The Flexible Library

September 23, 2026

Libraries continuously reflect creativity and forward-thinking in their staffing, funding and programming models.

Library staffing and training structures help connect, train and support all people working in the library, including associates, social workers, student workers, volunteers, and degreed librarians. Innovative funding models explore new paths towards sustainable funding, budgeting and grant-seeking. New modes of programming lean into methods that incorporate our communities into the library. The Flexible Library explores the many ways libraries can lean into change with flexibility.

The Flexible Library conference image/logo

Registration

Registration Closes: September 21, 2026, 8:30 AM CT

Registration is for a single individual to access the conference and all the conference materials, including session recordings, for one year. All correspondence and login information for this online event will be sent to the email address provided on the registration form.

Schedule

Time	Title	Session Link	Speaker(s)
10:00 am CDT	Opening Keynote - Flexibility as a Superpower: Reimagining Library Staffing, Partnerships, and Community Impact	Go to Session	Kara Whatley
11:15 am CDT	The Encore Workforce: Leveraging Retired Professionals for Flexible Library Staffing	Go to Session	Joni Spalding
11:15 am CDT	Uprooted: Channeling Departmental Change to Build Communities of Practice Beyond the Library	Go to Session	Emily Bowie , Kylie Colter , Amie Johnson , Michelle Malone
1:00 pm CDT	The Flexible Supervisor: Helpful Approaches to Managing Student Employees	Go to Session	Danielle Gorman , Ying Hu
1:00 pm CDT	Reaching Wider Audiences for Free* With Online, Hybrid and Email Based Programs	Go to Session	Pauline Wilkinson
2:00 pm CDT	Closing Keynote - Developing Flexible Leadership Skills – Preparing for What's Ahead and Around the Corner	Go to Session	Gretchen Pruett