PCI Webinars for May 2025
Upcoming free learning opportunities from People Connect Institute
These learning opportunities are provided to NC library staff free of charge because federal LSTA funding. Learn more about how LSTA funding supports libraries statewide on the State Library of North Carolina’s website.
The Loneliness Epidemic: Your Libraries Role in Socialization
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 7th from 2:00-3:00 pm EST
Loneliness has been deemed a public health crisis, and libraries might be poised to help resolve it. Libraries are generally recognized as places where we can gain knowledge and better ourselves. Can that include libraries playing a role in decreasing loneliness and improving our health through socialization?
As pillars of the community, libraries help build community, which supports our health and well-being.
Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, dementia, anxiety, obesity, and addiction at the personal level. At the community level, social isolation can lead to polarization and less cooperation.
This program will discuss the heath detriments of loneliness and ways libraries are already viewed as resources that can combat this.
As a result of this program attendees will:
name 5 possible health detriments linked to loneliness
explain how libraries can foster community engagement and lessen social isolation
Developing Library Services for Teens with Disabilities
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 14th from 2:00-3:00 pm EST
Public libraries have a mission to serve and include all members of the community, including teens with disabilities. In this webinar, develop a comprehensive plan to welcome teens with disabilities at your library. In this workshop, attendees will learn about collections and technologies for teens with disabilities, innovative programs ideas, and suggestions for outreach and forging partnerships in the community.
Participants will also learn how to develop best practices for building relationships with teens, working with caregivers, and inclusive customer service.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Learn about issues facing teens with disabilities and possible barriers to library access
Gather at least 5 tips for building positive and trusting relationships with teens with disabilities
Learn about at least 5 ideas for library programs for teens with disabilities
Learn about at least 3 ideas for library and community partnerships to support teens with disabilities
Cultivating AI Literacy in Your Patrons: How to Help Patrons (And Yourself!) Adapt to Our Ai-Driven World
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21st from 2:00-3:00 pm EST
Artificial Intelligence is here! We and our patrons are engaging with it every day, whether we know it or not. In this workshop, librarian Terezita Reyes Overduin will share strategies and resources for cultivating AI literacy in yourself and your patrons.
Participants will engage with the concepts, impacts, limitations, and ethical implications of generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, and come away with strategies for learning more about these tools and how to spark curiosity in your patrons about the impact AI has had on our world.
This program is part of PCI’s collaborative learning project with California Libraries. (CALL).
Appy Hour 2.0
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28th from 2:00-3:00 pm EST
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a productivity guru, or simply curious about the latest app trends, join us for an engaging and interactive webinar where we dive into the world of apps. In this session, we will explore a curated selection of apps handpicked by our hosts. We will be featuring a variety of apps during the webinar, with some being recommended for their practicality and excellence, while others have been selected to inspire interesting conversations and diverse viewpoints.
This blend ensures that our session will not only introduce you to valuable apps but also encourage engaging discussions and the sharing of different perspectives among participants.
Be ready to share your favorite apps with fellow participants and get inspired by new recommendations from others.
Looking for more learning opportunities? Find even more on-demand sessions in the SLNC Academy.
This program is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-253645-OLS-23).
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