ARSL TRAIN
Engineering Within Reach: Family Makers Kits for Rural and Small Libraries
When: Thursday, November 12
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Want to bring hands-on engineering to your library without breaking the bank or taking up hours of prep time? Discover how low-cost, ready-to-implement Family Makers kits can turn your library into a vibrant engineering hub for children (5-10 years) and caregivers! In this webinar, you will get a closer look at engineering kits developed and tested in partnership with seven rural US libraries. While originally designed for online family programs, these kits and engineering activities work seamlessly as in-person workshops, take-and-make kits, or drop-in stations.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Explore six engineering curricula designed specifically for rural children and caregivers.
- Learn how to adapt Family Makers curricula for in-person sessions, take-and-make kits, or drop-in stations.
- Understand strategies to address common issues with supply materials, mixed-age groups, and parent-child dynamics in engineering workshops.
Presented by: Soo Hyeon Kim & Gi Woong Choi, Assistant Professors at Florida State University
Dr. Soo Hyeon Kim is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information at Florida State University. Dr. Kim is an interdisciplinary, translational researcher at the nexus of Library and Information Science (LIS) and the Learning Sciences (LS). Her research aims to broaden children’s access to STEM learning opportunities by transforming public libraries and family interactions as facilitators for play- and maker-based STEM learning experiences. Dr. Kim’s research often employs community-engaged, asset-based, and participatory design methodologies and approaches. Previously, she was an associate professor (with tenure) at Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Indianapolis.
Dr. Gi Woong Choi is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies at Florida State University. He is an educational researcher and has a professional background in human-computer interaction, user experience, and game design. His research interests span across the fields of learning sciences, instructional systems and learning technologies, and information science, with a current focus on AI in education, informal STEM learning, libraries as learning spaces, problem-solving, makerspaces, and educational affordances of emerging technologies.
ARSL TRAIN
Understanding First Amendment Rights in ARSL Libraries
When: Thursday, November 19
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Most library workers know the First Amendment protects speech, but fewer connect it to reading, writing, access, and privacy, the rights libraries put into practice every day. In this webinar, Dorcas Hand and Tyler Hahn share findings from their ARSL First Amendment Survey, which gathered responses from library workers in 31 states. Using the survey results and new Freedom to Read Foundation resources, this TRAIN offers practical ways to talk about these rights with patrons, staff, and boards, and to teach the First Amendment year-round.
Presented by:
- Dorcas Hand, Co-Chair, Students Need Libraries, Houston TX
- Tyler Hahn, Director, Cherokee Public Library, Cherokee, IA
Dorcas Hand is a retired school librarian from Houston, TX, who is a co-chair of Students Need Libraries in Houston ISD, a grass-roots advocacy effort to return school librarians and libraries to all campuses in HISD. Dorcas also sits on the Board of the Freedom to Read Foundation, chairing their Krug Education Committee to develop tools for librarians to educate their users on First Amendment issues. She is Chair of the ALA COLA Ecosystem Subcommittee and presents on Ecosystem topics often. Without understanding the purpose of “retirement,” she enjoys spending her spare time gardening, traveling and contradancing.
Tyler Hahn is the Director of the Cherokee Public Library in Cherokee, Iowa, and the author of The Community Partnership Handbook for Small Libraries (Bloomsbury, 2026). As Library Journal Mover & Shaker, Tyler has expanded rural access to STEM education, built international esports partnerships for youth, and launched adult training programs in emerging technologies. He advocates for rural libraries as essential civic infrastructure that empowers communities through innovation, education, and connection.
ARSL TRAIN
Session Details Coming Soon
When: Thursday, December 3
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with EdFarm.
Session description, presenter, and registration information coming soon. Check back for updates!
ARSL TRAIN
Welcome to Our Neighborhood! Library Engagement with Educational Media
When: Thursday, December 10
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with the Fred Rogers Productions.
Welcome to our Neighborhood! Join Fred Rogers Productions for a session all about integrating educational media into library programming. Take a behind the scenes look at how educational media and experiences are developed, and how learning goals and a child development lens is behind everything created. Ways that educational media can naturally be infused with library programming will be shared. Hear about different types of engagement opportunities and walk away with free resources that you can use right away! We hope you can join us neighbors!
Presented by: Mallory Mbalia, Vice President of Learning and Education, Fred Rogers Productions
As Vice President of Learning and Education at Fred Rogers Productions, Mallory Mbalia advises and collaborates with colleagues to further realize the organization’s educational mission for children and families. She previously served as Director of Education at PBS North Carolina in Education and Innovation where she created and delivered educational initiatives statewide for infants to 12th grade and beyond. Mallory has also worked as an education outreach trainer for PBS North Carolina and was named a PBS Digital Innovator All Star in 2018. She has served as a kindergarten teacher as well as an elementary assistant principal. Mallory has a passion for equity work, media integration, joy integration, social-emotional learning, and early childhood education. Equitable access and awareness are her driving forces for educator, parent/caregiver, family, and community outreach with joy and inclusivity as essential elements. She holds a Master’s of School Administration from North Carolina State University and a B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Howard University. Mallory is a proud wife and mother and resides in North Carolina with her family.
ARSL TRAIN
New Year, Fresh Focus: Prioritizing What Matters Most
When: Thursday, January 21, 2027
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
A new year brings fresh opportunities, new goals, and sometimes an overwhelming to-do list! For rural and small libraries, balancing big ideas with limited time, staffing, and resources can be challenging. Join us as we explore practical strategies for setting realistic goals, identifying priorities, and turning ideas into action. Learn how to focus on what matters most, make meaningful progress, and start the year with purpose and a plan for success!
Presented by: Dana Fanslow, Library Director, Nippersink Public Library District, Richmond, IL
Dana Fanslow is the Library Director at Nippersink Public Library District in Richmond, Illinois, where she leads strategic planning, community engagement, and staff development with a strong focus on advocacy and accessibility. She serves as Chair-Elect of the Illinois Library Association Advocacy Committee, on the Association for Rural & Small Libraries Continuing Education Committee, and on the PrairieCat Administrative Council, contributing to statewide and national efforts to strengthen libraries, professional development, and advocacy.
ARSL TRAIN
No Headset Required: Virtual Tours & VR for Every Library Member
When: Thursday, January 28, 2027
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with Digital Human Library.
Discover how your library can offer immersive learning experiences to every member, with no headsets, special equipment, or setup required. In this webinar, we'll explore Digital Human Library's web-based collection of virtual tours and virtual reality (VR) experiences, which runs on the devices your members already use, from library computers to their own phones and laptops. VR can take a reader inside a book, offer a new perspective on a historical event, and introduce learners to people, places, and cultures from around the world. Its immersion and interactivity make it one of the most sought-after resources in education and public libraries, yet headsets remain out of reach for many communities. This collection removes that barrier, helping your library expand access to technology, support lifelong learning, and engage members of all ages. Join libraries across Canada and the U.S. that are already opening the world to their members, one virtual journey at a time.
Presented by: Leigh Cassell, CEO and Founder, Digital Human Library
Leigh Cassell is an award-winning educator, consultant, and the CEO and Founder of Digital Human Library (dHL). In 2011, Leigh launched dHL, a global platform connecting classrooms with industry experts and experiences using videoconferencing, live streaming, and virtual reality. With over 20 years of classroom experience and a background in educational leadership and technology, Leigh has dedicated her career to enriching student learning through meaningful connections and digital innovation. Her work bridges geography and equity, empowering teachers and students to engage with diverse people, places, and ideas from around the world. Beyond her work with dHL, Leigh is a respected keynote speaker, children's author, and advocate for experiential learning, globally connected learning, and digital citizenship. She collaborates with educators, school districts, and industry partners across North America to design and implement innovative learning experiences that foster global competencies and student voice. A passionate lifelong learner and nature enthusiast, Leigh brings curiosity, empathy, and creativity to everything she does.
ARSL TRAIN
Connecting the Dots: Helping More Families Discover What Libraries Offer
When: Thursday, February 25, 2027
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Rural and small libraries play a critical role in connecting students and families with learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Yet, while families can increasingly access information about schools, library programs and other community learning resources can be much harder to discover and navigate.
This session will convene a librarian and education experts to explore practical strategies for helping families discover and use these vital public resources more effectively. Panelists will share perspectives on how libraries can bridge gaps between schools, students, and communities, strengthen partnerships, and reach more families through existing channels without adding to staff workloads.
Presented by:
- Ambika Kapur, Program Director, Education Program, Carnegie Foundation
- Carol Lloyd, Vice President of Development & Editorial Director, GreatSchools
- Evo Popoff, Senior Vice President, Whiteboard Advisors
- Sherry Scheline, President, Association for Rural & Small Libraries; Director, Donnelly Public Library District
Ambika Kapur oversees education grant making focused on engaging parents, communities, teachers, and policymakers in improving learning and preparing students for future success. Her work at the foundation has included supporting the Next Generation Science Standards, coordinating education communications initiatives, and contributing to efforts to strengthen journalism education. Before joining the foundation, she researched educational equity in the United States and internationally at the Education Development Center. She holds a B.A. from Wellesley College and an M.A. in international education development from Teachers College, Columbia University, and serves on the advisory boards of YouthTruth and the Collaborative for Student Success.
Carol Lloyd brings extensive editorial and storytelling experience to her leadership role at GreatSchools. Previously, she was an award-winning weekly columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and led education coverage as an editor at Salon.com. Her writing on culture, education, and family life has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and other national outlets, and her work has been featured on NPR and public radio. She is also the author of the bestselling book Creating a Life Worth Living and received a Kaiser Foundation fellowship for global health reporting.
Evo Popoff has spent much of his career working with states, districts, and schools to develop and implement school improvement, after-school, online, and blended-learning programs. He previously served as chief innovation officer and assistant commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Education and as senior vice president of Achievement Solutions at EdisonLearning, where he helped schools and districts implement solutions to improve student outcomes. Earlier in his career, Evo practiced law at McDermott Will & Emery. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Chicago and a law degree from George Washington University.
Sherry Scheline leads the Donnelly Public Library District in Idaho, where she specializes in doing a lot with a little. Since helping establish the district in 2017, she has built programs that serve local families year-round, including a five-day-a-week after-school program and Camp Library, a full-day summer camp running for 10 weeks. She is president of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries and vice president of the Idaho Digital Consortium. Recognized as a 2025 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and ARSL's 2023 Innovator of the Year, Sherry champions resourceful programming, collaboration, and equitable access to library services.
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