Summer Symposium

The CT State Library Division of Library Development is pleased to offer, yet again, the in person Summer Symposium!

While Summer library programs may look different in every town in the state, there are best practices, training, and ideals that can benefit all library workers on town, state, and national levels.

At this years Summer Symposium, attendees will dive into the core concepts of connected learning and how those principles can help library workers connect to the youth in their communities. They will learn why and how building and maintaining authentic partnerships with local organizations provide opportunities to connect with community residents who aren't (or can't be) regular library users. And we'll have fun exploring activities from the iREAD manual and give attendees and opportunity to share some of their favorite library programs with each other!

The Summer Symposium will provide an opportunity for information gathering and communication around summer reading, summer services, and how libraries serve their community.

The days schedule: 

  • 9:30-10:00 | Registration
  • 10:00-11:00 | Connected Learning and Youth Engagement
  • 11:00-11:15 | Break
  • 11:15-12:00 | Small Table: Program Swap Speed Dating
  • 12:00-1:00| Lunch break *Don't forget to bring your own lunch and snacks!*
  • 1:00-2:00 | Branching Out: Beyond School Partnerships
  • 2:00-2:45 | Small Table: iREAD summer crafts
  • 2:45-3:45 | Summer Programming for Neurodivergent Youth
  • 3:45-4:00 | Closing!

Who Should Come?

Perfect for anyone who works in youth services during the summer including children and YA library staff. 

Accessibility 

All presentations will have captions turned on and there will be sections of the day that require the use of scissors and other craft items. If you require another access service to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 14 days prior to the event.

Related LibGuide: Summer With the Library by Kymberlee Powe

Date:
Friday, March 20, 2026
Time:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Location:
Middletown Library Service Center, 786 South Main St., Middletown
Categories:
DLD Workshop

Registration is required. There are 3 seats available.

Event Accessibility for Guests with Disabilities

We want to provide what you need to participate!

If you require access services to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days prior to the event.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Gail Hurley at gail.hurley@ct.gov or (860) 704-2223.

You can also see our Library and Accessibility LibGuide for more information.

Registration Eligibility

To register for a DLD workshop or webinar, you must be one of the following:

  • current library staff member
  • undergraduate or graduate library student
  • Friend or Board Member/Trustee*
  • retired or unemployed library staff

Please contact Gail Hurley at gail.hurley@ct.gov or (860) 704-2223 with registration questions.

*Unless otherwise specified that a Friend or Board Member/Trustee is not eligible for a training or workshop.

Note: paid consultants are not eligible to attend DLD workshops or webinars.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend a workshop you have registered for, please remember to cancel at least 3 days in advance so we can give your spot to someone else. You can cancel via the link in your confirmation email, or by contacting Gail Hurley gail.hurley@ct.gov | (860) 704-2222.

Those who miss (without cancelling) 3 events within a 6-month period will be placed on the waiting list when registering for future events. Be sure to sign in when you arrive for any workshop.

Inclement Weather Policy

For all in-person workshops offered by the CT State Library, Division of Library Development:

If the public schools in the town where the workshop is to be held close due to weather, the workshop will be canceled. If the schools have a delay, the workshop will go on as scheduled.

For the most up-to-date information, call us at 860-704-2200.

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Continuing Education workshops and the professional development collection are funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.