ArLA 2024 Annual Conference

Bibliotherapy involves using books in a structured reading program to address life challenges and mental health, guided by a facilitator to help readers connect with characters, experience catharsis, and gain insights. While typically used in clinical settings, it can also be applied in libraries and schools for non-clinical populations. Libraries are ideal for offering mental health support for patrons with everyday stressors.

The session will cover the applications of bibliotherapy, its impact on different age groups, and how librarians can facilitate mental health improvement using bibliotherapeutic principles. Librarians will learn about suitable books for various stressors, enhancing patron mental health with their expertise, and recognizing when to refer patrons to professional mental health providers.

This session focuses on creating marketing materials for libraries. Attendees will:

• Learn the four principles of design.
• Evaluate mock poster and social media designs.
• Create a social media post promoting a library program using Canva.

The session is interactive and led by Kacy Earnest Spears, who holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and serves as the ArLA Marketing Chair.

This session explores the 8 types of adult play personalities, emphasizes the significance and advantages of play for adults, and discusses practical ways to integrate play into personal and professional library environments. The session involves hands-on activities, encourages active participation, and includes opportunities for interactive play experiences. It aims to support library staff in promoting health and wellness through engaging and enjoyable activities.

In March 2024, a similar presentation was held at the Pump Up the Joy event at the Garland County Library.

This session challenges the misconception that libraries are solely for reading and borrowing books by showcasing their innovation and community outreach. It focuses on repurposing book jackets to engage patrons through a Book Jacket Program. Participants will learn how to prepare, host, and guide patrons through this interactive activity, which promotes creativity and mindfulness. The session highlights the versatility of these programs, suitable for all ages, and emphasizes their potential to foster connections with diverse reading options.

This session offers insights from 31 years of experience in public libraries, addressing the transition from initial perceptions of quiet reading spaces to the complex reality of library work involving paperwork, policies, procedures, and politics.

Participants will learn practical tips and techniques to navigate daily challenges, develop strategies for survival, and gain actionable takeaways to enhance their daily work. The session encourages evaluation of library practices and challenges, aiming to support professional growth and preparedness for the future in library careers.  

In this presentation, Amanda Hayes shares her experience managing the rollout of book lockers at four branches of the Central Arkansas Library System. Starting on the same day she began her role as System Holds Manager, Amanda navigated the challenges of learning new technology, troubleshooting issues, and documenting procedures for both staff and patrons. She discusses her strategies for success in handling large projects while still adjusting to a new position.
Participants will:

• Learn mental approaches for tackling unfamiliar tasks and managing large projects effectively.
• Understand the process of writing comprehensive service manuals from scratch.
• Gain insights into key considerations and questions to ask when evaluating the implementation of book lockers in their library systems.

The presentation also explores the growing popularity and success of CALS's book locker service, offering valuable lessons and practical tips for librarians facing similar project challenges.

This session explores the similarities between programming in elementary school, academic, and public libraries, highlighting shared elements despite their different settings. It discusses how programming ideas can be adapted across these library types, offering methods for modification to suit each environment. Attendees will gain practical ideas and strategies to implement engaging programming in their respective libraries, enhancing their ability to plan and execute activities that cater to diverse audiences.