Cultivating Community with a Library Mentorship Program

Establishing a Library Mentorship Program can strengthen the roots of longtime library staff and support new growth for new librarians. In August of 2022, Buncombe County Public Libraries launched our […]

Setting Boundaries with Patrons

Boundaries and limit setting for patrons at public libraries can prevent library workers from feeling drained at the end of a workday. When healthy boundaries are set, it helps us […]

Rethink and Rejuvenate Your Library Meetings

Meetings should be productive and have a purpose. Many times staff members dread meetings and would rather do anything but attend them. This session will introduce and reaffirm various components of hosting and attending meetings. We will discuss group dynamics, active listening skills, conflict management, creating an inclusive environment, and communicating clear meeting guidelines, instructions, […]

Looks Like I’m a Facilitator: Now What?!

For this workshop, we will learn best practices for being a facilitator. Through learning transferable communication skills, including how to manage communication anxiety, present with confidence, and manage challenging conversations you will learn how to be a more effective communicator. Working from the understanding communication is a skill set, we will examine how to prepare, […]

Keeping the Candle Lit – Mitigating Burnout at your Library

This program will introduce a comprehensive self-care program for librarians aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being, reducing stress, and preventing burnout. By implementing targeted self-care techniques, we can create a healthier and more resilient library community. Librarians, like many other professionals, can experience stress and burnout due to the demands of their jobs. Practicing […]

More Agile Teams and Collaborations

Can a more agile leadership approach cultivate motivation and improve your team's and community's collaborations and outcomes? From "failing fast" and "defining done" to increased transparency and earlier stakeholder feedback, […]

De-escalation Techniques That Work with Your Patrons

Effectively dealing with users who are upset, non-compliant and even displaying threatening behaviors can become an everyday occurrence in your library. How you respond to these difficult behaviors is often […]