Statewide Gathering: Agenda and Purpose | Compendium

Compendium

News for Pennsyslvania Libraries

Statewide Gathering: Agenda and Purpose

by | Mar 11, 2025 | BLD News, BLD Updates, Deputy Secretary of Education and Commissioner for Libraries, Event, Library News, Office of Commonwealth Libraries

I think this is the post everyone has been waiting for!

What should I expect?
Creating community, providing support, and encouraging collaboration is central to our mission as library professionals. These Statewide Gatherings are a response to the ongoing feedback BLD has received to provide more opportunities to build community and create connection with fellow library workers through in-person events and training.  

We will look to gather as much direct feedback as possible and your input will directly inform future Statewide Gatherings. We encourage you to come prepared to share your ideas around how we can work together to grow the impact of PA libraries and how BLD can support you and your library. Our goal is to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing to spark innovation and new ideas.   

The agenda for all four events is as follows, but is still subject to change:

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Check-in
  • 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Welcome and Introductions
  • 10:00 – 10:15 AM – Break
  • 10:15 – 11:45 AM – Mini Meetups with BLD Staff
  • 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM – Lunchtime Keynote: State Librarian Sue Banks will share updates on the Statewide Needs Assessment, among other topics.
  • 1:15 – 2:15 PM – The BLD Trivia Challenge
  • 2:15 – 2:30 PM – Break
  • 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Input and Information Gathering
  • 3:30 – 3:45 PM – Closing Remarks

Who should attend?
We encourage all Pennsylvania library staff to attend. Volunteers and trustees are not the intended audience for this event.  

How do I register?
There will be four Statewide Gatherings across the Commonwealth. Find registration information below.  

  1. Monday, April 14, 2025 at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 (2400 Reach Rd, Williamsport, PA 17701) 
    • RSVP form for this event. The form will close on Friday, March 21, 2025, or when the event is full – whichever comes first.
  2. Monday, April 28, 2025 at Berks County Intermediate Unit (1111 Commons Blvd, Reading, PA 19605) 
    • RSVP form for this event. The form will close on Friday, April 4, 2025, or when the event is full – whichever comes first.
  3. Friday, May 23, 2025 at Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 (453 Maple St, Grove City, PA 16127) 
    • RSVP form for this event. The form will close on Friday, May 2, 2025, or when the event is full – whichever comes first.
    • Due to a scheduling conflict, Sue will be unable to attend the Statewide Gathering on May 23rd. Heather Sharpe will be the keynote for that event.
  4. Friday, June 6, 2025 at Northeastern IU (1200 Line St, Archbald, PA 18403) 
    • RSVP form for this event. The form will close on Friday, May 16, 2025, or when the event is full – whichever comes first. 

If you have additional questions, please reach out via LibAnswers.  

The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports libraries and library services for Pennsylvanians through the administration of state and federally funded programs and grant opportunities including LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), Library Access, LAMP (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the Public Library Subsidy, and Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. BLD also provides advisory services, professional development, and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries.

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