2025-26 Continuing Education

 This is an introduction and overview of the E-rate process. Topics can include the following:

       - Getting Started – the EPC System, entity information, etc.

       - Review of the procurement process – 470s, RFPs, contracts, evaluating bids

       - 471s, PIAs, Funding Commitments

       - Recordkeeping, reviewing audits, and any general E-Rate concerns

Trainer: Meg Placke, State Librarian; Kassandra Woods, IT

Cost: Free

This workshop is for library staff who conduct summer reading for children and teens. This year’s theme is Plant a Seed – Read. The session will cover preparation for summer reading, story times, performers, crafts, practical program ideas, decorations, and community partnerships. Participants will leave inspired and prepared to conduct their own summer reading programs.

Trainer: Guest Presenter

Cost: $45.00 per participant                                                                                                  

Thursday, January 22, 2024, 9:00am – 3:30pm – Rapides (Westside)

Location:

5416 Provine Pl.

Alexandria, LA 71303

This workshop is for library staff who conduct summer reading for children and teens. This year’s theme is Plant a Seed – Read! The session will cover preparation for summer reading, story times, performers, crafts, practical program ideas, decorations, and community partnerships. Participants will leave inspired and prepared to conduct their own summer reading programs.

Trainer: Guest Presenter

Cost: $45.00 per participant                                                                                                  

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 9:00am – 3:30pm – State Library of Louisiana

State Library of Louisiana

701 N. Fourth St.

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

This 11-week online course gives an overview of reference. Reference interview techniques, processes, and strategies are covered. The course also covers knowledge, use, and evaluation of basic reference tools and sources in all formats, basic search strategy, referral, and interlibrary loan procedures. Emphasis is placed on using this knowledge and skill to help library users locate needed information. Bibliographic and citation formats, legal issues, and ethics are also discussed. All sessions are 90-minute webinars, with homework assignments, readings, and a final exam. This course has been certified for the Library Support Staff Certification Program and is an optional course.

Trainer: Errin Levingston, Head of Reference and Brittney Russell, Reference Department

Cost: $200.00 per participant for Louisiana public library staff/ $300.00 for others

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Final Exam will be Wednesday, April 8, 2026

This workshop is for library staff who conduct summer reading for children and teens. This year’s theme is Plant a Seed – Read! The session will cover preparation for summer reading, story times, performers, crafts, practical program ideas, decorations, and community partnerships. Participants will leave inspired and prepared to conduct their own summer reading programs.

Trainer: Guest Presenter

Cost: $45.00 per participant                                                                                                  

Thursday, January 29, 2026, 9:00am – 3:30pm – Lincoln (Ruston)

Location:

The basics of analog archival preservation offers an accessible introduction to caring for physical historical materials such as photographs, tapes, documents, and film. Participants learn essential principles like proper handling, environmental control, and storage strategies that help slow deterioration and extend the life of collections. The session also highlights common risks—light, humidity, pollutants, and physical stress—and provides practical tips for creating low-cost, preservation-friendly setups. Whether new to the profession or a seasoned veteran, this webinar equips attendees with foundational knowledge to safeguard analog materials for future generations.

Trainer: Samuel Ayers, Louisiana Collection

Cost: $15.00 per participant

Let’s dig deep into summer as we plant a seed and read! While this workshop will review the new iRead material, it will also cover a variety of programming, promotion, and SRP tracking ideas that can be applied to your library’s summer reading. Light breakfast and snacks will be provided.

Trainer: Brittany Whitfield, Library Development

Cost: $25.00 per participant 

Address:

Address:

910 N. Trenton St.

Ruston, LA 71270

Let’s dig deep into summer as we plant a seed and read! While this workshop will review the new iRead material, it will also cover a variety of programming, promotion, and SRP tracking ideas that can be applied to your library’s summer reading. Light breakfast and snacks will be provided.

Trainer: Brittany Whitfield, Library Development

Cost: $25.00 per participant 

Address:

Address:

708 S Irma Blvd.

Gonzalez, LA 70737

We will have a new data entry software for 2026! This course will cover all aspects of navigating the new software, how to enter data for the State Annual Report, and cover new questions for 2026. All staff responsible for entering the data for the State Annual Report should take this training.

Trainer: Kelly LaRocca, Library Development

Cost: Free

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am

Let’s dig deep into summer as we plant a seed and read! While this workshop will review the new iRead material, it will also cover a variety of programming, promotion, and SRP tracking ideas that can be applied to your library’s summer reading. Light breakfast and snacks will be provided.

Trainer: Brittany Whitfield, Library Development

Cost: $25.00 per participant 

Address:

Address:

1320 N. Simmons St.

Lake Charles, LA 70601