Poster sessions provide a forum for library professionals to share their findings or successful ideas or innovations with colleagues without a formal presentation. During the conference, look for these informative sessions outside the exhibit hall on Monday and Tuesday.
Monday, October 20, 2025
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
AI Usage by Librarians in Western Pennsylvania
Britiny Hommey, Law Librarian at Beaver County Law Library
A study to determine if artificial intelligence was being utilized by law librarians and/or their patrons in the local area - and if so, how. The study was conducted as a poll that was distributed to various types of librarians. The data ranges across the board.
Big Things in Smaller Spaces The Pollinator Garden at the Williamsburg Public Library
Roane Lytle, Williamsburg Public Library
We installed a pollinator garden featuring native plants in a previously unused area at the side of the library building. Learn how we did it and how you might replicate at your library!
Hosting a Homeschool Science Fair
Nicole Husbands, Young Adult & Outreach Services Librarian, Indian Valley Public Library
Homeschool science fairs are a low-cost way for libraries to engage homeschooling families. They allow students to demonstrate what they have learned and provide an opportunity for public speaking in a supportive environment. This poster will provide an overview of how to run a science fair for your homeschool community.
Inclusive Summer Reading - Mapped Out
Hope Benson, Head of Children's Services and Outreach, Monroeville Public Library
Alan Rader, Assistant Director, Facilities and Technology, Monroeville Public Library
To make Summer Reading more accessible, we adjusted our strategy to fit our community, creating a way to engage children and caregivers by removing barriers, including limited technological access. We developed an easy-to-follow map that enables children to follow, maintain, and own it with minimal or no adult assistance.
Little Librarians: Library Training Camp for grade pre-K to grade 4.
Tiffany Harkleroad, Youth Services Manager, Butler Area Public Library
This children’s program series was offered in April 2025 as a weekly program for five weeks. Each week, participants learned some aspect of librarianship as a career option, which also tied into improving their information literacy skills as a library user. Participants earned weekly rewards for doing actual library tasks.
More Than Books: Creating a Culture of Engagement in the Community College Library
Mary Ellen G. Heckman, Dean of Library Services and Learning Resources, Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College Library staff wanted to increase engagement with students, staff, and faculty. The college is a smaller, Hispanic-serving institution with a commuter campus and many online students. The engagement efforts have included changes in the physical layout as well as targeting resources, services, and communication methods.
Outreach, Awards and More: Getting to Know the Pennsylvania Center for the Book!
Ellysa Stern Cahoy, Distinguished Librarian and Director, PA CFB, Penn State University Libraries
Casey Sennett, Outreach and Social Media Coordinator, PA CFB
Discover how the Pennsylvania Center for the Book connects with Pennsylvanians through national book awards, educational resources, and literary outreach. Learn how we promote Pennsylvania authors and books, celebrate children’s poetry and graphic novels, support family literacy, and help libraries statewide engage communities through reading and cultural programming.
Preservation PopUp! Joy and Authenticity in a Community Conservation Program
Charles Stuart Kline, Librarian, J. Lewis Crozer Library
True collaboration between libraries and communities requires mutual respect, active listening, and an openness to new perspectives. This poster presentation explores how a museum and a public library partnered to create Preservation PopUp!, a community conservation program that empowers library patrons to steward their own cultural heritage.
Senior Series: Service Information for Seniors and their Caregivers
Meaghann Campbell-Beard, Assistant Director, Spalding Memorial Library
The Spalding Memorial Library Senior Series brings community partners into our Library over a series of weeks to share information specific to the needs of Seniors and their caregivers. Including services, programs, and volunteer opportunities within their community. Attendees receive information from current & past sessions, and more!
Software Selection Made Easy: A Free Toolkit for Libraries
Victoria Freeny, Public Services Coordinator Librarian, Adams County Library System
Mary Jordan, Head of Technical Services, Hazleton Area Public Library
Discover a free Software Analysis Toolkit developed by one of the 2024 PaLA Leadership Academy groups to simplify software selection. Learn a step-by-step approach, key evaluation criteria, and how to customize comparison tools for your library’s needs, making software decisions easier and more confident.
Summer Reading is for Everyone!: Running a Virtual Summer Reading Program at an Academic Library
Rebecca J. Thompson, Coordinator of Instruction & Reference Services, Instruction & Reference Librarian, Corgan Library, King's College
How does an academic library engage students during the summer? Host a virtual summer reading challenge! See planning considerations and key takeaways from five years of successful programs that attracted students, faculty, staff, alumni, and outside participants and find inspiration to create your own fun and low-cost summer reading program.
Registration
Attendee registration is OPEN!
Early Bird Rates available through August 31.
Hotel Information
We have reserved blocks of rooms at both the Courtyard by Marriott and Sheraton Erie Bayfront at the conference rate of $150/night plus applicable occupancy taxes.(Currently,13%) Both hotels are attached to the convention center and offer stunning views of Presque Isle Bay. Lodging information will be included with your conference registration confirmation.
