Chronic stress and trauma exposure in the workplace are big problems that can lead to burnout, low morale, poor health, staff turnover, and negative experiences for library patrons. All too often organizations do not address chronic stress, or only address it through the lens of self-care. In this presentation Cassie will introduce collective care as an alternate frame for thinking about worker wellness in library settings.
~Cassie Gillespie, LICSW
Benedict Auditorium

What is a Vermont Librarian to do when they need answers to Human Resource questions or issues? Since Libraries are only as happy as the people who staff them, it’s important to manage human resources questions and issues as well and professionally as possible. But how? This program will help you fill up your solo HR toolbox so you can answer that question…and the next question, and the next!
~Emer Feeney
Howe 123 (Library Classroom)

Meet the new 2026-2027 Red Clover Book Award nominees! We will also revisit some past nominees and resources with connections to Summer Reading themes.
~Rebecca Pearish, Youth Services Librarian, The Brown Public Library
Howe Library – Dean’s Conference Room

Workforce development is a critical need across Vermont communities, and libraries play a key role in connecting patrons with employment resources, skills training, and career pathways. This session highlights the partnership between the Vermont Department of Libraries and the Vermont Department of Labor, showcasing how library staff can connect patrons to state workforce services and high-quality digital learning tools.
~Karalyn Mark
Howe Library – 001B

Comics creators and anthropologists Dana Mashoian Walrath and Luis Vivanco share how true stories told in comics—from genocide and dementia to bicycle history and environmentalism—foster reflection, dialogue, and care. Discover practical ideas for using nonfiction comics in programs and collections to build literacy, empathy, and community in your library.
~Stephanie Kloss (on behalf of Dana Mashoian Walrath)
Howe Library Atrium

Visit UVM’s Silver Special Collections in the historic Billings Library for a tour of the building and a gallery talk about our current exhibit, “How to … DIY from Machiavelli to Zines.”
~Prudence Doherty, Public Services Librarian, Silver Special Collections, University of Vermont
Billings Library – Marsh Room

Darcy, a young, career-driven librarian, navigates the challenges of returning to work in “Is This a Cry for Help?” After taking medical leave, Darcy must navigate what it means to show up professionally and authentically all while facing challenging situations in the public space. Read the book ahead of this year’s conference and join a generative discussion on librarianship and the modern library landscape!
~Molly Rogers, Web Services Librarian, University of Vermont
Howe Library 3rd Floor Alcove

Many libraries have fabulous, robust summer reading challenges for children, but it can be much harder to get one underway for adults. If you’re looking for ideas to jump-start, reimagine, or supplement an adult-oriented summer reading challenge, you can get started here!
~Sophie Marks, Burnham Memorial Library, Adult Programming & Outreach Coordinator
Dana Medical Library Classroom

How can we move a community to action when we don’t start from within? Join members of the Vermont Cohort of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Certification Program and hear firsthand how to support staff financially and mentally, and how to create a safe and healthy environment so that they can thrive in a time of crisis. Leave inspired!
~Jennifer Ferriss, Sustainable Libraries Initiative, Advisory Board Member/ Saratoga Springs Public Library, Assistant Director
Benedict Auditorium

Clinicians’ Health Information Access Across Vermont: A Clinical Librarianship Perspective on Inequalities and Impact
Access to accurate, evidence-based health information is vital for quality patient care. Through case studies of providers from diverse healthcare settings in Vermont, this presentation examines disparities in clinical health information access and costs. The presentation invites discussion within librarianship to address health information equity and strategies to strengthen access across the state.
~Amalia Dolan, Clinical and Education Librarian, UVM Libraries

VT Kit Club 101
Reserving book kits for discussion groups or puzzle-race sets for specific dates is a game-changer – and VT Kit Club makes it easy! Learn about the simple process to become a member and take advantage of hundreds of available multi-copy kits. Hear from libraries already using the service and see a quick demo of how it works on the LibCal site.
~Meg Malone, YA Services & Interlibrary Loan Librarian at Burnham Memorial Library

Safety Preparedness in Practice: Simulation Training at FFL
Safety is always a top priority at the Fletcher Free Library. One effective approach has been the use of simulation trainings—short, hands-on exercises that allow staff to practice responding to real-life situations in a safe, supportive environment. Fletcher Free Library will share how these trainings are designed and implemented, and how they help staff build confidence and preparedness for situations as they unfold.
~Mary Danko, Director, Fletcher Free Library

Digital Accessibility! Quick tips from UVM Libraries’ website
In anticipation of changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act, UVM Libraries have undertaken a project to ensure our websites meet digital accessibility guidelines. This presentation will share a few quick tips and practical considerations if you’re hoping to improve your website for all your users.
~Molly Rogers, Web Services Librarian, University of Vermont

What does Vermont want? Public libraries, Interlibrary loan, Guests and the University of Vermont
Did you know that your library can borrow UVM’s books using interlibrary loan via Clover? Or that Vermonters can get free guest accounts? Find out what sorts of books public libraries and guests have been borrowing from UVM, before joining Clover in 2024 and hereafter, and how to do it. Share your perspectives about interlibrary loan.
~Susan Swogger

Howe 123 (Library Classroom)

Meet the new 2026-2027 Golden Dome Book Award nominees! The Golden Dome committee will showcase the new list of Golden Books!
~Courtney Bowen
Howe Library – Dean’s Conference Room

Join Library Directors Traci Joy and Christine Walton as they present findings from a recent Vermont library survey examining real workplace stressors. Discover key trends and data-driven strategies to reduce burnout, enhance staff resilience, and foster healthier organizational cultures. Participants will gain practical tools and actionable insights to address stress and support sustainable, thriving library teams.
~Traci Joy
Howe Library – 001B

Learn how libraries can support access to local news sources and reliable information for their patrons, and encourage a robust community environment for local news to be gathered and shared. The Vermont Community Foundation initiative, Press Forward Vermont and The UVM Center for Community News offer insights from recent research and stories collected in Vermont, as well as other examples of best practices.
~Glenn McRae, UVM Center for Community News
Howe Library – Atrium

UVM’s Howe Library is a Congressionally designated Federal Depository Library, with 900,000 publications dating to the beginning of the country. Learn about this vast, fascinating, and sometimes humorous collection that includes something on almost any topic—all accessible to the public. We’ll also tour the Howe Library Map Room, which houses the largest collection of maps in the state.
~Trina Magi, Coordinator of the Federal Depository Library Collection and Map Room
Howe Library – Gov’t Info & Maps

This session highlights the gap between fixed workplace expectations and variable human capacity, especially for staff managing chronic illness.
~Roeki DeMaria
Howe Library 3rd Floor Alcove

How do people who are incarcerated receive library services in Vermont? And how can public libraries support individuals who are reentering their communities after incarceration? Join this panel discussion with representatives from the Vermont Department of Libraries, the Community Legal Information Center, and the Orange County Restorative Justice Center to learn how to help support these members of our communities.
~Karen Gravlin, Director of Inclusive Services and the ABLE Library, Vermont Department of Libraries
Dana Library – Classroom

Although artists’ books might be simply defined as works of art in the form of a book, by their very nature they defy easy definition. In this session, participants will learn about the artists’ books collection at UVM, hear how it inspired a librarian to make books, and then explore a selection of artists’ books. This is a hybrid presentation: part presentation and part hands-on exploration.
~Prudence Doherty, Public Services Librarian, Silver Special Collections Library, University of Vermont
Billings Library – Marsh Room

Libraries have a lot of friends in our communities and in the state house! Join VLA’s lobbyist, Cal Hale, for this workshop on building relationships with elected officials and advocating in support of your library and libraries statewide. We’ll discuss strategies for cultivating engagement, conveying strengths and needs, and leveraging connections in your community to make change.
~Cal Hale, Lobbyist for VLA
Benedict Auditorium

Library directors work at the intersection of trustee governance and municipal administration, and navigating these relationships can be complex. This presentation explores strategies for building strong working relationships: communication techniques, setting expectations, and practical language that can help when conversations become challenging. The session also highlights the importance of understanding how your library is structured and governed.
~Mary Danko, Director, Fletcher Free Library
Howe 123 (Library Classroom)

Librarians are master multitaskers with many demands placed upon them each day. Sometimes it is challenging to find the right format for self-care that we all so desperately need. Come and explore the practice of meditation as a form of self-care. We will examine the numerous benefits of this millennial-old practice as well as different methods.
~Diane M. Travis, Web & Electronic Resources Librarian, Kreitzberg Library, Norwich University
Howe Library Dean’s Conference Room

What does a successful library capital campaign actually look like in practice? This session walks through each phase of the campaign process, from feasibility to the public phase, using the Ilsley Public Library’s recent fundraising effort as a roadmap, and pairing the consultant Maeve McBride’s strategic overview with insights from library director Dana Hart, who experienced the process firsthand.
~Dana Hart, Ilsley Public Library, Director
Howe – 001B 

Bring the Arts into your building! Support your patrons with Arts programming! The Aldrich Public Library has embedded an Artist-in-Residence in the Teen Services Program, providing arts instruction, creative arts mentorship, and open studio time for any adolescent accessing library services. After two successful years of the program, we are ready to share our insights, strategies, challenges, and victories.
~Kristin Baumann
Howe Library Atrium

Feeling overwhelmed by Artificial Intelligence? Not sure where you fit along the continuum of AI boosters and skeptics? Whether you use AI regularly or avoid it like the plague, this roundtable is an invitation to share your hopes and concerns in a judgement-free zone. Rather than demonstrating new tools, let’s exercise some “radical care” and think about what AI really means for library users and library workers. All perspectives welcome!
~Eileen Gatti, Library Assistant Professor/Humanities Librarian
University of Vermont, Howe Library
Howe Library 2nd Floor Discussion Space

An informal discussion for BIPOC library workers to find and build community. A chance to talk about “being an only,” imposter syndrome, burnout, and the means of support or challenges BIPOC library workers experience living and working in predominantly white spaces.
~Brianna Morales, Business Librarian, Howe Library, University of Vermont
Howe Library 3rd Floor Alcove

A fast-paced, hands-on showcase of how our Multimedia and Technology consultants help faculty and student researchers bring big ideas to life. Explore what’s possible with pro-level multimedia gear, high-powered computing, 3D printing, and podcasting tools, and see how these resources can power real research and teaching, plus creative, just-for-fun experimentation, too! The Tech Jam features five interactive breakout stations—drop in, try something new, ask questions, and move between sessions to build your own experience.
~Adam Repash, Digital Projects Specialist, Media Resources and Services, University of Vermont
Center for Multimedia Development Lab

Join Vermont Humanities to learn more about “Charity and Sylvia” by Tillie Walden, a groundbreaking biography that is also the story of 19th century America. Get inspired to plan Vermont Reads projects around Vermont’s early history, the importance of friendships and family networks, the role of religion and faith in communal life, and the evolution of LGBTQ+ identity.
~Ryan Newswanger
Benedict Auditorium

Is Vermont library staff turnover too robust for the good of our institutions? Is recruiting and retaining quality candidates a familiar, recurring challenge? Sharing staff among libraries offers a solution that benefits employees, institutions, and communities. Presenters offer suggestions on how to do this, followed by input from Vermont librarians who are successfully shaping their careers this way.
~Joy Worland, Library Consultant – Continuing Education and Small and Rural Libraires, Vermont Department of Libraries
Howe 123 (Library Classroom)

Colleagues from around Vermont present rapid reviews of books in a variety of genres and including book club picks, audiobooks, and books for kids and teens.
~Marie Schmukal, Director, Warren Public Library
Howe Library Dean’s Conference Room

Green Mountain Book Award 2026 Nominees
Join us for a presentation of the 15 new 2026-2027 Green Mountain Book Award nominees!
~Devon Hannan, Youth Development and Adult Programming Librarian
Kimball Public Library

Equipping Communities with Health Literacy Skills for More Informed Choices
This session will highlight health literacy offerings from the UVM Libraries community outreach program, including the tactics and challenges in increasing health literacy in Vermont. Maria will offer train-the-trainer opportunities and resources that seek to sustain this work. Participants will engage firsthand with a sample health literacy session.
~Maria Avery, Community Outreach Manager, University of Vermont, Howe Library

Libraries & Legislation
Learn what impact a small action can make to advocate for libraries at the Statehouse.
~Margaret Woodruff

Child Nutrition Programs in Vermont Libraries
Learn about the federal Child Nutrition Programs, including the Summer Food Service Program, Afterschool Snack and Supper, and Universal School Meals, and how libraries can be involved.
~Sarah Bangs

Community Engagement with Front Porch Forum
Front Porch Forum is a locally-owned online communications platform used in every city and town in Vermont. Over three hundred library Staff, Board, and Friends actively use FPF as a valuable tool to inform, invite, and engage their local community! This session will provide detailed instruction, offer best practices, invite questions, and encourage outside-the-box strategies.
~Susannah Kerest

Howe – 001B 

Gather ideas and how-tos for a wide range of creative library-based camps for kids!
~Rebecca Rupp, Ph.D.
Chair, Swanton Public Library Board of Trustees
Howe Library Atrium

An informal get-together for Interlibrary Loan Professionals. Included is a brief tour of Howe ILL office.
~Scott Lovelette, Head of Resource Sharing, UVM Libraries
Howe Library Interlibrary Loan Office

A follow-up to the “When Things Get Tricky” presentation, this roundtable session will provide time for questions, practicing communication techniques, and connecting with peers navigating similar leadership challenges.
~Mary Danko, Director, Fletcher Free Library
Howe Library 2nd Floor Discussion Space

A fast-paced, hands-on showcase of how our Multimedia and Technology consultants help faculty and student researchers bring big ideas to life. Explore what’s possible with pro-level multimedia gear, high-powered computing, 3D printing, and podcasting tools, and see how these resources can power real research and teaching, plus creative, just-for-fun experimentation, too! The Tech Jam features five interactive breakout stations—drop in, try something new, ask questions, and move between sessions to build your own experience.
~Adam Repash, Digital Projects Specialist, Media Resources and Services, University of Vermont
Center for Multimedia Development Lab