After the Storm: Libraries Helping to Heal Their Communities
There have been many resources and training opportunities that focus either on libraries and their role alongside emergency responders during and immediately after a disaster or on emergency preparedness for libraries prior to a disaster. This webinar, however, will explore the idea of libraries helping their communities to cope with and heal after a disaster. Spend an hour with us and hear how three Texas libraries (Wimberley Public Library, Houston Public Library and West Public Library) helped their communities to heal and recover in the wake of different disasters.

Attendees will leave this webinar with:
• Ideas for ways to continue supporting their communities after the initial disaster response
• Ideas for engaging their community, whether or not a disaster occurs
• Inspiration of the power of libraries

Original air date: September 15, 2016
Last reviewed: December 19, 2019

1 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)

Grow and Learn: Library Outdoor Spaces
The Bulverde Spring Branch Library and the Tye Preston Memorial Library collaborated with the Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and the Native Plant Society to create butterfly gardens, wildscapes, and nature trails. Visitors enjoy the beauty of nature and learn to recreate these spaces on their own property. Children gleefully watch as butterflies fly around and learn how these creatures eat and what plants will attract them.

Presented by Roxanna Deane, Director of the Tye Preston Memorial Library in Canyon Lake, Texas and Susan Herr, Director of the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library in Bulverde, Texas.

Original air date: May 10, 2016
Last reviewed: December 19, 2019

1 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)

Libraries in Laundromats

The Wash and Learn Initiative, or WALI, brings technology and library programming to people where they are- in laundromats! In this presentation, you will learn about the mission of the Wash & Learn Initiative; what makes literacy programs in laundromats unique; and how librarians are engaging laundromat patrons during programming. Participants will walk away with a newfound understanding of learning spaces in ordinary places.

Original air date: December 13, 2019

1 CE hour

Library Outreach to the Business Community

The success of local small business owners and entrepreneurs is key to a healthy community. This webinar will be a discussion of the different ways to reach out to the local business community, as well as ways to provide services and programming that may be appealing to small business owners. Maximizing resources with other local agencies in successful partnerships will also be a topic of discussion. This webinar is presented by Kerry Montz, Assistant Branch Manager and Business Outreach Librarian at the Denton Public Library in Denton, Texas.

Original air date: March 22, 2016
Last reviewed: December 19, 2019

1 CE hour

Preparing Texas Libraries for the 2020 Census

The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade, America’s population will be counted. The Decennial census helps to determine how many House seats are apportioned to each state in Congress, how congressional districts are drawn and how federal funds are distributed to states. In 2020, the public will be able to participate in the census online, by phone, or on paper. Learn what libraries can do now to get ready. This session will provide an overview of 2020 Census innovations, timeline, available resources, and opportunities to assist in outreach in your community.

Presented by Macy Hurwitz, Partnership Specialist, Dallas Regional Census Center/Field Division/Denver Region, U.S. Census Bureau, Austin

Original air date: September 5, 2019

1 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)

Referrals for Patrons with Disabilities, Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Are you familiar with the Texas Council of Community Centers? There are 39 public Community Centers throughout Texas that offer services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, early childhood intervention, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders. Maria Rios, Director of Communication, Education and Training, Texas Council of Community Centers, and Catherine Carlton, Communications Director from MHMR Tarrant (one of the Community Centers), will provide an overview of the services and resources provided at local Community Centers and how your library can find and connect with a Community Center.

Original air date: August 29, 2017
Last reviewed: December 19, 2019

1 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)

Small Libraries, Big Impact: Libraries as Community Change Agents

Presenter Carrie Andrew (Library Director, Lone Cone Library District, Norwood, CO) will discuss the role that the Lone Cone Library has played in encouraging community engagement and development. Using some components of the Harwood Institute, she will describe the steps taken to help move the community of Norwood, Colorado (LSA size 2000) identify its needs and plan for the future.

Original air date: August 30, 2016

Last reviewed: December 19, 2019

1 CE hour

The Connected Library: Vetting and Partnering with Social Service Providers
Libraries tend to think that we can do it all! While we may host events from weddings to videogame tournaments and although we may answer questions on everything from research papers to restaurant recommendations, sometimes we need to know when to reach out to experts in our communities. Even before Covid-19, many libraries had begun moving to address more than just the informational and entertainment needs of our patrons. As we can anticipate the social, financial, and mental health challenges of our patrons to escalate during and following this pandemic, libraries must connect and build relationships with local providers focused on these needs so that we may serve our communities as effectively as possible.

This session will explore why it is imperative that libraries connect with social service providers in their communities, how to cultivate these connections, and tips to make sure the agencies you work with are effective, ethical partners.

Presented by Patrick Lloyd, LMSW -- Community Resources Coordinator for the Georgetown Public Library in Georgetown, Texas.

Original air date: May 14, 2020

1.5 CE hours

What Does the 2020 Census Mean for Libraries
The U.S. Census Bureau will be undertaking the massive operation of carrying out the Decennial 2020 Census. The Decennial census helps to determine how many House seats are apportioned to each state in Congress, how congressional districts are drawn and how federal funds are distributed to states. In the 2020, Decennial Census the public will be able to participate in the census online, by phone, or on paper.

Learn how libraries can prepare to support their communities in being accurately counted in the 2020 Census. This session will provide an overview of 2020 Census, timeline, available resources, and opportunities to assist in outreach in your community.

Presented by David Kurtenbach, Partnership Specialist, Dallas Regional Census Center/Field Division/Denver Region, U.S. Census Bureau, Austin

Original air date: February 6, 2020

1 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)