Check out the Professional Development Calendar for more information and to register for the following FREE online professional development opportunities.
NOTE: until we can get the calendars synced, the calendar will show Maine State Library (MSL). MSL is the host for the national professional development calendar.
READ THIS NEXT! Starting in 2025, in addition to the calendar of professional development webinars, Read This Next! highlight one recent reading (print book, eBook or journal article published within the last five years) focusing on the librarianship profession. See this month’s reading selection in the “At Your Leisure” section following the online professional development calendar.
ONLINE CONFERENCES
Thursday, March 6 (All Day) Middle Grade Magic 2025 (SLJ)
Join School Library Journal on March 6 for our seventh annual Middle Grade Magic virtual event, a day-long celebration of authors and creators dedicated to crafting literature for kiddos ages eight through 12. Get a first look at some of the most anticipated new titles for your young readers, from modern coming-of-age tales to eye-popping graphic novels to immersive fantasy. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.slj.com/event/middle-grade-magic-2025
Tuesday, March 11-13 (12-4 pm) The 6th Annual Southeast Collaborative Online Conference
The 2025 Southeast Collaborative Online Conference is a collective effort by the Georgia Public Library Service, State Library of North Carolina, South Carolina State Library, Tennessee State Library & Archives, and The Library of Virginia to offer innovative and useful online learning experiences for library staff at all levels through a convenient online conference. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/emergency_connectivity_fundhttps://sites.google.com/view/secollaborative/Home
Thursday, March 13 (3 -6 pm) AI and Libraries: Literacy, Ethics, and Responsible Use (Library 2.0)
We invite librarians, educators, technologists, and thought leaders to explore the critical role that libraries can play in addressing both the opportunities and ethical challenges of AI. From encouraging digital literacy and ethical awareness to guiding the responsible use of AI, libraries are potentially at the forefront showing how emerging AI technologies can be used equitably and responsibly in their communities. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.library20.com/ai-and-libraries-3
Wednesday, March 19 (1-5 pm) ALA Tech Lists 2025 – A Special Edition of Edi and Neal’s Book Club (ALA)
Edi and Neal’s Book Club kicks off Spring 2025 with ALA Tech Lists, its first technology and technical services mini-conference! Presentations by author-experts on the following topics: ways to stay apprised of the latest technology for library workers and professionals in training broadly, how the new RDA impacts serials cataloging, navigating artificial intelligence in school libraries, digital and creative technology for academic libraries, and best practices for making your library’s online presence accessible.
Each presentation will allow time for audience Q&A, with a few minutes of break time built into each segment. For more information and to register, visit:
https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UH25c4Q_QZCstEHC_S_G_Q#/registration
PROGRAMS BY TOPIC
ACCESSIBILITY
Mar 4: Assistive Technology for Dyslexia (Pacer Center) https://www.pacer.org/workshops/
Mar 5: Breaking Barriers: The Importance of Digital Accessibility (Nebraska Library Commission) https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventlist.asp?Mode=ALL
Mar 12: Advancing Title II ADA Compliance through Inclusive Engagement and Collaboration (Niche Academy) https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars
Mar 24: Devices to support wellness (Pacer Center) https://www.pacer.org/workshops/
ADVOCACY
Mar 6: Storytelling that Connects and Inspires (Firespring) https://firespring.com/webinars/
ASSESMENT/PLANNING
Mar 3: Amplify Your Impact: Effective PR Strategies for Nonprofit Success (Nonprofit Learning Lab) https://www.trainingmagnetwork.com/calendar
Mar 13: Show the Value of What You Do (Training Magazine Network) https://www.trainingmagnetwork.com/calendar
Mar 18: Ask me anything: Program evaluation (Candid Learning) https://learning.candid.org/training-search/?_format=live&_sort=chronological
BOARDS
Mar 11: Get Your Board to Help You Fundraise (Firespring) https://firespring.com/webinars/
Mar 19: Charting Change: Crafting a Dynamic Board of Directors (Nonprofit Hub) https://nonprofithub.org/webinars-events/
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Mar 4: Humanities Education and Student Career Readiness (Choice360) https://www.choice360.org/media/webinars/
Mar 4: Writing Cover Letters and Other Tips for Getting an Interview! (South Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association) https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-events-and-webinars/
Mar 13: Communication Breakdowns: Tools for Working Through Conflict in the Workplace (Colorado State Library) https://www.librarieslearn.org/csl-in-session
Mar 19: Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being for LIS Students: Navigating the Challenges of Graduate Studies (Colorado State Library) https://www.librarieslearn.org/csl-in-session
Mar 26: Centralize Your Library Student Employment and Design an Engaging, Efficient, and Career-Ready Workforce (Georgia Library Association) https://gla.georgialibraries.org/Carterette-Series-Webinars
Mar 26: Developing a Mentorship and Community-building Program for Instruction Librarians (Niche Academy) https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars
Mar 27: Digital Advocacy for Career Progression in Nonprofits (Charity Village) https://charityvillage.com/learning-centre/webinars/
CHILDREN & TEENS
Mar 24: The Future of Support for Girls and Women in STEM (NGCP) https://ngcproject.org/events-announcements
COMMUNICATION
Mar 24: From Inbox to Impact: Perfecting Your Nonprofit Email Marketing Strategy (Nonprofit Learning Lab) https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinars
Mar 28: Simple Nonprofit Newsletters that Boost Donor Retention (Productive Fundraising) https://productivefundraising.com/event/free-nonprofit-newsletter-webinar/
DIGITAL RESOURCES
Mar 27: From Classified to Collections: How the National Security Archive Transforms Government Secrets into Research Resources (ProQuest) https://about.proquest.com/en/events/events/?sortby=Date&page=2&pageSize=6
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
Mar 4: Embracing neurodiversity: Cultivating an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent staff (WebJunction) https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction.html
Mar 13: Are You Ready for Equity: Navigating biases in volunteer engagement (Volunteer Match) https://learn.volunteermatch.org/
Mar 27: Info2Go! Becoming a Dementia Friend (Idaho Commission for Libraries) https://libraries.idaho.gov/continuing-education/info2go/
Mar 27: Tell Great Nonprofit Stories, Ethically! (Volunteer Match) https://learn.volunteermatch.org/
FUNDRAISING
Mar 5: Future-Proofing Nonprofit Fundraising: The G.I.V.E. Framework in Action (Nonprofit Hub) https://nonprofithub.org/webinars-events/
Mar 6: Transforming Email Fundraising with AI: Best Practices for 2025 (Bloomerang) https://bloomerang.co/webinars-events/
Mar 13: Forecasting 101: How To Forecast Your Revenue & Achieve Fundraising Growth (Bloomerang) https://bloomerang.co/webinars-events/
Mar 20: The Human Side of Fundraising Webinar Series| Session II: Donor Retention – From First Gift to Lifelong Support (Blackbaud) https://www.blackbaud.com/events/webinars
LIBRARY SPACES
Mar 11: What Gets Forgotten in Library Design? (Demco) https://ideas.demco.com/webinars/
MANAGEMENT
Mar 10: Capacity Building for Small Communications Teams (Nonprofit Learning Lab) https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinars
Mar 12: Enhancing Library Management with AI-powered Metadata Solutions (Library Journal) https://www.libraryjournal.com/section/events
Mar 18: The Leadership Gap You Can’t Afford: How to Make Decision-Making Training More Effective (Training Industry) https://trainingindustry.com/webinar/
Mar 24: Fostering Creativity on Your Team (GovLoop) https://www.govloop.com/training/
OUTREACH & PARTNERS
Mar 13: Supporting communities impacted by incarceration through library services (WebJunction) https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction.html
Mar 19: Civic Literacy Starts at Home (Niche Academy) https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars
Mar 20: Librarians as Health Care Guides: Tools for Supporting Your Community (ALA eLearning) https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=1460
Mar 25: Start with the Address: Building Community Profiles with U.S. Census Data (FDLP) https://www.fdlp.gov/
Mar 26: Creating Connection in Library Events (Nebraska Library Commission) https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventlist.asp?Mode=ALL
PROGRAMMING
Mar 4: Summer Fun for All Ages with GLOBE Citizen Science! (StarNet) https://www.starnetlibraries.org/development/webinars/
Mar 5: Prepare for One Million Acts of Science at Your Library (SciStarter) https://scistarter.org/events
Mar 19: Health Programming at Your Library (NNLM) https://www.nnlm.gov/training/schedule
Mar 27: Action-First Learning Using Digital Comics and Superheroes to Achieve Learning Success (Training Magazine Network) https://www.trainingmagnetwork.com/calendar
READERS’ ADVISORY
Mar 4: Magnificent Middle Grade (Booklist) https://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
Mar 6: Adult Faves (Booklist) https://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
Mar 12: Readers’ Advisory: Ideas & Practice 2025 (Booklist) https://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Mar 4: Interactive Learning Experiences: Engaging Students Through Hands-On Activities (edWeb) https://home.edweb.net/webinars/
Mar 6: Lessons From the Science of Reading (Harvard Graduate School of Education) https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/events
Mar 11: Supporting Students with Learning Differences in the Literacy Classroom (edWeb) https://home.edweb.net/webinars/
Mar 19: DK’s Summer 2025 School & Library Preview (Booklist) https://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
Mar 19: Why Hands-On STEM Labs Matter: The Science Behind Active Learning (edWeb) https://home.edweb.net/webinars/
TECHNOLOGY
Mar 3: Teaching How AI Works to K-8 Students (edWeb) https://home.edweb.net/webinars/
Mar 4: Enhancing Nonprofit Websites with AI Tools + Insights from the 2025 AI Benchmark Report (TechSoup) https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-events-and-webinars/
Mar 5: QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online: How to Make the Move (TechSoup) https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-events-and-webinars/
Mar 6: The Impact of AI in the Classroom: Experiences and Learnings (Choice360) https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-events-and-webinars/
Mar 11: New! Free Q&A Session: Everything You Want to Know About Social Media and Your Nonprofit But are Afraid to Ask! (CharityHowTo) https://www.charityhowto.com/nonprofit-live-webinars
Mar 18: Choosing the Right Marketing Technology Stack for Your Nonprofit (TechSoup) https://events.techsoup.org/techsoup-events-and-webinars/
VOLUNTEERS
Mar 6: Empowering Teens through Meaningful Service (Colorado State Library) https://www.librarieslearn.org/csl-in-session
Mar 18: Introducing the Is Everyone Welcome Toolkit: Empowering Inclusive Volunteerism. (Volunteer Match) https://learn.volunteermatch.org/
AT YOUR LEISURE
Pre-recorded webinars to view at your convenience
AI-Driven Gratitude: Crafting Better Donor Communications in the New Year (Bloomerang)
The new year is the perfect time for nonprofits to refresh their donor communications, ensuring every receipt and thank-you note strengthens relationships and reflects genuine gratitude. In this webinar, Josh Hirsch, MS, Education and Training Strategist for Fundraise Up, will guide you through using AI tools to transform your communications. Learn how to review and refine your existing templates, create more meaningful and personalized messages, and save time with smarter workflows—all while maintaining authenticity and donor trust. Whether you want to improve efficiency or deepen connections, this session will provide actionable insights to get you started. Visit: https://bloomerang.co/webinar/ai-driven-gratitude-crafting-better-donor-communications-in-the-new-year/
How to Design a Library That Makes Kids Want to Read (TEDTalk)
When Michael Bierut was tapped to design a logo for public school libraries, he had no idea that he was embarking on a years-long passion project. In this often hilarious talk, he recalls his obsessive quest to bring energy, learning, art and graphics into these magical spaces where school librarians can inspire new generations of readers and thinkers. Visit: https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_bierut_how_to_design_a_library_that_makes_kids_want_to_read
Weathering the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Storm (EveryLibrary Institute)
As a library participating in the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program, you know the potential risks of being audited. The ECF program is subject to strict compliance requirements, and any non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties. During this webinar, you will learn from experts in the field about the latest compliance requirements, best practices for avoiding common compliance pitfalls, and strategies for reducing your audit risk. Our speakers have a wealth of experience working with libraries like yours and are eager to share their knowledge. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools to protect your library from an audit’s financial and reputational risks. Visit: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/emergency_connectivity_fund
READ THIS NEXT!
In addition to the calendar of professional development webinars, Read This Next! highlights one recent reading (print book, eBook or journal article published within the last five years) focusing on the librarianship profession.
This month’s recommended reading is The disaster planning handbook for libraries, by Mary Grace Flaherty with Katherine R. Greene and Michelle Runyon (Chicago: ALA Editions, 2022).
Why read this book? While disaster and emergency situations are never welcome and often happen unexpectedly, preparation and adequate response can mitigate their impact on library communities. This handbook addresses different types of disasters that can affect libraries -natural and environmental: such as fires, earthquakes, floods, and others; human caused: acts of terrorism, arson, civil unrest etc., and the appropriate preparedness measures and response actions in a variety of situations. Particularly useful are the examples of planning tools, such as checklists, policies, toolkits that library managers and staff can adapt for their own facility.
This title is part of NMSL’s Library and Information Science collection. Check out other recent acquisitions in that collection: 2025 – New in Library and Information Science – LibGuides at New Mexico State Library
Happy Reading!