FYI,

Safety on Spotlight: Addressing Threats in Public Libraries

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 2:00 – 3:00 ET

This free virtual town hall is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA) in collaboration with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)

Public libraries are increasingly responding to violent and inflammatory speech and targeted attacks on their buildings, workers, and patrons. Over the last two weeks of September, libraries in five cities faced bomb or shooting threats that resulted in canceled events and closures. These incidents also come directly on the heels of widespread intimidation related to censorship in the past year. Thankfully, no one was hurt in these recent threats, but the stress and disruption of service take a toll on library workers and the communities they serve.

Facing such threats to our basic safety can often be traumatic and isolating. The Public Library Association (PLA)—in collaboration with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)—invites all library workers to join a virtual event to reflect and share with public library colleagues across the country. During this event, panelists will participate in a facilitated conversation that explores effective policies and practices to improve safety and security for library staff and patrons, and invites questions and resources to be shared among all attendees.

To meet the high demand for this virtual event, PLA has increased our Zoom capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 registrants. Registration will close if we meet the 3,000 limit, but the recording will be freely available on the PLA website.

Register now to reserve your seat: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/...

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Samantha Lopez
Manager, Marketing and Membership
American Library Association | Public Library Association
She/Her/Hers
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Forwarded by:

Sharon Rawlins, MLS (she/her/hers)

Youth Services Specialist

Library Development Bureau

New Jersey State Library

P. 609-278-2640 x116

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W. www.njstatelib.org

185 West State Street

P.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ  08625