MLA 2024 Conference

With many libraries facing the same ongoing challenges (staffing, budgets), it's time to start getting creative! Hear about how the Andersen Horticultural Library repurposed an old card catalog for use in outreach and education, used dried leaves as an instruction tool, and more! Bring your personal passions and wacky programming ideas as we nerd-out together and share our most creative ideas for engaging with visitors.

The annual Minnesota Book Awards program is a vibrant component of - and champion for - our state’s rich literary ecosystem. It is also one of the largest and longest running state-level literature recognition programs in the country. In recent years, the “MNBA” awards cycle has engaged nearly 300 writers and drawn interest from nearly as many prospective judges.

The Minnesota Book Awards are coordinated by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library in that organization’s capacity as the Library of Congress- designated Minnesota Center for the Book (CFB). However, a much larger coalition of organizations contributes to and benefits from the success of these Book Awards; and Minnesota’s libraries rank high on that list.

CFB envisions a panel anchored by at least three program stakeholders who can offer differing vantage points on this program – and on how library staff can get involved. These will include a member of Friends management, an MNBA-winning author, at least one experienced program judge, and a library staff member who can speak to directly to their library’s involvement with this program.

Topics of note will include an inside look at book submissions, judge recruitment and selection, and the two-stage evaluation process underpinning it all. Panelists will also delve into the character, objectives and participation opportunities associated with the flagship Minnesota Book Awards ceremony held each spring; overview tie-in library programming, including the well-regarded Moving Words: Writers Across Minnesota series; and outline other ways libraries can engage with and gain advantage from the MNBAs.

Join State Library Services and Minitex for an exciting session as we reflect on the past year and set our sights on the future! Whether you’re an academic, public, or K-12 librarian, this session is designed to inform and inspire.

You’re probably wondering what planning early literacy programs, building connections with young people, and frontline service have to do with budgets, strategic planning, and working with library boards. Well, it’s a lot! In this panel discussion we’ll explore the shared values and skills between youth services staff and administrators, and how 3 former youth services librarians have found themselves as directors of regional library systems!

The goal of this session is to encourage youth services staff to consider future leadership roles.