PLA is committed to providing information on the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19 to PLA members and others working in public libraries. Join PLA for this new, free webinar series featuring updates on the current status of the pandemic, examples of how libraries are dealing with closures and serving their communities virtually, and opportunities to share and learn from each other.

These webinars are free, but separate registration for each live webinar is required. Due to high demand, PLA expects each live webinar to reach maximum capacity. Please note that these webinars will be recorded and available on PLA’s On-Demand Webinars page. If you would like to share information or have suggestions for additional topics, please email pla@ala.org.

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: The Current Landscape 

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What are public libraries doing in response to COVID-19? How are they making decisions? Where are they getting information, and how are they sharing it with their communities? Participants of this webinar will learn about the current public library landscape amidst COVID-19, hear from library leaders about what they’ve done, and have the opportunity to share and ask questions.

Facilitators:
Patty Ross, Library Director at Puyallup (WA) Public Library
Larra Clark, PLA Deputy Director

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely
Thursday, 4/2/2020

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With library closures and mandated quarantines, public library staff may be struggling to transition from a public-facing role to working from home. In this webinar, participants will learn about software and technology options, gain best practices for being a successful remote employee or manager, and have the opportunity to share and ask questions.

Facilitators:
Angela Maycock, PLA Manager, Continuing Education
Additional facilitators to be announced soon

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety
Thursday, 4/9/2020

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In times of uncertainty, self-care needs to be a top priority. Library managers need to be thinking of the well-being of their staff, and staff need to be thinking of the well-being of their patrons. How do we manage stress and working with an anxious public during these difficult times? In this webinar, participants will hear from members of the PLA Social Worker Task Force on ways to approach self-care, prioritize well-being, and manage stress and anxiety. Participants will have the opportunity to share and ask questions.

Facilitators:
Kathleen M. Hughes, PLA Manager, Publications
Additional facilitators to be announced soon

Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis
Thursday, 4/16/2020

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Public libraries are ever evolving to meet the needs of their communities. When doors are closed, how are libraries evolving to meet patrons where they are? What about planning for what comes next? Participants of this webinar will hear examples from library staff who have responded to this time of crisis with innovative solutions to services and programs. Participants will have the opportunity to share and ask questions.

Facilitators:
Pam Sandlian-Smith, Director, Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO
Kelvin Watson, Director of Libraries, Broward County (FL) Libraries Division
Mary Hirsh, PLA Deputy Director
Additional facilitators to be announced soon