How the Work of Fred Rogers Supports the Evolution of Public Libraries

***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***

Public libraries uphold a civic responsibility to provide communities a space to connect, learn, and grow collectively. Their identity reflects a global landscape of diverse viewpoints and history. Similarly, Fred Rogers worked tirelessly to create a welcoming neighborhood for all. In this on-demand webinar, attendees learn how Rogers’ philosophy aligns with the mission of public libraries and the three philosophical keys identified in a recent study; how to implement the Neighborhood of Make-Believe as an asset model approach when evaluating library services; and how to apply Rogers’ philosophy to support the wellbeing of library staff.

Originally presented December 18, 2024.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the three philosophical keys from the study and how they align with the mission of public libraries;
• Understand the relationship of Fred Rogers and public libraries;
• Define asset modeling and identify its connection to evaluating library services; and
• Identify the components of Rogers’ philosophy that support the wellbeing of library staff and how to apply them.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for all public library staff, library directors, and administrators.

Panelists

Dr. Zachary Stier (he/him) has been the director of children's services at Ericson Public Library in Boone, IA since October 2011. He has revolutionized services at the library for children and families through the expansion of early literacy programming; the redesign of space to emphasize play; family engagement initiatives; enhanced community partnerships with community, state, and national partners; after-school STEAM programming, to name a few. He was project director for NASA@My Library; is the project director for the library's equity project, Activating Community Voices; and project director for the library's piloted mobilized family engagement program, Little Engines. He recently became an independent consultant for the Space Science Institute. In 2011, Stier opened Mr. Z and Company, LLC a consultancy firm for educators and librarian. He is also an adjunct lecturer for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign iSchool graduate program teaching early literacy. He serves on numerous state and national boards and was recently selected to be part of the Fred Rogers Institute program, the Educators’ Neighborhood. He is a published author, and in 2024 was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker. He holds degrees from Grandview University, Drexel University, and Concordia Portland, as well as postgraduate studies in Early Childhood from Erikson Institute, and a Doctorate in Education from Concordia Chicago.

Gregg Behr (he/him), executive director of The Grable Foundation, is a father and children’s advocate whose work to ignite children’s curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster belonging in schools, libraries, museums, and beyond, has been celebrated around the world.

Ryan Rydzewski (he/him), communications officer at The Grable Foundation, a father, a former teacher, and an award-winning science and education journalist whose stories span everything from schools to space travel to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Important Registration Information

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Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).