2026 United for Libraries Virtual - Full Conference

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logo showing open books with stars rising from the book, and the words United for Libraries Virtual 2026

Dates: July 28-30, 2026


This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.

  • Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters.
  • Network with colleagues across the country.
  • Enjoy microlearning sessions, Book Buzz videos featuring forthcoming titles, the keynote, and Virtual Gala Author Tea.
  • View on-demand sessions for one year after the live event.
  • Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing).
The Zoom room opens at 10:30 am Eastern each day. Programming runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern with scheduled breaks.

Scroll down to the bottom of this listing for session descriptions or visit the United for Libraries website for the list of sessions with descriptions and speaker bios.


Affordable registration rates include live attendance and on-demand access. Download the 2026 United for Libraries Virtual Pricing and Details handout for registration options, pricing, discounts, and a FAQ.


Individual Full Conference Registration
This course listing is for individual full conference registration and includes live and/or on-demand access to three days of programming. 
  • Each registration is for one person to attend live and access on-demand.
  • Group viewing is not permitted with the purchase of individual registration.

 

Other Registration Options

 

Individual Single Day or Multiple Day Registration
Visit the link(s) below to purchase individual registration for one or more single days.
Group Viewing Single Day or Multiple Day Registration
Group Viewing is available for single or multiple day registration and is only available by invoice request. Full details, including pricing and discounts, are available on the Group Viewing Invoice Request Form.


Save with Member Discounts, Early Bird, and Multiple Seat Options

 
Member Discounts
  • United for Libraries personal members save 35% off the list price.
  • ALA personal members save 10% off the list price.
Multiple Seats
  • Purchase 3 or more seats - save an extra 15%
Early Bird
  • Save an extra $15 off per seat on Individual Full Conference registration through July 23, 2026.
  • Discount applies on top of member discount and multiple seat purchase discount.


Conference Programs and Sessions

This course listing is for full conference registration and includes the programs listed below. To purchase a single day, please visit the above link(s).
 
Keynote
The keynote will be announced soon.

Book Buzzes
Learn about forthcoming titles from United's publishing partners, including great book club selections.
 
Microlearning
Each day will feature one or more microlearning sessions (15-20 minutes).
 
Educational Sessions
The Zoom room opens each day at 10:30 am Eastern. Programming runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern with scheduled breaks. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for program descriptions.

Trustee / Board Member Day -  Tuesday, July 28, 2026
  • Be the BEST Public Library Trustee You Can Be
  • Breaking Down Silos: Building Stronger Partnerships Between Boards and Library Leadership
  • From Strategy to Advocacy: How State Libraries and Boards Drive Innovation and Funding for Local Impact
  • Library Champions: Building Advocates Through Shared Learning
  • Navigating the Hiring Process: Finding the Right Director for Your Library
Foundations and Fundraising Day - Wednesday, July 29, 2026
  • Beyond the Book: How Libraries Can Fundraise with Author Events
  • Case Study: Engaging Volunteers, Donors and Staff to Create a Strategic Fundraising Plan
  • Collaboration, Communication, and Flexibility: Working Together to Reach Campaign Goals
  • Making the Most of Milestones: Golden Opportunities in Library Fundraising
Friends of the Library Day - Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • A National Model of Access: Learning from National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) and Friends of the Library Partnerships
  • Collaborative Leadership: Building More Agile and Resilient Friends Organizations
  • Successful Online Sales for Friends of the Library Fundraising
  • Supersize Your Friends Group: Fundraising, Connections, and Fun!

 

How to Purchase Individual Full Conference Registration

 
United for Libraries Personal Member
  • Click the "Register" button above or below.
  • Click "Login" in the upper right corner. Enter the login associated with your membership.
  • United for Libraries personal member pricing. Eligible discounts included in these prices:
    • Early Bird (Through July 23): $88.35
    • Regular Registration (On/After July 24): $103.35
  • Enter the signup code you received on the dashboard in the Sign Up Code box.
  • If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.

ALA Personal Member
  • Click the "Register" button above or below.
  • Click "Login" in the upper right corner. Enter the login associated with your ALA membership.
  • ALA member pricing. Eligible discounts included in these prices:
    • Early Bird (Through July 23): $128.10
    • Regular Registration (On/After July 24): $143.10
  • Enter the signup code you received on the dashboard in the Sign Up Code box.
  • If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.

Statewide FREE Registration Partners - MA, MI, NE, OR, SC, VA
  • Your state has purchased statewide registration making both live attendance and on-demand access FREE to all library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, Friends, and Foundations regardless of library type.
    • Already enrolled in your statewide access course? Go the landing page of your statewide course and click the link for 2026 United for Libraries Virtual.
    • Not enrolled in your statewide access course? Complete the alternate registration form.
  • If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.

Statewide All Access Discounted Registration Partners - MD, MN, ND
  • Eligible discounts included in these prices:
    • Early Bird (Through July 23): $88.35
    • Regular Registration (On/After July 24): $103.35
  • Register, request coupon, or request invoice:
    • If you are already registered in you state's training course, go to your dashboard and locate the coupon code on the landing page of your state training course. Enter that coupon code at checkout to receive the 35% off list price discount.
    • To request an invoice, submit the 2026 United for Libraries Virtual Invoice Request Form.
  • If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance
Statewide Training Discounted Registration Partners - IL, IN, NV
  • Eligible discounts included in these prices:
    • Early Bird (Through July 23): $112.20
    • Regular Registration (On/After July 24): $127.20
  • Register, request coupon, or request invoice:
    • If you are already registered in your state's training course, go to your dashboard and locate the coupon code on the landing page of your state training course. Enter that coupon code at checkout to receive the 20% off list price discount.
    • To request an invoice, submit the 2026 United for Libraries Virtual Invoice Request Form.
  • If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.

Non-Member
  • Click the "Register" button above or below.
  • Click "Login" in the upper right corner. If needed, create a free login.
  • Non-member pricing. Eligible discounts included in these prices:
    • Early Bird (Through July 23): $144.00
    • Regular Registration (On/After July 24): $159.00
  • Enter the signup code you received on the dashboard in the Sign Up Code box.
  • If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.
 
If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.


Program Descriptions


The Zoom room opens each day at 10:30 am Eastern. Programming runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern with scheduled breaks.


Trustee / Board Member Day: Tuesday, July 28, 2026


Be the BEST Public Library Trustee You Can Be
Leanne Furby, Project Manager and Developer of the iLEAD (Leadership, Empowerment, Accessibility, and Development for Public Library Trustees) initiative at the Illinois Heartland Library System

This program is built specifically for library Boards of Trustees, focusing on the topics that matter most to them. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of board experience, this session is packed with practical insights to strengthen your leadership. We’ll dive into ethics, proven strategies for running effective board meetings, and how to structure your board for success. You’ll gain a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, especially the key differences between the library director and trustee roles. Plus, we’ll share innovative ways to bring this training to your trustees through online learning, making it easier than ever to build strong, informed boards.

Breaking Down Silos: Building Stronger Partnerships Between Boards and Library Leadership
Jaketha Farmer, Assistant Library Director, DeSoto (TX) Public Library

Libraries depend on strong relationships between leadership, staff, and governing bodies to effectively serve their communities. However, many organizations experience internal silos that create barriers to communication, alignment, and shared decision-making. This session explores how silos can develop not only within library operations, but also between leadership and governance. Participants will examine common patterns that contribute to misalignment and learn practical strategies to strengthen communication, clarify roles, and support more effective collaboration between directors and trustees.

Drawing from professional experience and organizational leadership research, this session provides a framework for recognizing silo behaviors and offers actionable approaches that support transparency, collaboration, and shared understanding across all levels of the organization.

From Strategy to Advocacy: How State Libraries and Boards Drive Innovation and Funding for Local Impact
Nicholas Alexander Brown-Cáceres, Chief of the Library of Congress Music Division, and Morgan Lehr Miller, Maryland State Librarian and Head of the State Library Agency

State libraries are often the unseen engines behind local library success, driving innovation, coordinating services, and ensuring equitable access across entire states. Using Maryland as a case study, this session explores how a modern state library agency, in partnership with its state library board, functions as both an innovation hub and a strategic advocate. Participants will gain insight into how statewide planning, cross-sector partnerships, and data-informed decision-making translate into real-world impact—from digital inclusion and broadband initiatives to specialized services like the Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled. The session will also highlight how state library boards play a critical governance role in setting direction, ensuring accountability, and advancing a vision for innovation.

Equally important, this session introduces a second, often underexplored dimension of board leadership: advocacy. Attendees will learn how state library boards can effectively champion funding for innovation at both the state and federal levels, including engagement with programs such as IMLS/LSTA and partnerships that expand resources for local libraries. Grounded in practical examples, this session offers trustees a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how state-level leadership and advocacy work together to strengthen libraries at every level.

Library Champions: Building Advocates Through Shared Learning
Sheila Schofer, Director, Ames (IA) Public Library; Megan Klein-Hewett, Adult Services Manager, Ames (IA) Public Library, Tracy Briseño, Customer Account Services Manager, Ames (IA) Public Library, Brianne Anderson, Youth Services Manager, Ames (IA) Public Library, and Alissa Dornink, Resource Services Manager, Ames (IA) Public Library

In the last five years, Iowa has seen an overwhelming number of library averse bills in the state legislature. As a way to combat misinformation and build community trust, Ames Public Library created a program for library advocates called Library Champions. Through this four-part series, library staff teach community advocates about library principles, policy, and procedures, then give participants a chance to use the knowledge they’ve learned through engaging exercises.  

This program will share how the Library Champions program was created, clarify the vital role of the Library Board in supporting library advocacy, and provide details about how your public library can create a similar cohort of library advocates.

Navigating the Hiring Process: Finding the Right Director for Your Library
Tanya Ryals, Integrated Library Systems Specialist, University of Northern Iowa and former Public Library Director

Hiring a new library director comes with many challenges but, also, with many opportunities for the future growth of your library. This session will prepare trustees for how to navigate the process and find a great candidate. This session is a great fit for all trustees, even those who do not foresee an upcoming director transition.

Foundations / Fundraising Day: Wednesday, July 29, 2026


Beyond the Book: How Libraries Can Fundraise with Author Events
Skip Dye, SVP, Library Sales and Digital Strategy, Penguin Random House; Tiffany Tomlin, Vice President, Executive Director, Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau; Gary Branson, Executive Director/Fiscal Officer, Marion (OH) Public Library; Ruth Ozeki, Author, Penguin Random House, and Lauren Trujillo, Foundation Director, Santa Barbara (CA) Public Library Foundation

Author events have long been a favorite way for libraries to engage their communities—but they can also be powerful fundraising opportunities. This panel brings together a representative from a leading speakers bureau, a library professional who has successfully coordinated fundraising author programs, and an author with firsthand experience participating in such events. Together, they will demystify the process of working with speakers bureaus, highlight best practices, and share practical strategies for libraries of all sizes.

From understanding the right questions to ask when booking a speaker to exploring the wide variety of event formats—from intimate conversations to large-scale galas—you’ll leave with ideas to match your library’s resources and community. Whether you have a large budget or are working within the constraints of a small to mid-size library, this discussion will provide creative, scalable approaches to making author appearances both memorable and financially impactful.

Case Study: Engaging Volunteers, Donors and Staff to Create a Strategic Fundraising Plan
Natalie Starosta, Library Director, Lake Bluff (Illinois) Public Library and Lauren Chilvers, Fundraising Librarian, LLC

The North Riverside Library Foundation has a long history of devoted and invested community members. In 2021 the long-time fund-raising group, Friends of the Library, merged with the Library Foundation to create the dynamic Foundation & Friends group. After merging with the Friends group, they were ready to take their connections, energy and passion for the library to the next level and engaged the consulting company, Fundraising Librarian. Together the Fundraising Librarian and the North Riverside Library Foundation audited their past activities, conducted interviews with members of the Foundation, and developed a plan with actionable steps. Now the North Riverside Library Foundation is primed to become the premier philanthropic priority in their community.

This case study emphasizes inclusive engagement throughout the strategic fundraising process. By conducting stakeholder interviews and gathering feedback from a wide range of volunteers, donors, and staff, the North Riverside Library Foundation ensured that diverse perspectives were represented in the fundraising audit and planning. This inclusive approach not only honors the contributions of all community members but also identifies opportunities to reach historically underrepresented groups in philanthropy. Additionally, the strategies developed—including communication messaging, social media planning, and donor engagement—prioritize accessibility and clear, equitable outreach, helping ensure that all community members can participate in supporting the library’s mission. The process demonstrates how inclusive planning and representation strengthen organizational capacity and community impact.

Collaboration, Communication, and Flexibility: Working Together to Reach Campaign Goals
Charity Tyler, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids (IA) Public Library Foundation and Dara Schmidt, Director, Cedar Rapids (IA) Public Library

Learn how a Library Foundation Director and Library Leadership Team executed a successful capital campaign that raised more than $10 million by working together from idea to concept to grand opening. Presenters will share stories about working with individual and corporate donors giving smaller gifts to seven-figure gifts and grant opportunities. Hear how this Iowa public library and its foundation built a new 40,000 square foot library branch when many community members said couldn’t be done.

In this session, you will learn how to (1) recognize what successful collaboration and cooperation between Library Foundation and Library Leadership looks like when pursuing campaign goals; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the steps required when considering, launching, and completing a capital campaign, and (3) identify scenarios where the need for flexibility and innovation are necessary while working with major gift donors and their unexpected needs, requests, or requirements.

Making the Most of Milestones: Golden Opportunities in Library Fundraising
Angela Daniels, Librarian, The Alternative School for Math and Science; Joyce Garczynski, Assistant University Librarian for Communication & Digital Scholarship, Towson University; Kate Nardin, Chief Development Officer, Chicago Public Library Foundation, and Amy Katzenberger, Director of Development, American Library Association

From groundbreakings to anniversaries, milestones provide libraries with opportunities to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate. They also can be extraordinary fundraising catalysts that build community and inspire new philanthropy. In this panel discussion, experienced fundraisers, library advocates, and supporters will discuss how to identify milestone fundraising opportunities, develop impactful milestone outreach, as well as how to successfully engage donors before, during, and after milestones.

The program will begin with audience members sharing their experiences with library milestones. Then panelists from a variety of different library types will add their perspectives on how they have created donor-engaging programs, exhibits, and communications connected to anniversaries, dedications, and other commemorations. The session will continue with questions from the moderator about how to address the challenges that can come with milestone fundraising and then will conclude with questions from the audience.

Friends of the Library Day: Thursday, July 30, 2026


A National Model of Access: Learning from National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) and Friends of the Library Partnerships
Juliette Appold, Head, NLS Music Section, Library of Congress; John Owen, Director, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled; Melissa Riccobono, President, Friends of the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and Mark Santangelo, Chief, Patron and Network Engagement Division, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress

At a time when libraries are called upon to demonstrate impact, expand access, and serve diverse communities, partnerships matter more than ever. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) offers a powerful, federally funded model that local libraries and their Friends groups can leverage to significantly broaden services at no cost to their institutions or patrons.

This session introduces a practical toolkit for Trustees, Friends, and Advocates to strengthen their library’s reach by connecting with NLS resources, including hundreds of thousands of accessible books, instructional materials, and music scores for people who are blind, low vision, or print disabled. Through real-world examples, this panel will demonstrate how these partnerships translate into expanded services, stronger advocacy, and measurable community impact. Participants will leave with concrete strategies to expand library services beyond local budget limits, strengthen advocacy narratives with measurable impact, and build meaningful partnerships that reach underserved populations.

Collaborative Leadership: Building More Agile and Resilient Friends Organizations
Kathleen O’Connell Renaud, President & CEO, Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA)

Friends organizations play a vital role in strengthening libraries—raising essential funds, building community connections, and championing the library’s mission. But sustaining that impact requires organizations that are adaptable, resilient, and able to engage volunteers in meaningful ways. Traditional leadership structures can unintentionally limit participation when roles become oversized, outdated, or disconnected from decision-making. Silos and limited communication between teams can further constrain innovation and make it harder to respond to changing volunteer expectations.

Drawing on an ongoing transformation within a large Friends association, this session explores how a shift toward collaborative leadership has unlocked new energy, ideas, and opportunities. By empowering volunteers to help shape roles, teams, and ways of working, the organization has created more flexible structures, greater transparency, and stronger alignment around strategy and goals. The results have been striking: increased volunteer engagement, a richer flow of ideas, stronger community connections, and growing revenues. Participants will learn how distributing leadership and encouraging co-creation can help Friends organizations become more nimble, innovative, and resilient—while creating more rewarding and impactful volunteer experiences.

Successful Online Sales for Friends of the Library Fundraising
Diane Tuccillo, Author, The Library Friends and Foundations Handbook, and Board Member, Knox County (TN) Friends of the Library

Beyond traditional book sales, some FOLs have discovered that online selling can be as, or way more, financially productive. However, many groups are reluctant to try this new way of making money for their libraries because they can't imagine where to begin. This session is designed to encourage the design and development of online selling for FOLs with guidelines for set up, running, and evaluating such fundraising endeavors in several sales formats. Find out how you can raise more money for your library from a FOL online sales team member who will share advice, information, and inspiration with step-by-step procedures and techniques to move forward into this exciting area of fundraising.

After this session, you will be able to (1) organize an online sales team, designate its leadership, devise all policies and procedures, and create an effective training process; (2) evaluate and choose the most appropriate online sales platform for each particular organization, and (3) know and apply best practices for evaluating donated books/materials for potential sale, pricing worthwhile books/materials, and creating effective sales listings to attract potential buyers.

Supersize Your Friends Group: Fundraising, Connections, and Fun!
Marian Amodeo, Vice president, Friends of Meriden Library and Becky Starr, Member, Friends of the Meriden Public Library

2024 was a banner year for the Friends, and it has continued into 2026. The Friends raised $400,000 towards the library renovation and addition project; they added a new and innovative fundraiser- a wine, beer and spirit tasting- that raised a profit of $11,000 in three hours, and the bookstore brought in over $18,000 for the year. Also, grants from private foundations, underwritten by the Friends, brought in $50,000. In addition to our other fundraising activities, the Friends raises monies through volunteer management of one of the largest Friends of the Library sponsored used books stores in the state. Membership dues raised over $4,000 for a membership of 200+. We are proud of what we have accomplished and want to tell other Friends groups about us and how we accomplished these amazing feats by working hard and smart, making community and business connections, and having fun! 

This program will discuss how the Friends in conjunction with the Library staff, stay connected to current donors and seek out new funding opportunities. The Friends are also working in conjunction with the Library Board to set up a foundation to be managed by the Friends on behalf of the Library. The Friends of the Library is a 100% volunteer organization and with monies raised, the Friends assist the library in providing a variety of cultural and educational events as well as a variety of literacy-based programing.


If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.

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