Library of Things Presentation
Join LACONI Tech for an exploration of all things Library of Things, from presenting the initial concept to preparing items for public use. Megan Vasquez, Adult Services Assistant Manager at Tinley Park Public Library, will provide helpful guidance for libraries interested in launching or improving a Library of Things collection.
Topics covered will include understanding what a Library of Things is and how it can benefit the community; Identifying community needs to determine which items will be most useful; Considering important factors such as budget, storage space, and staffing; Selecting and purchasing appropriate items for the collection; Preparing items for circulation; User manuals & clear instructions for use; Packaging materials; Organizing and cataloging a LOT collection.
Register here
LACONI Recharge Tour: Des Plaines Public Library and History Center
Join the LACONI Recharge section for a tour of the Des Plaines Public Library and History Center, including a tour of the Kinder House.
Meet the staff at both institutions and learn about the history, architecture and design of the library as well as discuss the issues associated with those aspects. Meet other library workers while experiencing the ins and outs of a library that may be new to you.
The tour begins at the Des Plaines Public Library and continues to the Des Plaines History Center, across the street. Meet in the library’s main lobby. The tour will begin promptly at 3 p.m.
LACONI TSS: Cataloging the Library of Things
Join LACONI TSS for this interactive, hands-on workshop which introduces participants to cataloging “Library of Things” resources using original RDA and MARC21.
Moving beyond traditional materials, the session focuses on describing non-book items such as tools, kits, games, and equipment, with an emphasis on applying current best practices (including OLAC guidelines). Participants will work through real-world examples, building confidence in handling challenging resource types. Key MARC fields, content/carrier considerations, and description strategies will be explored in a practical, accessible way. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with tools, strategies, and sample approaches they can immediately apply in their own libraries.
PLEASE BRING A LAPTOP
Register here
Choose Your Own Adventure: A Youth Services Unconference
Join LACONI’s Youth Services Section for a day of participant led discussion and resource sharing as we learn from each other. Choose Your Own Adventure: A Youth Services Unconference will provide the opportunity to choose between breakout session topics that best fit your interests and goals. Complete the poll for breakout session topics when you register.
What to Expect:
9:30-10am-Refreshments and Networking
10-11am: Opening group session and presentation
11:15am-noon: Break out session #1
Noon-1:15pm: Lunch (on your own)
1:15-2pm: Break out session #2
2:15-3pm: Break out session #3
3:15-4pm: Break out session #4
4pm: Tour of Wheaton Public Library Youth Services Department (optional)
Register here
Please register with your library email so LACONI can verify your membership. Not sure if your library is a member? View our list of member libraries.
Trustee Banquet
The LACONI Trustee Banquet is an event that unites community leaders, donors, and supporters to celebrate our organization's achievements and further our mission of providing ongoing education for library professionals at all levels, as well as networking opportunities for library trustees.
This year, our keynote address will focus on strategic planning, with several speakers sharing their experiences using a consultant and doing it in-house. We recognize the crucial role that both elected and appointed public library trustees play in shaping our communities. In Illinois, libraries are vital hubs for information, education, and resources, promoting lifelong learning and fostering community connections. Our annual banquet provides an opportunity to acknowledge the advocates of these initiatives and their commitment to enhancing the lives of residents throughout Illinois.
Check Out Your Future: A Library Career Starter Series
Is it time for you to move your library career forward? Join the LACONI Circulation Services Section for the first of this self help series and get inspired to take the next steps!
So you think you want to be a librarian? Would you like to know how others developed their library careers? Join LACONI Circulation Services as we speak with a variety of librarians and library professionals. Hear about their journeys and become inspired to start your own. We've invited managers, directors, and school liaisons from library schools to share their experiences.
Register here
This is the first in a three-part series. Sessions two and three will provide more focus and actionable steps to help you navigate your future.
I Found a Grant: Now What?
LACONI Recharge and RAILS invite you to this online workshop.
Join Dr. Ruth Gomberg to learn the key components of a grant — what to do when you find a grant, what tools you need to complete it, and how to ensure you are meeting the requirements. Submit your grant questions at registration to help curate the agenda!
Build Language & Community Through Read-Aloud Book Clubs
LACONI POP Presents a how-to guide to expand ELL programming through Read-Aloud Book Clubs
Feeling overwhelmed by the demand for English Language Learner programs? Discover how you can launch your own ELL Book or Reading Club, even if you don’t have educator training and can’t afford to hire a specialist. These clubs provide members a supportive space to practice reading, build confidence in English, and form a welcoming community. Learn from the experiences of four diverse libraries as they share practical strategies, challenges, and successes in engaging English Language Learners in meaningful, inclusive programming.
Presenters include Ana Beltran, Elizabeth Freebairn, Anna Golash, Christi Michel, Christy Palangattil, Emily Wieshuber and Yumarys Polanco-Miller.
Register here
SAAM Presents: Leadership Book Discussion (Session 3)
As a leader, having the trust of your team can be critical to the overall success of your organization. Join LACONI SAAM for one of three book discussions designed for library leaders. We'll be discussing The Trifecta of Trust by Joseph R. Folkman. In his book, he focuses on three core behaviors—Expertise, Consistency, and Positive Relationships. Join this discussion around how to build and keep trust. Bring your own experiences to share and come away with new techniques to try out. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited.
The program agenda will be the same on each date (3/16, 3/18 and 3/19).
Register
SAAM Presents: Leadership Book Discussion (Session 2)
As a leader, having the trust of your team can be critical to the overall success of your organization. Join LACONI SAAM for one of three book discussions designed for library leaders. We'll be discussing The Trifecta of Trust by Joseph R. Folkman. In his book, he focuses on three core behaviors—Expertise, Consistency, and Positive Relationships. Join this discussion around how to build and keep trust. Bring your own experiences to share and come away with new techniques to try out. Space is limited.
The program agenda will be the same on each date (3/16, 3/18 and 3/19).
Register
SAAM Presents: Leadership Book Discussion (Session 1)
As a leader, having the trust of your team can be critical to the overall success of your organization. Join LACONI SAAM for one of three book discussions designed for library leaders. We'll be discussing The Trifecta of Trust by Joseph R. Folkman. In his book, he focuses on three core behaviors—Expertise, Consistency, and Positive Relationships. Join this discussion around how to build and keep trust. Bring your own experiences to share and come away with new techniques to try out. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited.
The program agenda will be the same on each date (3/16, 3/18 and 3/19).
Narcan Administration and Workplace Wellness for Library Staff
LACONI Recharge presents: Narcan Administration and Workplace Wellness for Library Staff. This webinar offers two trainings in one package!
First, Lauren Ho of Peer Services will present Narcan Administration. This 30-minute training session will help you recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer Narcan (naloxone) to reverse it. Learn practical skills you can use in an emergency.
Then, Trina Bockus of NAMI Metro Suburban will present Compassion and Resilience. This 60-minute workplace wellness presentation explores the effects of stress and trauma on helping professionals. Look at the common symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout and secondary traumatic symptoms; and learn about personal, intentional self-care that can help us regulate our nervous system and help us retain compassion for those we care about.
Register here. A zoom link will be emailed to registrants one week before the webinar.
Inclusive Minds: A Neurodiversity Workshop for Library Professionals
Join LACONI YSS and Northwestern University Professor Stephanie Boron for a professional workshop focused on understanding neurodiversity and building neuro-affirming practices. Participants will gain practical insights and strategies to create more inclusive, supportive services for patrons and community members of all neurotypes.
What to Expect:
12:30 PM- Refreshments and Networking
1 PM - All Brains Welcome: Creating Community Spaces for Minds of All Kinds is a practical, approachable workshop designed to support library professionals in building spaces where neurodivergent community members feel understood, supported, and welcome. The session begins with vocabulary and core concepts related to neurodiversity, grounding this knowledge in lived experiences of neurodivergent people and families. From there, participants move into concrete, library-relevant tools, tips, and examples that can be applied across spaces, programs, and daily interactions. Leave with tangible takeaways and conversation starters to support ongoing reflection, staff dialogue, and continued growth at your library.
This event is free for LACONI members. Please register with your library email so LACONI can verify your membership
LACONI Recharge Library Tour Series: Harold Washington Library Center
Join the LACONI Recharge Section for a tour of the Harold Washington Library Center. Meet the staff and learn about the history, architecture and design of the library as well as discuss the issues associated with those aspects.
Meet other library workers while experiencing the ins and outs of a library that may be new to you. A library after hours social will follow at a nearby bar/restaurant.
This event is free for LACONI Member Institutions. Not sure if you're a member? Check our website here.
TSS Acquisitons Round-Up
Representatives from Brodart, Ingram, Libraria, Follett Content, Midwest Tape, and Penworthy will present an overview of their services.
Register here
TSS Planning Committee
Planning meeting of the Technical Services Section. Contact Joy Anhalt if interested. janhalt@tplibrary.org
LACONI CSS Presents: Standing Ovation Customer Service
To execute excellent customer service, we need to look at it from a different perspective. That perspective is a personal one!
Elevate your customer service skills with this fun, engaging, and ALA-aligned training program! Martina is an energetic and engaging speaker who will give us a fresh understanding on what customer service excellence is and how to execute it. Learn the fundamentals of body language, develop methodologies for handling difficult interactions, and expand and develop Core Customer Service Competencies as directed by the ALA. Bring a coworker and come early to network and enjoy a light snack and coffee!
TSS: Unconference
Join us for LACONI TSS and COD present: Technical Services Unconference
A collaborative gathering for Technical Services professionals — where structured conversations spark spontaneous insights. Conversations, ideas and solutions from the people who know your challenges best — your colleagues.
Register here
LACONI Technology and RAILS Presents: Integrating AI into Your Library
LACONI Technology Section and RAILS are teaming up to present:
Integrating AI into Your Library: AI Literacy and Detection
Presented by Bree Kirsch, Director of the Schewe Library, Illinois College
How is generative AI changing library services, and how can librarians keep up? This session explores the impact of AI on libraries and offers practical guidance on detecting and evaluating AI-generated content. Based on Dr. Kara Kennedy’s AI Literacy Framework, participants will learn key concepts in AI literacy and gain tools to recognize AI-generated images, video, and audio.
We'll also discuss how to thoughtfully integrate AI tools into library programs and reference services, while addressing essential ethical and privacy considerations.
Topics include:
Core AI concepts and common generative models (text, image, audio, video)
Applying the AI Literacy Framework in library settings
Spotting deepfakes and AI-generated content
Ethical and privacy challenges in using AI in libraries
Learning outcomes:
Understand the differences between major types of generative AI
Apply core concepts from the AI Literacy Framework
Identify signs of AI-generated media
Recognize key ethical and privacy issues related to AI in libraries
Can’t attend the live presentation but want to catch up later?
The session will be recorded and uploaded to the official LACONI YouTube page at a later date.
To register, click here.
LACONI POP Presents: Civic Literacy & Collaboration
Monday, November 10, 10:00 am – 11:30 am via Zoom
Learn how area libraries are bringing civic literacy to patrons through programming and collaboration with community partners:
Peggy Kell, member of the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest, will discuss the League’s partnership with the Oak Park Public Library in promoting civic literacy through municipal election candidate forums.
Get firsthand insight into running candidate forums from Nikki Camp, Programs and Exhibits Coordinator at Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Learn about the Political Scientist in Residence project from Vernon Area Public Library staff, Ashley Johnson and Roz Topolski, recipients of the 2025 Illinois Library Association Innovative Programs and Service Award.
LACONI YSS Presents: Everything Babies and Toddlers
Join LACONI Youth Services Section for a mini conference all about babies and toddlers!
LACONI Recharge: Serving Patrons in Unique Circumstances Part-2: Front Frontline Staff
Back by demand! Part 2 of our series for library staff on serving patrons in crisis. Panels, Q&A, and real-world strategies.
How can frontline library employees address the needs of patrons experiencing housing issues, mental illness, addiction, and other stressful circumstances? How can frontline staff provide accurate resources within their roles? Library social workers, directors, managers, and a crisis hotline professional will demonstrate models and advice for navigating through unique and difficult patron situations. With two panel discussions and a Q&A session, there will be ample opportunities to ask questions and network at this interactive mini-conference.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote - Mimi Haze
Mimi Haze is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist with five years of experience in mental healthcare.
10:30 AM - 10:35 AM
Break
10:35 AM - 11:35 AM
Panelist stories and insights
Joining us for this morning panelist stories and insight are Jennifer Hovanec, Laurie Papdourakis, Liz Reyes, Thalma Brooms, and Denice Alanis
11:35 AM - 11:40 AM
Break
11:40 AM - 1:00 PM
Q&A
For a lively discussion, please bring any questions you have for our lovely panelist.
To register, click here.
LACONI TSS Who do we order from now?
Come discuss where you are ordering from now that B&T is shutting down.
Register here
LACONI Recharge Library Tour Series: Gerber/Hart Library & Leather Archives
Join the LACONI Recharge Section for a tour of the Gerber/Hart Library and Leather Archives & Museum. Meet the staff and learn about the history, architecture and design of the library as well as discuss the issues associated with those aspects.
Meet other library workers while experiencing the ins and outs of a library that may be new to you. A library after hours social will follow at Hamburger Mary's.
Documentation in Action
Are you looking for insight from other professionals regarding documentation? Come listen to our panelist of rockstars, and take the first step towards becoming a better communicator through effective documentation.
Join LACONI SAAM for a follow-up to our 2024 program, Documentation is Communication. Documentation in Action is a virtual program in which speakers will discuss the importance of documentation as it relates to communication across branches and departments, multi-generational communication in the workplace, and crisis communication.
No matter your library size, department makeup, or platform for communication, our panel of like-minded individuals will share their experiences and best practices. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your communication skills!
This will be a live event only, and it will not be recorded.
Interested in speaking? Express your interest via email to laconisaam@gmail.com by May 31 with a brief description of your topic, relevant experience, and key takeaways for attendees.
Registration opens August 4.
LACONI POP: Sustainability in Action: Programs & Practices (PART TWO)
Sustainability in Action: Programs & Practices (Part Two) will explore sustainable library practices that can be integrated into your library’s policies, procedures, and daily operations. Rebekkah Smith Aldrich (Co-Founder, Sustainable Libraries Initiative; Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System) will discuss the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Certification Program and how libraries can become more “environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible.” Mandi Goodsett (Performing Arts and Humanities Librarian, Cleveland State University) and Evan Meszaros (Research and Engagement Librarian, Case Western Reserve University) will share their Library Swag Sustainability Rubric and practical examples of sustainable library swag. Martha Hanson (Director, Woodstock Library) will present on integrating an in-house food pantry and other passive swap programs into daily library life, benefiting both staff and patrons.
LACONI Unconference 2025
Register here for LACONI’s Unconference, presented by LACONI SAAM and LACONI Recharge.
Come ready to design your own conference. Join the Recharge and Supervisors, Administrators & Managers (SAAM) sections of LACONI to celebrate our collective expertise by discussing any library-related topics at our third annual unconference. You will help to determine the topics discussed for the half day unconference when you arrive, so come with an open mind and be ready to network.
Breakfast, snacks and coffee will be served
TSS: Book Repair
Book Doctor Workshops provide book care training aiming to keep your collections circulating longer. Lunch included. Please bring scissors!
Stronger Together: Networking Toward More Accessible Libraries
LACONI Recharge presents Stronger Together: Networking Toward More Accessible Libraries
Build your accessibility network at this energizing unconference. Whether you have expertise to share on a specific topic or want to discover what’s working in other libraries, this is the perfect chance to connect, mentor, learn, and find new inspiration.
Peer facilitators will guide discussions on a range of accessibility related topics including library spaces and physical accommodations, adaptive technology in the library, neurodivergent affirming programs and services, accessible collections, and neurodiversity staff training.
This event is ideal for library professionals of all roles, as well as MLIS students.
CANCELED: LACONI Recharge Library Tour Series: Arlington Heights Memorial Library
This program has been canceled. Stay tuned for future tours from LACONI.
LACONI Trustee Banquet
The LACONI Trustee Banquet brings together community leaders, donors, and supporters to celebrate our organization's accomplishments and further our mission of providing continuing education for library professionals at all levels and networking opportunities for library trustees. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Chicago authors Rebecca Makkai and Juan Martinez in conversation with RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris.
CSS Presents: The Time Bomb: Get Control Before Things Explode! with Martina Mathisen
The Time Bomb: Get Control Before Things Explode! Personalized Productivity Take control of time before things explode! A fun twist with time management.
Secure a ticket and register here.