8:30 – 9 am: Registration
9 am: Announcements/Housekeeping
9:15 – 10:45 am: Opening Session on Constructive Communication
11  – 11:45 am: Break Out Sessions #1
12 – 12:45: Break Out Sessions #2
12:45 – 2 pm: Lunch/Optional Activities
2 – 2:45 pm: Break Out Sessions #3
2:45 – 3 pm: Break
3 – 3:45 pm: Closing Session on Prioritizing Culture for a Healthier Team
3:45 pm: Door Prizes/Wrap Up

9:15 – 10:45 am: Opening Session

Constructive Communication
Presenter: Rachel Arndt, RAC Consulting

Newton’s Third Law explains that “for every action, there is a reaction.” Communication is no different. Constructive dialogue requires participants to take turns speaking, listening, and responding.

This Opening Session begins with a review of communication archetypes and their strengths and challenges. Since communication is a two-way street, the session will shift into response styles and examine how our listening skills further shape interpersonal communication. The session also includes strategies to reset and repair when miscommunication happens. Participants will leave the session with personal insight and actionable communication approaches useful for interactions with colleagues and patrons.

11  – 11:45 am: Break Out Sessions #1
Energized Meetings
Presenter: Rachel Arndt, RAC Consulting

Meetings may be inevitable, but they don’t have to feel like a chore. What if your next meeting was effective and energizing? What if there were methods and strategies for library workers to contribute to successful meetings? This session will define different meeting formats and purposes. Attendees will learn about the meeting rights and responsibilities of all participants; develop methods for constructive participation, and evaluate behaviors that can steer meetings toward (or away from) productivity. 

You’re Already Doing Marketing
Presenter: Chad Glamann, Web & Marketing Coordinator, Outagamie Waupaca Library System

Many library staff juggle marketing alongside other responsibilities. Oftentimes, marketing efforts are an afterthought instead of a priority.  Or, it’s hard to determine where to begin. This session breaks down 15 simple marketing tips that will help library programs, services, and events stand out without adding extra work. By focusing on clarity, consistency, and realistic strategies, take away tips that will work in real library settings.

12 – 12:45: Break Out Sessions #2

Shhh Happens: Handling Those Who Test Our-shelves and Sanity
Presenters: Paige Crawford, Cataloging Librarian and Claire O’Brien, Library Assistant, Shawano County Library

Dealing with difficult patrons can challenge even the most seasoned library staff.  In this interactive session, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of handling problem behaviors, uncover common pitfalls, and share strategies to overcome hesitation and doubt.  Whether you’re a part of a team or managing a library solo, you’ll discover the value of building a supportive network to navigate tough situations with confidence and professionalism. 

The Dewey of Doing: Time Management for Librarians
Presenter: Jill Porter, Director, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library

Library work is rarely linear—and neither is the workday. From time at the public desk to programming prep, meetings, collection management, and the unexpected interruptions that come with it all, this session takes a realistic look at how library staff actually spend their time. 

The presentation explores common time challenges in library settings and shares approachable strategies for prioritizing tasks, handling interruptions, and making more intentional choices throughout the day. Whether you work on the desk, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between, learn ideas you can take back to your workday to feel more organized, less stressed, and better able to focus on what matters most—serving your community.

2 – 2:45 pm: Break Out Sessions #3

From “Do We Need This?” to Board Approval: Library Policy Made Practical
Presenter: Nicole Metz-Andrews, Support Services Manager, Marathon County Public Library

Policies don’t have to be complicated to be effective. This session offers a practical overview of policy creation in public libraries, including why policies matter, how to know when one is needed, and what the approval process may involve. The discussion will focus on real-world considerations, with time reserved at the end for questions and conversation.

Simplifying to Prevent Burnout
Presenter: Krista Blomberg, Youth Services Coordinator and Assistant Director, Rib Lake Public Library

While most families look forward to summer for rest and relaxation, historically it has been the opposite for public libraries. It’s not uncommon for public librarians to experience burnout with programs, summer reading, and performers during summer months.  But, does it have to be this way?

In this session, Krista Blomberg from the Rib Lake Public Library will share how they re-evaluated their 2025 Summer Library Program by simplifying bingo cards, eliminating registration, and adding fresh community energy. In addition, learn how libraries can share the load by working with others in the community and how to explore grant opportunities.  

3 – 3:45 pm: Closing Session

Prioritizing Culture for a Healthier Team
Presenter: Angie Bodzislaw, Director, Spooner Memorial Library

This session shares practical strategies for building resilient, engaged teams through Monthly Wellness Challenges, transparent decision-making, and deliberate protection of team culture. Attendees will learn how to empower staff, create opportunities for growth and togetherness, foster positivity, protect uninterrupted work time, and reframe check-ins and performance reviews to support development. Practical examples and tools will help librarians at all levels implement sustainable practices that boost morale, productivity, and retention. 

Rachel Arndt holds an MLIS from UW-Milwaukee and has professional library experience in archives, front-line reference, technical services, management, and public library administration. As a consultant, she delivers customized administrative support, project management, and strategic planning services to library leaders as well as offering a variety of continuing education topics for public library workers and trustees. Rachel is also an adjunct faculty member in the School of Information Studies at UW-Milwaukee. Rachel works from the belief that lifelong learning isn’t just for patrons; a successful practitioner continues to adapt and evolve over their career.  Presenting at the Opening Session, Constructive Communication and at 11 – 11:45 am, Energized Meetings

Krista Blomberg is the Youth Services Coordinator and Assistant Director at the Rib Lake Public Library. She has worked there for the past 18 years doing a variety of duties from youth programming and circulation desk to serving as interim director and writing grants.  Storytime is her favorite task. In her free time she loves board games, walks in the woods, and taking naps. Presenting at 2 – 2:45 pm: Simplifying to Prevent Burnout

Chad Glamann is the Web and Marketing Coordinator at the Outagamie Waupaca Library System. With a background in web development and graphic design, he supports library staff through web and marketing consulting. Chad is passionate about helping libraries share the cool things they do—from collections and programs to outreach—through effective marketing. Presenting at 11 – 11:45 am: You’re Already Doing Marketing

Nicole Metz-Andrews is the Support Services Manager at Marathon County Public Library in Wausau, Wisconsin. She oversees circulation, technical services, and IT, and spends much of her time thinking about how systems, policies, and workflows actually work in day-to-day library life. Her approach is practical and collaborative, with an emphasis on making things clearer and more sustainable for staff and the public alike. Presenting at 2 – 2:45 pm: From “Do We Need This?” to Board Approval: Library Policy Made Practical

Claire O’Brien is a Library Assistant at the Shawano County Library, where she has served for the past four years. While her duties have evolved over the years, she is primarily responsible for managing the library’s social media accounts and developing and managing the escape rooms. Presenting at 12 – 12:45 pm: Shhh Happens: Handling Those Who Test Our-shelves and Sanity.

Jill Porter has been Director at the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library since June 2000. She started her 35-year library adventure at the NYPL, then took a detour into the legal world—where she mastered time management, multitasking, and the fine art of keeping many stakeholders on six continents happy. After a seven-year stint on the corporate side, she returned to public libraries in 2008 as Assistant Director for Public Services at the Traverse Area District Library in Traverse City, Michigan and was selected a member of the Public Library Association’s inaugural Leadership Academy. In her free time, Jill likes to explore the great outdoors with her dogs, repair vintage sewing machines and typewriters, and partake in a variety of wooly adventures in her craft room. Presenting at 12 – 12:45 pm: The Dewey of Doing: Time Management for Librarians.

Presentations:
You’re Already Doing Marketing
Shhh Happens: Handling Those Who Test Our-shelves and Sanity

Resources: 
Shhh Happens: Handling Those Who Test Our-shelves and Sanity