LMCC24

This session provides insights into managing sensitive community topics such as drag story time events, emphasizing effective communication strategies and community engagement. Participants will learn how to maintain respectful and constructive dialogues, handle diverse community feedback, and keep their sanity intact while navigating these 'lightning rod' discussions. Through a focus on inclusivity and understanding, the presentation aims to equip attendees with the skills to foster community cohesion and handle controversial topics with confidence.

Transgender members of our communities have distinct information needs that libraries can help meet. However, due to a variety of political and personal factors, many are hesitant to reach out.
How can you, as a marketing and library professional, connect with transgender people in your communities to inform them about library services? What do transgender patrons need to know about the library to see it as a safe place to find reliable information?
Attendees will leave with the knowledge and tools needed to create a marketing plan to attract transgender patrons with consideration to their individual library’s capabilities.

The Book-It program with Pizza Hut in the 80’s and 90’s is a core memory for millennials and Gen-Xers. In 2021, DMPL launched the 30x30 Challenge, to capitalize on fond memories many have reading books to win pizza as kids. In 2023, 774 people participated and 308 completed the challenge, to read 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Finishers are entered into a drawing to win one of 30 gift cards to a local pizza restaurant. The session will cover the logistics, marketing tactics, using business partners to enhance the reach of the campaign, and success of the program.

Libraries are experts at outreach. We host tons of events, create lots of materials, and engage our community every day. But, sometimes, our regular work can feel a bit stale. How can we come up with innovative outreach ideas? This interactive session will explore our creative process. Attendees will learn strategies for seeking inspiration from diverse sources and fun methods of brainstorming. Then, we’ll look at how we can adapt these ideas for our specific organizations and communities. This session will provide practical tips for turning ideas into action plans, securing buy-in, adopting a resilient mindset, and navigating potential challenges.