Preliminary Program

    • Bibliopolítica: Documenting the History of the Chicano Studies Library

    • Engaging Undergraduate Statistics Students for Real-World Project Experience: Bringing Sound Statistical Theory to a Library Diversity Audit

    • Becoming the Next Academic Library Leader: Insights from Latine Administrators

    • Empowering Teens Through Peer-Led Language Learning: The Teen English Conversation Club

    • Tending to the Garden: A Workshop on Creating a Wellness Course and Support Network for Marginalized Staff

    • Más Allá de la Hora del Cuento: Música, Movimiento, Arte y Juego para Empoderar a la Comunidad Latina [Bilingual]

    • Together for Change: Fostering Health, Wellness and Sustainability in the Latino Community Through Library Programs

    • Empowering Spanish-Speaking Communities: Effective Library Outreach Solutions

    • ¡Ponte Las Pilas! Beyond Spanish Programming Basics. [Bilingual]

    • Shelf-Care: Wellness Strategies for Busy Librarians

    • Early History of REFORMA

    • OrgDev to the Rescue! Starting a new REFORMA Chapter? Bringing an existing chapter back to life?

Bilingual Sessions

¡Ponte Las Pilas! Beyond Spanish Programming Basics. 

ESL and citizenship are the basic needs of many of our Spanish speaking community members. What if basic needs was not the goal? Let's move the goal post beyond basic needs and survival to expand our approach as librarians to Spanish programming.  

Más Allá de la Hora del Cuento: Música, Movimiento, Arte y Juego para Empoderar a la Comunidad Latina 

This interactive session explores how bilingual Spanish-English storytimes and dynamic programming—incorporating music, movement, process art, and play—enhance engagement and literacy among Latino families. Attendees will experience hands-on techniques and leave with actionable strategies to implement in their own communities, empowering families through culturally relevant, interactive library services. 

English Sessions

Early History of REFORMA

An early history of REFORMA from the perspective of a founding member and from one of its founding Presidents.

Empowering Teens Through Peer-Led Language Learning: The Teen English Conversation Club

The Teen English Conversation Club provides a welcoming, teen-led space where non-native English-speaking high school students practice English in a conversational setting. Participants gain confidence in language skills while student leaders develop leadership experience. This session will explore the program’s structure, successes, and challenges, offering insights into how libraries or other institutions can create similar initiatives that empower Latino/x/é and Spanish-speaking teens.

Empowering Spanish-Speaking Communities: Effective Library Outreach Solutions

Empowering Spanish-Speaking Communities: Effective Library Outreach Solutions explores how the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) Outreach department has empowered immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities through innovative outreach initiatives and strategic partnerships. By extending services beyond the physical library, prioritizing language accessibility, and collaborating with local organizations, government agencies, and cultural centers, libraries can foster inclusion, enhance access to resources, and support social integration. This approach redefines library outreach as a transformative practice that nurtures both individual and collective growth within underserved communities.

Tending to the Garden: A Workshop on Creating a Wellness Course and Support Network for Marginalized Staff

This interactive workshop will equip participants with practical strategies for creating a wellness course for B.I.P.O.C. staff. From research to working with staff development resources, we will discuss best practices for creating and facilitating a B.I.P.O.C. success and wellness course. Attendees will also learn about following up and following through to create safe spaces and a staff support network, creating a rough outline for creating their own course.

Bibliopolítica: Documenting the History of the Chicano Studies Library

The Chicano Studies Library at UC Berkeley was home to one of the first Chicana/o/x collections. Founded in 1969, the Chicano Studies Library’s history is rooted in the Third World Liberation Front Strike at the UC Berkeley campus. The library staff not only created and curated the collections, but also developed a custom classification system and thesaurus to better describe materials for Chicana/o/x communities.

Shelf-Care: Wellness Strategies for Busy Librarians

Librarians dedicate themselves to serving their communities, but how often do you prioritize your own well-being? This presentation explores practical wellness strategies to help librarians reduce stress, increase focus, and improve overall health in times of crisis. From simple mindfulness exercises and meditation techniques to yoga stretches that can be done at a desk, attendees will learn accessible ways to incorporate wellness into their daily routines. We’ll also discuss the role of proper nutrition and movement in sustaining energy and preventing burnout. Join me for a refreshing session that will provide tools to create a healthier, more balanced work-life experience.

OrgDev to the Rescue! Starting a new REFORMA Chapter? Bringing an existing chapter back to life?

One of the fundamental committees supporting REFORMA, the Organizational Development and New Chapters Committee (OrgDev) is vital to our organization’s ability to function effectively. Join us for a discussion about the committee and its mission to: aid in the creation and support of new chapters; enhance communication; streamline information between leadership, committees, chapters and members. Attendees will learn how OrgDev supports REFORMA, and how members can actively participate in REFORMA National or create a new chapter.

Engaging Undergraduate Statistics Students for Real-World Project Experience: Bringing Sound Statistical Theory to a Library Diversity Audit

This presentation explores an innovative collaboration between academic libraries and statistics students to conduct a diversity audit of a physical monograph collection. Diversity audits are increasingly recognized as essential tools for assessing the inclusivity and equity of library collections. By partnering with a semester-long statistics course, this project provided students with real-world client experience, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

Becoming the Next Academic Library Leader: Insights from Latine Administrators

Latine representation in academic library administration remains disproportionately low, yet Latine leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of libraries, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring equitable access to information. This panel will feature experienced Latine academic library administrators from diverse institutional backgrounds - public universities, community colleges, and private non-profit institutions - who will share their journeys, challenges, and successes in leadership. Panelist will discuss navigating institutional structures, championing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment for Latine and underrepresented students. They will also explore strategies for career growth, mentorship, professional development - essential tools for thriving in library leadership. Attendees will gain insights into pathways to leadership in academic libraries and actionable strategies for advancing their careers while staying true to their cultural identity and values.

Together for Change: Fostering Health, Wellness and Sustainability in the Latino Community Through Library Programs

At Commerce Public Library, we actively promote health and wellness across all ages by offering a variety of engaging programs. Seniors benefit from the Calm Oasis, while adult participants explore nutrition through food tastings and wellness initiatives. Children enjoy refreshing green smoothies alongside STEM activities funded by our annual Lunch at the Library Summer Grant. Our teens engage in sustainability efforts, such as clothing swaps, while adults with disabilities participate in monthly craft sessions that foster skill development and creativity. Additionally, our community-wide programs, including food distribution and resource sharing, ensure inclusivity and lifelong learning for all residents.