. Born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico, Garcia-Febo has advocated for libraries at the United Nations, the European Union Parliament, U.S. Congress, NY State Senate, NY City Hall, and on sidewalks and streets in various states in the U.S.

Location: Online via Zoom

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Preventing Burnout and Fatigue
3/27/2024

Recorded 3/27/24

Burnout is increasingly a conversation topic among library workers.  Feeling burnout and/or experiencing fatigue can seriously impact the quality of life-work balance and work performance.  While burnout is not considered a medical condition but “an occupational phenomenon,” it is felt by library workers as it brings acute stress that is challenging to manage.

In this masterclass, we will start with definitions of burnout and fatigue which are characterized by different symptoms. We will focus on specific aspects and their challenges. These can be unique to each participant, therefore each individual needs personalized specific strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue. Garcia-Febo will guide attendees on a self-reflection session to check in with themselves. After that, everyone will create a checklist to identify stressors igniting burnout and fatigue, and then will set up their unique strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue. Participants are encouraged to bring pen/paper/devices to take notes and to work on their assessments and toolbox. Garcia-Febo’s events on wellness including burnout and fatigue have been attended by over 8,000 library workers from around the world. Read more general news about her work on her website.

Learning Objectives:

• Personal burnout assessment
• Personal fatigue assessment
• Identify stressors, unique to each one, causing burnout and fatigue
• Learn basic strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue
• Learn basic self-care and mindfulness strategies they can adapt to their personal situation
• Create a basic "Toolbox to manage burnout and fatigue”

Presenter:

Loida Garcia-Febo is a Puerto Rican American librarian and International Library Consultant with 24 years of experience as an expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. Garcia-Febo is worldwide known for her passion about diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness for library workers, and new librarians about which she has taught in 45 countries. In her job, she helps libraries, companies and organizations strategize programs, services and strategies in areas related to these topics and many others. Recently Garcia-Febo started a partnership with the San Jose State University iSchool where she is its first Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo has a Bachelors in Business Education, Masters in Library and Information Sciences.

Garcia-Febo has a long history of service with library associations. Highlights include- At IFLA: Governing Board 2013-2017 2023-Present, Co-Founder of IFLA New Professionals, two-term Member/Expert resource person of the Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee of IFLA (FAIFE), two-term member of the Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section of IFLA (CPDWL). Currently: CPDWL Advisor, Chair of the Management of Library Associations Section. Currently at ALA: Chair, IRC United Nations Subcommittee, Chair Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship. Recently at ALA: Chair, Public Awareness Committee; Chair, ALA United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Task Force developing a multi-year strategic plan for ALA. Garcia-Febo is serving her second term on the Freedom to Read Foundation. She is a Past President of REFORMA. Born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico, Garcia-Febo has advocated for libraries at the United Nations, the European Union Parliament, U.S. Congress, NY State Senate, NY City Hall, and on sidewalks and streets in various states in the U.S.

Location: Online via Zoom

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After Care: How Employees Can Care for Themselves and Their Co-Workers After Difficult Patron Interactions
6/5/2024

Difficult interactions often leave us rattled and we either want to bury the memory deep inside or chronically complain about them. Neither is helpful nor effective. We can care for ourselves and others individually and as a group. Discover some best practices (as well as some things to avoid doing) after difficult interactions.

Learning Objectives:

• 3 aftercare techniques you can do for yourself
• 2 practices that can be done as a group
• 1 thing you can do for another team member

Laura Greco is a certified wellness coach, author, and speaker/trainer with a 20+ year background in nursing who helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance, and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. She believes that self-care (body, mind, and spirit) is the basis for well-being and that we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes. Her books include Wellness Made Simple, and Wellness Made Simple-for Residents. For more information please visit her website
www.YouBloomWellness.com .

Laura has a BSN (University of Michigan), Master in Adult Education (Penn State), trainings from HeartMath and the Mass General Benson Henry Mind Body Institute, and certifications in wellness coaching from both Wellcoaches and Center for Credentialing and Education.
Location: Online via Zoom

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After Care: How Employees Can Care for Themselves and Their Co-Workers After Difficult Patron Interactions
6/5/2024

Recorded 6/5/24

Difficult interactions often leave us rattled and we either want to bury the memory deep inside or chronically complain about them. Neither is helpful nor effective. We can care for ourselves and others individually and as a group. Discover some best practices (as well as some things to avoid doing) after difficult interactions.

Learning Objectives:

• 3 aftercare techniques you can do for yourself
• 2 practices that can be done as a group
• 1 thing you can do for another team member

Laura Greco is a certified wellness coach, author, and speaker/trainer with a 20+ year background in nursing who helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance, and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. She believes that self-care (body, mind, and spirit) is the basis for well-being and that we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes. Her books include Wellness Made Simple, and Wellness Made Simple-for Residents. For more information please visit her website
www.YouBloomWellness.com .

Laura has a BSN (University of Michigan), Master in Adult Education (Penn State), trainings from HeartMath and the Mass General Benson Henry Mind Body Institute, and certifications in wellness coaching from both Wellcoaches and Center for Credentialing and Education.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Prioritizing Self-Care for Management
9/4/2024

In our roles as supervisors and leaders, the importance of self-care is often acknowledged but frequently overlooked. Our attention is dedicated to managing our organizations, supporting our employees, and achieving our objectives. Neglecting personal well-being can detrimentally impact our teams, whereas embracing a regimen of healthy self-care can significantly enhance our effectiveness and that of our employees. Recognizing the importance of self-care is a key characteristic of effective leaders. This session will guide you in identifying when to shift your focus inward and provide essential insights into the questions to ask to begin prioritizing self-care. 
 
Presenter: 
Ragan Snead, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System


 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Prioritizing Self-Care for Management
9/4/2024

Recorded 9/4/24

In our roles as supervisors and leaders, the importance of self-care is often acknowledged but frequently overlooked. Our attention is dedicated to managing our organizations, supporting our employees, and achieving our objectives. Neglecting personal well-being can detrimentally impact our teams, whereas embracing a regimen of healthy self-care can significantly enhance our effectiveness and that of our employees. Recognizing the importance of self-care is a key characteristic of effective leaders. This session will guide you in identifying when to shift your focus inward and provide essential insights into the questions to ask to begin prioritizing self-care. 
 
Presenter: 
Ragan Snead, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System


 
Location: Online via Zoom

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A Day for Public Service: Psychological Safety and Building Connections in the Workplace
10/8/2024

Join us for our ever-popular Day for Public Service! This year we are focusing on psychological safety and building connections in the workplace.

Morning Session:  Psychological Safety
Evidence shows that when teams have psychological safety, they're more willing to acknowledge their own mistakes and figure out how to prevent them from moving forward. They're also more comfortable raising problems and exploring innovative solutions." During this session, we will focus on the "why," "what," and "impact" and create a call to action. 
 
Learning Objectives:

• How the foundation of a learning culture is psychological safety
• Being able to take risks without fear of reprisal

Presenters:

Krista L. Allison, J.D. 
Krista L. Allison currently serves as a Program Support Strategist for Stark Education Partnership, Inc., and an Educational Consultant/Coach for the Stark County Educational Service Center and the Ohio Department of Education State Support Team Region 9 in the areas of cradle to career, Ohio’s Whole Child Framework, family and community engagement, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

For over 20 years, Krista has served in leadership roles at the state, county, and school district levels. Mrs. Allison has advised public officials on education regulations, provided training and coaching to education leaders, and created and implemented strategic policies, programs, and systems to address the equitable academic and non-academic needs of all students in Ohio schools.   Mrs. Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. She is an Institute for Educational Leadership Policy Fellow, Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow, and a member of Leadership Stark County’s 35th Class Signature Program.
 

 

• Express your ideas in a clear and concise format
• Listen with intent rather than with an agenda
• Manage communication breakdowns
• Communicate effectively with difficult people

 
Learning Objectives:

• Acquire techniques through listening and verbal communication for building connections with co-workers and patrons in the Library
• Implement strategies for managing communication breakdowns     

Presenter:

Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist in Cleveland, OH running her own private practice, MLF Speech Therapy where she sees children and adults. She is also a professional speaker and has been presenting for over 24 years. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at Lakeland Community College where she teaches Public Speaking. Currently, she speaks for corporations, in healthcare and for other organizations on effective communication, Public Speaking and motivational topics.  As a kid who stuttered, she couldn’t imagine being a speaker or a Speech Pathologist! In her presentations, she shares a message of discovering an “overcomer mindset” and being able to do things you never thought were possible! 
Location: Bainbridge Branch
17222 Snyder Rd.
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.

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A Day for Public Service: Psychological Safety and Building Connections in the Workplace
10/30/2024

Join us for our ever-popular Day for Public Service! This year we are focusing on psychological safety and building connections in the workplace.

Morning Session:  Psychological Safety
Evidence shows that when teams have psychological safety, they're more willing to acknowledge their own mistakes and figure out how to prevent them from moving forward. They're also more comfortable raising problems and exploring innovative solutions." During this session, we will focus on the "why," "what," and "impact" and create a call to action. 
 
Learning Objectives:

• How the foundation of a learning culture is psychological safety
• Being able to take risks without fear of reprisal

Presenters:

Krista L. Allison, J.D. 
Krista L. Allison currently serves as a Program Support Strategist for Stark Education Partnership, Inc., and an Educational Consultant/Coach for the Stark County Educational Service Center and the Ohio Department of Education State Support Team Region 9 in the areas of cradle to career, Ohio’s Whole Child Framework, family and community engagement, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

For over 20 years, Krista has served in leadership roles at the state, county, and school district levels. Mrs. Allison has advised public officials on education regulations, provided training and coaching to education leaders, and created and implemented strategic policies, programs, and systems to address the equitable academic and non-academic needs of all students in Ohio schools.   Mrs. Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. She is an Institute for Educational Leadership Policy Fellow, Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow, and a member of Leadership Stark County’s 35th Class Signature Program.
 

 

• Express your ideas in a clear and concise format
• Listen with intent rather than with an agenda
• Manage communication breakdowns
• Communicate effectively with difficult people

 
Learning Objectives:

• Acquire techniques through listening and verbal communication for building connections with co-workers and patrons in the Library
• Implement strategies for managing communication breakdowns     

Presenter:

Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist in Cleveland, OH running her own private practice, MLF Speech Therapy where she sees children and adults. She is also a professional speaker and has been presenting for over 24 years. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at Lakeland Community College where she teaches Public Speaking. Currently, she speaks for corporations, in healthcare and for other organizations on effective communication, Public Speaking and motivational topics.  As a kid who stuttered, she couldn’t imagine being a speaker or a Speech Pathologist! In her presentations, she shares a message of discovering an “overcomer mindset” and being able to do things you never thought were possible! 
Location: Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd
Avon Lake, OH 44012


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.

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A Day for Public Service: Psychological Safety and Building Connections in the Workplace
11/20/2024

Join us for our ever-popular Day for Public Service! This year we are focusing on psychological safety and building connections in the workplace.

Morning Session:  Psychological Safety
Evidence shows that when teams have psychological safety, they're more willing to acknowledge their own mistakes and figure out how to prevent them from moving forward. They're also more comfortable raising problems and exploring innovative solutions." During this session, we will focus on the "why," "what," and "impact" and create a call to action. 
 
Learning Objectives:

• How the foundation of a learning culture is psychological safety
• Being able to take risks without fear of reprisal

Presenters:

Krista L. Allison, J.D. 
Krista L. Allison currently serves as a Program Support Strategist for Stark Education Partnership, Inc., and an Educational Consultant/Coach for the Stark County Educational Service Center and the Ohio Department of Education State Support Team Region 9 in the areas of cradle to career, Ohio’s Whole Child Framework, family and community engagement, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

For over 20 years, Krista has served in leadership roles at the state, county, and school district levels. Mrs. Allison has advised public officials on education regulations, provided training and coaching to education leaders, and created and implemented strategic policies, programs, and systems to address the equitable academic and non-academic needs of all students in Ohio schools.   Mrs. Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. She is an Institute for Educational Leadership Policy Fellow, Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow, and a member of Leadership Stark County’s 35th Class Signature Program.
 

 

• Express your ideas in a clear and concise format
• Listen with intent rather than with an agenda
• Manage communication breakdowns
• Communicate effectively with difficult people

 
Learning Objectives:

• Acquire techniques through listening and verbal communication for building connections with co-workers and patrons in the Library
• Implement strategies for managing communication breakdowns     

Presenter:

Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist in Cleveland, OH running her own private practice, MLF Speech Therapy where she sees children and adults. She is also a professional speaker and has been presenting for over 24 years. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at Lakeland Community College where she teaches Public Speaking. Currently, she speaks for corporations, in healthcare and for other organizations on effective communication, Public Speaking and motivational topics.  As a kid who stuttered, she couldn’t imagine being a speaker or a Speech Pathologist! In her presentations, she shares a message of discovering an “overcomer mindset” and being able to do things you never thought were possible! 
Location: Stark Library
Main Library
Canton, OH 44702


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.

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Building Joy-Centric Libraries: an Experiential Approach
2/20/2025

An interactive workshop for library staff seeking joyful practices to build connection and community engagement. Positive psychology is shown to improve staff and customer retention and improve morale. This workshop offers practical tools for work teams of all sizes and can be adapted for in-person or virtual environments.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify one potential issue that can be heightened in times of challenge and transition.
• Participants will learn the positive psychology framework and tools to integrate into collaborations, meetings, and projects.
• Participants will engage in 3 joy-centric exercises and ways to integrate these into their work with communities.

Presenter:

Rebecca Hass (she/her/hers) is the programming and outreach manager for Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and author of 101 Seeds for Library Joy. Prior to AACPL, she served in librarianship and management with the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Ramsey County Public Library. Rebecca received her MLIS from Dominican University in 2008 and her Life and Engagement Coaching Certificate from Anne Arundel Community College in 2022. Rebecca integrates positive psychology practices with DEIB approaches in libraries, community engagement, coaching, and consulting in her business, Joy Work, LLC: https://joyworkllc.com/.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Building Joy-Centric Libraries: an Experiential Approach
2/20/2025

An interactive workshop for library staff seeking joyful practices to build connection and community engagement. Positive psychology is shown to improve staff and customer retention and improve morale. This workshop offers practical tools for work teams of all sizes and can be adapted for in-person or virtual environments.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify one potential issue that can be heightened in times of challenge and transition.
• Participants will learn the positive psychology framework and tools to integrate into collaborations, meetings, and projects.
• Participants will engage in 3 joy-centric exercises and ways to integrate these into their work with communities.

Presenter:

Rebecca Hass (she/her/hers) is the programming and outreach manager for Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and author of 101 Seeds for Library Joy. Prior to AACPL, she served in librarianship and management with the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Ramsey County Public Library. Rebecca received her MLIS from Dominican University in 2008 and her Life and Engagement Coaching Certificate from Anne Arundel Community College in 2022. Rebecca integrates positive psychology practices with DEIB approaches in libraries, community engagement, coaching, and consulting in her business, Joy Work, LLC: https://joyworkllc.com/.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Cultivating Your Resilience to Avoid Burnt Out: Managing Stress, Appreciation Inequalities, and Workload Demands
3/12/2025

Libraries are at the heart of their communities as educators and a primary resource in programming and services and a refuge to the people they serve. However, the attitudes that come with it puts pressure on a library to do everything and be everything, putting a strain on expectations of the humans that run it. Unspoken expectations reinforce the idea that libraries are expected to handle everything, therefore end up being glorified security guards, babysitters, social workers, and frontline staff. Burnout is inevitable if you don’t learn how to cope with undue stress. This webinar will enforce learning how to set boundaries so that you can focus on the qualities that made you come into the profession. Discover ways to avoid burn out, refocus your role, and give yourself permission to step back.  

Learning Objectives:

• How to set healthy boundaries with your community and coworkers
• To identify and communicate needed support from higher levels
• Develop approaches in reducing stress
• To shift your perspective, reducing guilt for allowing yourself to re-prioritize your well-being

Presenter:

Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services and Assistant Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Cultivating Your Resilience to Avoid Burnt Out: Managing Stress, Appreciation Inequalities, and Workload Demands
3/12/2025

Recorded 3/12/25

Libraries are at the heart of their communities as educators and a primary resource in programming and services and a refuge to the people they serve. However, the attitudes that come with it puts pressure on a library to do everything and be everything, putting a strain on expectations of the humans that run it. Unspoken expectations reinforce the idea that libraries are expected to handle everything, therefore end up being glorified security guards, babysitters, social workers, and frontline staff. Burnout is inevitable if you don’t learn how to cope with undue stress. This webinar will enforce learning how to set boundaries so that you can focus on the qualities that made you come into the profession. Discover ways to avoid burn out, refocus your role, and give yourself permission to step back.  

Learning Objectives:

• How to set healthy boundaries with your community and coworkers
• To identify and communicate needed support from higher levels
• Develop approaches in reducing stress
• To shift your perspective, reducing guilt for allowing yourself to re-prioritize your well-being

Presenter:

Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services and Assistant Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Mindful Awareness
7/23/2025

Support your well-being with this chair yoga series designed specifically for library staff. Each session combines gentle physical postures, breathing techniques, and basic meditation practices to help ease tension, manage stress, and build flexibility. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this series welcomes all levels and abilities—no special clothing or equipment required. Just bring yourself and a chair!

Learning Objectives:

• Learn basic techniques for mindful awareness, including guided breathwork and intentional noticing, to manage workplace stress more effectively. 
• Develop body awareness by exploring gentle yoga postures tailored to reduce tension commonly associated with desk work and shelving. 
• Enhance mental clarity and focus through mindfulness techniques that support sustained attention in a library setting. 
• Foster emotional resilience by practicing mindfulness techniques that promote calmness and balance during high-demand times or difficult patron interactions.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Mindful Awareness
7/23/2025

Recorded: 7/23/25

Support your well-being with this chair yoga series designed specifically for library staff. Each session combines gentle physical postures, breathing techniques, and basic meditation practices to help ease tension, manage stress, and build flexibility. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this series welcomes all levels and abilities—no special clothing or equipment required. Just bring yourself and a chair!

Learning Objectives:

• Learn basic techniques for mindful awareness, including guided breathwork and intentional noticing, to manage workplace stress more effectively. 
• Develop body awareness by exploring gentle yoga postures tailored to reduce tension commonly associated with desk work and shelving. 
• Enhance mental clarity and focus through mindfulness techniques that support sustained attention in a library setting. 
• Foster emotional resilience by practicing mindfulness techniques that promote calmness and balance during high-demand times or difficult patron interactions.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Stress Management for Real Life: Evidence-Based Ways to Heal, Recharge, and Find Balance
7/29/2025

It's a stressful time to be a library worker, with increasing demands, public pressure, and rapidly changing environments. This session offers an evidence-based approach to understanding stress, preventing its escalation, and fostering sustainable well-being. Participants will learn practical strategies to build resilience, develop healthier work habits, and achieve a better balance between their professional and personal lives.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the signs and symptoms of chronic stress and explain their impact on personal and organizational well-being.
• Apply evidence-based strategies to prevent the accumulation of chronic stress and support sustainable well-being.
• Develop a personalized plan to manage stress and maintain balance through proactive, daily practices.

Presenter: 

Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience. She writes for libraries at librarianbyday.net. 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Stress Management for Real Life: Evidence-Based Ways to Heal, Recharge, and Find Balance
7/29/2025

Recorded:  7/29/25

It's a stressful time to be a library worker, with increasing demands, public pressure, and rapidly changing environments. This session offers an evidence-based approach to understanding stress, preventing its escalation, and fostering sustainable well-being. Participants will learn practical strategies to build resilience, develop healthier work habits, and achieve a better balance between their professional and personal lives.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the signs and symptoms of chronic stress and explain their impact on personal and organizational well-being.
• Apply evidence-based strategies to prevent the accumulation of chronic stress and support sustainable well-being.
• Develop a personalized plan to manage stress and maintain balance through proactive, daily practices.

Presenter: 

Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience. She writes for libraries at librarianbyday.net. 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Change the Narrative by Cultivating Opposite Thought
8/27/2025

Support your well-being with this chair yoga series designed specifically for library staff. Each session combines gentle physical postures, breathing techniques, and basic meditation practices to help ease physical tension, manage stress, and build flexibility. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this series welcomes all levels and abilities—no special clothing or equipment required. Just bring yourself and a chair!

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the yogic principle of pratipaksha bhavana (cultivating opposite thought) to reframe internal narratives and foster a more compassionate inner dialogue. 
• Apply mindfulness and reflection exercises to real workplace scenarios.
• Identify thought patterns that contribute to stress, self-doubt, or burnout, particularly in service-oriented work environments.
• Practice physical postures that embody balance and help cultivate a balanced mindset.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Change the Narrative by Cultivating Opposite Thought
8/27/2025

Recorded 8/27/25

Support your well-being with this chair yoga series designed specifically for library staff. Each session combines gentle physical postures, breathing techniques, and basic meditation practices to help ease physical tension, manage stress, and build flexibility. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this series welcomes all levels and abilities—no special clothing or equipment required. Just bring yourself and a chair!

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the yogic principle of pratipaksha bhavana (cultivating opposite thought) to reframe internal narratives and foster a more compassionate inner dialogue. 
• Apply mindfulness and reflection exercises to real workplace scenarios.
• Identify thought patterns that contribute to stress, self-doubt, or burnout, particularly in service-oriented work environments.
• Practice physical postures that embody balance and help cultivate a balanced mindset.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Roles and Right Actions
9/24/2025

Support your well-being with this chair yoga series designed specifically for library staff. Each session combines gentle physical postures, breathing techniques, and basic meditation practices to help ease physical tension, manage stress, and build flexibility. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this series welcomes all levels and abilities—no special clothing or equipment required. Just bring yourself and a chair!

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the yogic principle of dharma (right action) to reflect on healthy, sustainable ways to serve your community without experiencing burnout.
• Examine the concept of “vocational awe” in libraries and its impact on personal well-being.
• Use mindful movement and meditation to reconnect with intrinsic motivation, purpose, and inner alignment in one’s professional role.
• Develop tools for self-compassion and boundary-setting that support quality service while honoring personal needs and limitations.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Roles and Right Actions
9/24/2025

Recorded:  9/24/25

Support your well-being with this chair yoga series designed specifically for library staff. Each session combines gentle physical postures, breathing techniques, and basic meditation practices to help ease physical tension, manage stress, and build flexibility. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this series welcomes all levels and abilities—no special clothing or equipment required. Just bring yourself and a chair!

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the yogic principle of dharma (right action) to reflect on healthy, sustainable ways to serve your community without experiencing burnout.
• Examine the concept of “vocational awe” in libraries and its impact on personal well-being.
• Use mindful movement and meditation to reconnect with intrinsic motivation, purpose, and inner alignment in one’s professional role.
• Develop tools for self-compassion and boundary-setting that support quality service while honoring personal needs and limitations.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Doing What Matters: Values in the Library
10/8/2025

Our values are the lens through which we interpret the world. They are the principles that guide our thoughts, actions, and behaviors. When we consciously and intentionally leverage our core values in our work, it gives us a sense of confidence, meaning, and purpose. It also helps us navigate conflict and consensus with grace and courage. In this workshop, individuals will reflect on the core values they bring to their work and how to use their values with more intention. Walk away ready to plan for how to use values with more intention in communication, work activities, and interactions with others.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify personal core values
• Plan for how to use core values in daily work for more meaning, satisfaction, and excellence
• Understanding and techniques for dealing with values conflicts

Presenter:

Sharon Morris has worked in library development for over 20 years and conducts workshops, courses, and leadership institutes throughout the country. Her interests are leadership, research, management, supervision, communications, wellness & libraries, play, values, improv comedy, and insight. Sharon takes an asset-based approach to learning and invites all to engage. She has earned an MLIS and PhD in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. Her workshops and webinars are designed based on adult learning theory and include experiential learning, content informed by research, "fun" aspects, and time for reflection and planning to apply concepts in the workplace.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Doing What Matters: Values in the Library
10/8/2025

Recorded 10/8/25

Our values are the lens through which we interpret the world. They are the principles that guide our thoughts, actions, and behaviors. When we consciously and intentionally leverage our core values in our work, it gives us a sense of confidence, meaning, and purpose. It also helps us navigate conflict and consensus with grace and courage. In this workshop, individuals will reflect on the core values they bring to their work and how to use their values with more intention. Walk away ready to plan for how to use values with more intention in communication, work activities, and interactions with others.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify personal core values
• Plan for how to use core values in daily work for more meaning, satisfaction, and excellence
• Understanding and techniques for dealing with values conflicts

Presenter:

Sharon Morris has worked in library development for over 20 years and conducts workshops, courses, and leadership institutes throughout the country. Her interests are leadership, research, management, supervision, communications, wellness & libraries, play, values, improv comedy, and insight. Sharon takes an asset-based approach to learning and invites all to engage. She has earned an MLIS and PhD in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. Her workshops and webinars are designed based on adult learning theory and include experiential learning, content informed by research, "fun" aspects, and time for reflection and planning to apply concepts in the workplace.



 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Embodying Compassion
10/22/2025

Reconnect with yourself and others through this gentle chair yoga class centered on the theme of compassion. Using mindful movement, breath awareness, and guided reflection, we'll explore how compassion, for ourselves and those around us, can support emotional balance, reduce stress, and promote a greater sense of connection.

Learning Objectives:

• Practice gentle, accessible movements and breathwork techniques that support a calm and compassionate state of mind.
• Explore the concept of embodying compassion through awareness and self-reflection.
• Identify simple ways to integrate compassion-focused practices into daily life to support emotional well-being and stress reduction.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Embodying Compassion
10/22/2025

Recorded 10/22/25

Reconnect with yourself and others through this gentle chair yoga class centered on the theme of compassion. Using mindful movement, breath awareness, and guided reflection, we'll explore how compassion, for ourselves and those around us, can support emotional balance, reduce stress, and promote a greater sense of connection.

Learning Objectives:

• Practice gentle, accessible movements and breathwork techniques that support a calm and compassionate state of mind.
• Explore the concept of embodying compassion through awareness and self-reflection.
• Identify simple ways to integrate compassion-focused practices into daily life to support emotional well-being and stress reduction.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Thriving at Work: Practical Strategies for Better Days in the Library
10/30/2025

Do your work days feel like a blur? Between patron demands, programming pressures, and shifting priorities, it’s easy to fall into survival mode. This one-hour introductory webinar will offer practical strategies to help you reconnect with what you love about library work. We’ll explore how to manage time and tasks, navigate workplace conflict, and rediscover purpose in your daily routine—so you can thrive, not just get through the day.

Learning Objectives:

• How to identify and reframe the parts of your job you enjoy.
• Practical tips for managing time and tasks to reduce overwhelm.
• A glimpse into resolving common workplace conflicts.
• A foundation for thriving in your role and setting the stage for future growth

Presenter:

Crystal Trice, CSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC
Crystal Trice, founder of Scissors & Glue, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in education and local government, with a focus on improving collaboration and handling challenging situations with patrons and coworkers. She is passionate about creating environments where people work together more effectively.

With certifications as a Scrum Master and in Scrum at Scale for Government, Crystal holds a Master’s in Library & Information Science and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her dedication to community enrichment fuels her work in supporting organizations to achieve their goals.

Crystal lives near Portland, Oregon, and enjoys organizing her thoughts (and tasks) with Sharpies, Flair pens, and sticky notes. She shares her home with her husband and a quirky mix of animals.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Thriving at Work: Practical Strategies for Better Days in the Library
10/30/2025

Recorded 10/30/25

Do your work days feel like a blur? Between patron demands, programming pressures, and shifting priorities, it’s easy to fall into survival mode. This one-hour introductory webinar will offer practical strategies to help you reconnect with what you love about library work. We’ll explore how to manage time and tasks, navigate workplace conflict, and rediscover purpose in your daily routine—so you can thrive, not just get through the day.

Learning Objectives:

• How to identify and reframe the parts of your job you enjoy.
• Practical tips for managing time and tasks to reduce overwhelm.
• A glimpse into resolving common workplace conflicts.
• A foundation for thriving in your role and setting the stage for future growth

Presenter:

Crystal Trice, CSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC
Crystal Trice, founder of Scissors & Glue, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in education and local government, with a focus on improving collaboration and handling challenging situations with patrons and coworkers. She is passionate about creating environments where people work together more effectively.

With certifications as a Scrum Master and in Scrum at Scale for Government, Crystal holds a Master’s in Library & Information Science and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her dedication to community enrichment fuels her work in supporting organizations to achieve their goals.

Crystal lives near Portland, Oregon, and enjoys organizing her thoughts (and tasks) with Sharpies, Flair pens, and sticky notes. She shares her home with her husband and a quirky mix of animals.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Practicing Gratitude
11/24/2025

As we prepare for the winter season, take time to slow down and reconnect with what grounds you. This gentle chair yoga class combines mindful movement, breathwork, and guided reflection to help you develop a gratitude practice that supports stress relief and overall wellness. Discover how focusing on gratitude can calm the mind, ease tension, and boost resilience during the colder months.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn gentle seated movements and breathwork techniques to support relaxation and reduce stress.
• Explore the benefits of gratitude as a wellness practice, particularly during the shorter days of winter season.
• Develop simple, sustainable ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Practicing Gratitude
11/24/2025

Recorded 11/24/25

As we prepare for the winter season, take time to slow down and reconnect with what grounds you. This gentle chair yoga class combines mindful movement, breathwork, and guided reflection to help you develop a gratitude practice that supports stress relief and overall wellness. Discover how focusing on gratitude can calm the mind, ease tension, and boost resilience during the colder months.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn gentle seated movements and breathwork techniques to support relaxation and reduce stress.
• Explore the benefits of gratitude as a wellness practice, particularly during the shorter days of winter season.
• Develop simple, sustainable ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Meeting Grief Together: Creating a Compassionate Response Plan
12/3/2025

This webinar is a practical and compassionate training designed to help organizations and individuals respond effectively when a tragic event, such as gun violence or loss of life, impacts their community. With a focus on supporting young patrons, families and staff, this session explores immediate and long-term strategies for communication, emotional support, and trauma-informed responses. Participants will learn how to prepare in advance, respond with empathy, and care for themselves and others in the wake of tragedy.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Identify key components of an organizational response plan for supporting youth, families, and community members during and after a tragic event.
• Describe strategies for individual self-awareness and self-care in the face of trauma and grief, especially for frontline staff.
• Explain the importance of advance planning and communication protocols to ensure a compassionate and coordinated response to community trauma.

Presenter:

Lizzy Sullivan, Educator and Youth Advocate

Lizzy Sullivan is an experienced educator and student advocate who has spent over a decade teaching in K-12 schools. Recognized as Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the District, Lizzy helps school districts and students thrive by supporting well-being through literacy-centered curriculum, nutrition programs and mental health support. She works to promote equity and lasting change in her classrooms and community.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Meeting Grief Together: Creating a Compassionate Response Plan
12/3/2025

Recorded:  12/3/25

This webinar is a practical and compassionate training designed to help organizations and individuals respond effectively when a tragic event, such as gun violence or loss of life, impacts their community. With a focus on supporting young patrons, families and staff, this session explores immediate and long-term strategies for communication, emotional support, and trauma-informed responses. Participants will learn how to prepare in advance, respond with empathy, and care for themselves and others in the wake of tragedy.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Identify key components of an organizational response plan for supporting youth, families, and community members during and after a tragic event.
• Describe strategies for individual self-awareness and self-care in the face of trauma and grief, especially for frontline staff.
• Explain the importance of advance planning and communication protocols to ensure a compassionate and coordinated response to community trauma.

Presenter:

Lizzy Sullivan, Educator and Youth Advocate

Lizzy Sullivan is an experienced educator and student advocate who has spent over a decade teaching in K-12 schools. Recognized as Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the District, Lizzy helps school districts and students thrive by supporting well-being through literacy-centered curriculum, nutrition programs and mental health support. She works to promote equity and lasting change in her classrooms and community.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Life Art: A New Horizon, Library Edition
12/11/2025

This presentation will plumb the depths of human potential by asking folks, what if we consider our contemporary society through the lens of living life as art?  And what if libraries are the perfect synergistically aligned conduits for this enriching energy? What if art has been with us since the dawn of civilization as a gift just waiting to be opened completely and utilized to its fullest extent?  What if the concept and practice of living life as art offers us a mind and heart opening portal to better understand the nature of reality and the full capacities that human beings hold within themselves?  
 
 Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the very beginning of art history to our current day and age showing how art has gone through a transformation from object to concept to now possibly people as art
• Explore how this eureka understanding unlocks an infinite well of powerful energy that can be harnessed to good ends to live one's life in the most inspired and fulfilling way
• Begin to see how this gift energy can potentially strengthen, support, catalyze, revitalize, renew and supercharge library workers and libraries all around the world
• Tap into the awesome power of the gift energy that the understanding and practice of life art truly offers and see how it aligns perfectly with the mission, vision and values of libraries

Presenter:

Jon Keppel holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sound Art from The Ohio State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Distinction and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University with a focus on adult services in the context of public libraries through the lens of living life as art.  He is currently a librarian which is how he expresses his life art professionally in addition to independently inspiring through his writings, talks, guided meditations, music, and art.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Life Art: A New Horizon, Library Edition
12/11/2025

Recorded: 12/11/25

This presentation will plumb the depths of human potential by asking folks, what if we consider our contemporary society through the lens of living life as art?  And what if libraries are the perfect synergistically aligned conduits for this enriching energy? What if art has been with us since the dawn of civilization as a gift just waiting to be opened completely and utilized to its fullest extent?  What if the concept and practice of living life as art offers us a mind and heart opening portal to better understand the nature of reality and the full capacities that human beings hold within themselves?  
 
 Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the very beginning of art history to our current day and age showing how art has gone through a transformation from object to concept to now possibly people as art
• Explore how this eureka understanding unlocks an infinite well of powerful energy that can be harnessed to good ends to live one's life in the most inspired and fulfilling way
• Begin to see how this gift energy can potentially strengthen, support, catalyze, revitalize, renew and supercharge library workers and libraries all around the world
• Tap into the awesome power of the gift energy that the understanding and practice of life art truly offers and see how it aligns perfectly with the mission, vision and values of libraries

Presenter:

Jon Keppel holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sound Art from The Ohio State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Distinction and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University with a focus on adult services in the context of public libraries through the lens of living life as art.  He is currently a librarian which is how he expresses his life art professionally in addition to independently inspiring through his writings, talks, guided meditations, music, and art.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Reconnecting
12/17/2025

The cold winter months can be isolating. Pause and reconnect with your body, mind, and community in this gentle chair yoga class. Through slow, mindful movement and breathwork, you’ll cultivate a deeper sense of presence and connection with yourself, your community and the natural world around you.

Learning Objectives:

• Use gentle movements and breath techniques to enhance physical and mental relaxation.
• Cultivate a deeper connection to the self through focused awareness.
• Foster a sense of community and connection by embracing practices that support openness and presence.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.




 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Reconnecting
12/17/2025

Recorded 12/17/25

The cold winter months can be isolating. Pause and reconnect with your body, mind, and community in this gentle chair yoga class. Through slow, mindful movement and breathwork, you’ll cultivate a deeper sense of presence and connection with yourself, your community and the natural world around you.

Learning Objectives:

• Use gentle movements and breath techniques to enhance physical and mental relaxation.
• Cultivate a deeper connection to the self through focused awareness.
• Foster a sense of community and connection by embracing practices that support openness and presence.

Presenter:

Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.




 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Cultivating Well-Being: Creating a Supportive and Thriving Library Workplace
1/13/2026

Library work can be meaningful and rewarding but comes with unique challenges that can impact well-being, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional labor. This presentation will explore the systemic causes of workplace stress, the role of psychological safety, and practical strategies to foster a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Presenter: 

Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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Cultivating Well-Being: Creating a Supportive and Thriving Library Workplace
1/13/2026

Recorded:  1/13/26

Library work can be meaningful and rewarding but comes with unique challenges that can impact well-being, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional labor. This presentation will explore the systemic causes of workplace stress, the role of psychological safety, and practical strategies to foster a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Presenter: 

Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

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It’s About Time: Supporting Neurodivergent Employees with Time Management in the Workplace
2/24/2026

The term “neurodiversity” refers to the infinite variation in brain functioning that leads to differences in thinking, attention, memory, and communication. Some neurodivergent individuals have differences in executive functioning skills like time management, and as a result, need different support and accommodations in the workplace. In this presentation, learn about time management from a neurodivergent lens.  Whether you are neurodivergent or you are a supervisor to someone who is, this webinar will provide concrete strategies to support time management in the workplace. 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn why neurodivergent individuals, such as people with Autism and ADHD, have differences in time management skills
• Understand key concepts, such as tachyosychia, time blindness, and executive functioning 
• Gain 6-8 concrete strategies to support and make accommodations for neurodivergent individuals with time management in the workplace 
• Learn about 3-5 tools that neurodivergent individuals can use in the workplace to support effective time management 

Presenter:

Renee Grassi, Librarian and Accessibility Consultant Speaker
Librarian, author, trainer, administrator, teacher, and consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for nearly twenty years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and welcome disabled residents and their families and caregivers. Learn more at reneegrassi.com.
Location: Online via Zoom

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Creating More Joy & Resilience in the Library
3/4/2026

Considerable research shows that those with more joy, laughter, and well-being in their life are more resilient, productive, and effective at work, and they live more fulfilling lives. This session is designed to increase fun, creativity, and joy. It also distinguishes between long-term well-being and toxic positivity. Through stories, activities, and experimentation, participants will learn the research and strategies to increase happiness and well-being within themselves, within the library culture, and with others. You'll walk away with practical ideas to well-being in the workplace and in your own life.
 
Learning Objectives:
• an increased knowledge of the research on positive psychology
• experiences with techniques proven to increase joy
• a plan to use the techniques increase joy & well-being in themselves
• Ideas for spreading these techniques in the library and the community

Presenter:

Sharon Morris has worked in library development for over 20 years and conducts workshops, courses, and leadership institutes throughout the country. Her interests are leadership, research, management, supervision, communications, wellness & libraries, play, values, improv comedy, and insight. Sharon takes an asset-based approach to learning and invites all to engage. She has earned an MLIS and PhD in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. Her workshops and webinars are designed based on adult learning theory and include experiential learning, content informed by research, "fun" aspects, and time for reflection and planning to apply concepts in the workplace.

 
Location: Online via Zoom

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