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An Official Vermont Government Website

2020 Trustees and Friends Conference

Theme: Remaining Vital: Your Library as Community Connector in Uncertain Times

  • Dates: September 21-25, 2020
  • Where: Online
  • Cost: Free!

Conference Schedule

PDF of Conference Schedule with Full Descriptions.

Monday, September 21st

Tuesday, September 22nd

  • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (LIVE EVENT): Money Matters: Building Certainty in Uncertain Times with Gary Deziel
  • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (LIVE EVENT): What Do Librarians Really Do? A Panel of librarians, moderated by Joy Worland
  • Pre-Recorded Event: Trustee Trainings with Lara Keenan: 1. Trustee Duties and Responsibilities and 2. Laws for Libraries
  • Listserv Discussion Topic: How have you transferred your fundraising to the new COVID-19 environment? What new online fundraising ideas have you tried? What changes have you made to your usual fundraising techniques? What successes and challenges have you had?

Wednesday, September 23rd

  • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (LIVE EVENT): Successfully Navigating HR Challenges through the Pandemic for Library Trustees with Gary Deziel
  • 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (LIVE EVENT): Library Trivia with Special Guest Amanda Gustin from the VT Historical Society
  • Pre-Recorded Event: Trustee Trainings with Lara Keenan: 3. Fundraising Basics and 4. Succession Planning
  • Listserv Discussion Topic: What have your trustees and Friends groups done to make sure that you have a productive and successful partnership? How do you maintain open and honest communication? What do you partner on? Do you have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

Thursday, September 24th

  • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (LIVE EVENT): A Crash Course in Communications for Library Supporters with Kathy Dempsey
    • Please contact us for access to the videorecording, slides, and handout from this presentation.
  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (LIVE EVENT): Library Advocacy in 2020: Making the Case for Support During Uncertain Times with VT Library Association President Kevin Unrath
  • Pre-Recorded Event: Trustee Trainings with Lara Keenan: 5. Community Needs Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Advocacy
  • Listserv Discussion Topic: What ideas do you have for continuing your education about your roles and responsibilities as a library trustee or friend member?

Friday, September 25th