Webinar Description: 

As public libraries find themselves on the frontlines of our nation’s homelessness crisis, they strive to serve their most vulnerable patrons – diverse folks of all ages, living their private lives in public – while facing challenges from all angles. In this webinar, former library director Jen Graney will speak about her experience and provide tools to help protect what public libraries stand for as institutions and to help advocate for and serve our vulnerable patrons.

After this webinar, you will: 

• Be able to affirm that libraries do this work and back up the claim by pointing to library values and ALA policy.
• Know how to start assessing your library’s policies, procedures, and daily operations in terms of how they impact patrons experiencing poverty and homelessness.
• Know where to find (1) valuable staff training and (2) crucial education for yourself, staff, trustees, and the general public about the experience of living with poverty and homelessness as well as some possible ways forward.
• Remember to make your personal wellbeing your #1 priority.

About the Presenter:

Jen Graney holds an MLIS from Syracuse University and an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. From January 2020 to April 1, 2024, she was the library director at Cortland Free Library; prior to that she worked at the Fayetteville Free Library and CLRC. She recently taught a course on essay writing for young adults and continues to work on a manuscript and creative projects while seeking her next professional opportunity.

Registration is Required