This 12-month series showcases the value of library strategic partnerships and meaningful allyship in our work environments to provide supports to vulnerable and marginalized individuals. Through a mix of informational sessions, workshops and panel discussions, library staff and stakeholders will explore collaborations and best practices that provide practical solutions and resources for trauma-informed, inclusive library environments for both staff and patrons. Explore new topics each month with statewide partners that address emerging library trends, adaptive and accessible spaces for people living with disabilities, and outreach to isolated community members who may be aging, struggling with mental health or justice impacted.
Core Connections Schedule
January 14, 2026
Welcoming Patrons Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late Deafened to Your LibraryMassachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
February 12, 2026
Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative & The Executive Office of Aging & Independence
March 11, 2026
Leadership Strategies for Supporting LGBTQIA+ Library Staff
Massachusetts Commission for LGBTQIA Youth
April 8, 2026
Jake Savage, Somerville Public Library Social Worker
May 13, 2026
Topic TBD
Department of Mental Health
June 10, 2026
Emerging Trends in Public Library Services
Simmons University, Graduate School of Library and Information Science
July 8, 2026
Law for Librarians
Speaker TBD
August 12, 2026
Finding Grants and Funding
Speaker TBD
September 9, 2026
Trustee/Director Allyship: BIPOC Community
Speaker TBD
October 14, 2026
Libraries Beyond Accessibility: Serving Patrons with Print and Other Disabilities
Perkins Library
November 12, 2026
Trustee/Director Allyship: People w/Disabilities
Speaker TBD
December 9, 2026
Supporting Justice - Impacted Communities
Speaker TBD
Sessions will be 1-2 hours in length. Registration information and webinar times available on the MBLC Calendar. Some dates and corresponding topics may be subject to change.