2025-26 Continuing Education

Listed below are classes that will be offered by the State Library of Louisiana from December 2025 to 2026
Please note event registration conditions to ensure easy and problem-free participation.

Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 3:00 PM GMT

History of Libraries (Online)

What makes a library? The definition states that a library is an organized collection of printed or other library materials, or a combination thereof. We all know that the truth is far more nuanced than that. Over time libraries have evolved from a center for knowledge to so much more. Tune in for a special webinar and learn a few facts about how public libraries came to be.
Trainer: Michele Jones, Library Development
Cost: Free of charge
Dates/Times: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 am

14

January, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

E-rate Overview

 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

Register

22

January, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Youth Summer Reading Program- Rapides

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                                                                                                  
Date/Time:
Thursday, January 22, 2024, 9:00am – 3:30pm – Rapides (Westside)
Location:
5416 Provine Pl.
Alexandria, LA 71303

27

January, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Youth Summer Reading Program- State Library of Louisiana

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                                                                                                  
Date/Time:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 9:00am – 3:30pm – State Library of Louisiana
Location:
State Library of Louisiana
701 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

28

January, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

LSSC Reference and Information Services (11-week series)

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

29

January, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Youth Summer Reading Program- Lincoln

This course has hit capacity. Please contact libdev@library.la.gov to be added to the waitlist.

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

10

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Analog Preservation

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

19

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Adult Summer Reading Program- Lincoln

Adult Summer Reading Program
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

19

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

LSSC Foundations of Library Service

This course has hit capacity. Please contact libdev@library.la.gov to be added to the waitlist.

24

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

LSSC Cataloging and Classification (11-week series)


This course has hit capacity. Please contact libdev@library.la.gov to be added to the waitlist.

24

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Adult Summer Reading Program- Ascension

Adult Summer Reading Program
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

25

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

State Annual Report and Data Entry Training

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

26

February, 2026

3:00 PM GMT

Adult Summer Reading Program- Calcasieu

Adult Summer Reading Program
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

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