Hybrid: Library Board Networking and Learning

You are invited to join your colleagues from the SCKLS region for an evening of connection, networking, and professional growth. This special hybrid event brings together library board members and library directors to learn and share. In-person and virtual attendees will participate in a featured presentation. 

Stronger Together: Building Effective Library Boards and Leadership Teams
Guest Presenter Ashley Stewart, EveryLibrary

An effective library board doesn’t operate in isolation -- it thrives through strong relationships. This training provides a comprehensive overview of board responsibilities, the key leadership role of the library director, and how supportive organizations, like Friends and Foundations, contribute to the library’s mission. Learn how to clarify roles, avoid overreach or duplication, and build a collaborative culture rooted in trust, transparency, and shared goals. 

In this hybrid training session, you will:

• Define the distinct roles and responsibilities of library board members, the library director, Friends groups, and library foundations to ensure effective governance and minimize role confusion.
• Demonstrate strategies for building strong, collaborative relationships among the board, director, and support organizations that align with the library’s mission and strategic goals.
• Identify common challenges and best practices in board governance and intergroup collaboration, with an emphasis on communication, accountability, and community impact.

Whether you are a new trustee or a seasoned board member, this event will provide practical tools to help your library govern with confidence and lead with purpose. 

Please join in person or as a virtual attendee to experience an evening of meaningful dialogue and professional connection.

Guest presenter Ashley Stewart is the Campaign Strategist at EveryLibrary and the former Director of the Caseyville Public Library District.  She served for four years as a Trustee for Collinsville Township and on the advisory council for Madison County’s Community Services Block Grant. She is currently a member of the Illinois Library Association’s Public Library Standards Committee. Ashley graduated from SIUE with a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She is a former macro social work instructor and field supervisor for practicum students. Ashley is a sought-after speaker at library conferences and is a guest lecturer for MLS/MLIS and MSW programs across the country.

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Attention Board Members... 

Please click the link below to complete a survey, which will help SCKLS better understand your needs.

https://bit.ly/sckls-board

EVENT NOTES

Registration Details | Registration is limited. The deadline for registration is seven days prior to the event. Cancellations are requested 24 hours in advance of the event.

Recorded | Only the featured presentation will be recorded. If you register, please attend the live event.

Special Needs | SCKLS may be able to accommodate special needs with at least 48-hour advance notice. Contact SCKLS Training Specialist Katherine Hughes. 

Online registrants | Webinar access information will be emailed to online registrants prior to the event. The online event will begin at 5:30 p.m., when the presentation will begin. Virtual attendees are welcome to stay for the remainder of the event.

In-person registrants | This event will be held in the Newton Public Library meeting room. The library is located at 223 E. 7th Street in Newton. Click here for Google Maps directions. SCKLS may be able to accommodate special needs with advance notice. 

Meals | A boxed dinner will be provided to in-person attendees, compliments of SCKLS. Standard, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available. Meal preference must be communicated at the time of registration. Individuals with food allergies should exercise caution and may bring their own lunch. SCKLS will reimburse meal costs up to $15 with the presentation of a receipt. 

Newton Public Library tour | Tour begins at 4:30 p.m. for in-person attendees who are interested.