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X-WR-CALNAME:Northeast Kansas Library System
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Northeast Kansas Library System
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T100000
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UID:26621-1789466400-1789473600@nekls.org
SUMMARY:Annual Assembly and Budget Hearing
DESCRIPTION:Please see this post for more details and to register to attend: https://www.nekls.org/2027-budget-hearing-and-2026-annual-meeting/
URL:https://nekls.org/event/annual-assembly-and-budget-hearing/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260918T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260918T150000
DTSTAMP:20260901T162050Z
CREATED:20260715T190601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T162050Z
UID:26470-1789722000-1789743600@nekls.org
SUMMARY:Every Book Its Reader: A Readers' Advisory Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Registration for this event is now open: https://forms.gle/pRBGJjp3wfXAy4ch7 \n\n\n\nTopeka and Shawnee Public Library (TSCPL) and Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS) are pleased to announce we are offering a day long gathering focusing on readers’ advisory. We will be gathering at the Marvin Auditorium at TSCPL. There will be no cost to attend\, lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees. There will be no recordings—this is an in-person event only.  \n\n\n\nThis gathering brings together library staff who are passionate about connecting adult readers with books. Through conversation\, exploration\, and shared experience\, participants will deepen their readers’ advisory practice\, discover new ideas and perspectives\, and build relationships with others engaged in this work. \n\n\n\nRegistration Form \n\n\n\nPlease register by September 10th \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule\n\n\n\n\n9:00 AM – Doors Open \n\n\n\n9:30 AM – Welcome & Author Converstation with Lara Avery\n\n\n\n10:00 AM – Library Displays that Get Checked Out\, Lucy Donnelly\, Kansas City Public Library (MO)\n\n\n\nBreak\n\n\n\n11:10 AM – Browsing for You: Matching Readers with Their Next Great Book\, TSCPL Staff\n\n\n\nNoon – Box Lunch\n\n\n\n1:00 PM – Table Talks – Small Group Genre Discussions\n\n\n\nBreak \n\n\n\n2:00 PM – Panel Discussion\n\n\n\n3:00 PM Adjourn\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLara Avery Author & Kansas Book Festival Executive Director\n\n\n\n\n\nSession Descriptions\n\n\n\nLibrary Displays that Get Checked Out —Great library displays don’t happen by accident. Explore the why\, how\, where\, and what of effective library displays\, with practical ideas to create displays that attract attention and spark curiosity. \n\n\n\nBrowsing for You: Matching Readers with Their Next Great Book —Meet the team behind Browsing for You\, TSCPL’s personalized recommendation service\, and hear how they connect readers with books\, movies\, and music selected just for them. \n\n\n\nTable Talks – Small Group Genre Discussions — Pull up a chair and talk shop with fellow readers’ advisors at a hosted table\, with informal conversations about everything from graphic novels and romance to displays\, genres\, and the books our readers are asking for. \n\n\n\nPanel Discussion — What are readers asking for? What are libraries trying? And what’s coming next? Hear from RA practitioners from a variety of libraries for a lively conversation about where the work is headed. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Contact Dan Alexander (dalexander@nekls.org).
URL:https://nekls.org/event/every-book-its-reader/
LOCATION:Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library\, 1515 SW 10th AVE\, Topeka\, KS\, 66604\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260924T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260924T150000
DTSTAMP:20260722T142908Z
CREATED:20260715T192408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T142908Z
UID:26479-1790240400-1790262000@nekls.org
SUMMARY:2026 Directors Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Creating Spaces Where Communities Thrive \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin fellow library directors for a day of learning\, conversation\, and connection. Together we’ll explore how intentional design—through safety\, stewardship\, and shared experience—can help create library environments where staff\, patrons\, and communities thrive. \n\n\n\n\n\nPublic Library Directors\, please join us for our 2026 retreat at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. We’ll be enjoying Barbwire Barbecue for lunch and we have two amazing presenters lined up (details below). This event is for public library directors or interim directors\, and is in-person only—there will be no recordings. There will be no cost to attend. Please don’t miss the rare opportunity for public library leaders in Northeast Kansas to gather for learning\, engagement\, and fellowship. Questions? Contact Dan Alexander (dalexander@nekls.org). \n\n\n\nRegistration: https://forms.gle/e4DtzTe7vKAovChz9 (closes September 11th) \n\n\n\nSchedule: \n\n\n\n\n9:00 — Doors Open\n\n\n\n9:30 — Welcome \n\n\n\n10:00 — Tad Twidwell Part 1 –  Policies & Procedures\n\n\n\n10:50 — Break\n\n\n\n11:05 — Tad Twidwell Part 2 – Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)\n\n\n\n12:00 — Lunch\n\n\n\n12:50 — FoKL \n\n\n\n1:00 — Courtney Masterson: Native Lands Restoration Collaborative\n\n\n\n1:50 — Break\n\n\n\n2:00 — Facilitated Discussion\n\n\n\n3:00 — Adjournment\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecurity Policies & Procedures\, Presented by Tad TwidwellTogether\, we’ll explore foundational security policy frameworks for public libraries\, including incident reporting\, emergency response\, access control\, visitor management\, and staff training considerations. \n\n\n\nCrime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)\, Presented by Tad TwidwellWe’ll examine the core principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and their application in library environments\, including sightlines\, natural surveillance\, territorial reinforcement\, lighting\, and reducing opportunities for concealment. \n\n\n\nTad Twidwell is a physical security expert\, NICP instructor\, and the creator of the specialized CPTED for Libraries curriculum. He brings a unique perspective to public safety\, combining a decade in law enforcement with over 12 years in library leadership\, including extensive security work for the Johnson County Library system. \n\n\n\nAs a certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioner and Committee Chair for the US CPTED Association\, Tad specializes in helping library directors balance robust safety infrastructure with the open\, welcoming mission of public libraries. He helps leaders nationwide protect their facilities and staff through strategic design\, natural surveillance\, and proactive threat assessment. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative Lands Restoration Collaborative Courtney will share the story of the Midco Parklet Project\, an initiative that’s transforming a small vacant outdoor spaces into vibrant\, native landscapes that support pollinators\, learning\, and community gathering. Using the project as a case study\, she’ll explore how libraries can incorporate native species\, cultivate community partnerships\, pursue grant opportunities\, and create outdoor spaces that reflect and serve their communities. \n\n\n\nCourtney Masterson is an ecologist and educator passionate about helping people connect with native landscapes to inspire stewardship of the ecosystems that sustain our water\, soil\, communities\, and wildlife.  \n\n\n\nShe holds a master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas and has taught ecology\, biology\, environmental science\, and botany in colleges and community settings for more than a decade. Drawing on backgrounds in both science and photography\, Courtney makes ecological concepts engaging and accessible for diverse audiences.
URL:https://nekls.org/event/2026-directors-retreat/
LOCATION:Flory Meeting Hall\, Douglas County Fairgrounds\, 2120 Harper St\, \, KS 66046\, Lawrence\, Kansas\, 66044\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T150000
DTSTAMP:20261019T194018Z
CREATED:20260715T185811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T194018Z
UID:26461-1794492000-1794495600@nekls.org
SUMMARY:Older Adult Services - Panel Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Registration is now open for our upcoming webinar: Aging Well with the Library: Community-Centered Approaches to Older Adult Services with Amy DelPo\, Denver Public Library and Rossanna McGinnis\, Opelika Public Library. Through this panel discussion we will: \n\n\n\n\n• Identify innovative programming ideas that support lifelong learning\, wellness\, and social connection for older adults.\n\n\n\n• Describe current trends influencing older adult library services. \n\n\n\n• Identify strategies for developing and sustaining partnerships that enhance services for older adults. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister on Zoom (all registrants will be emailed a link to the recording): https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/i2-GmnCLTG-KciSvphzfVg \n\n\n\nSign up for the Older Adult Library Services Group email list: https://forms.gle/JZBkCRyhcYRu1bqF9 \n\n\n\nThis learning opportunity is brought to you by Northeast Kansas Library System and Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout our special guests… \n\n\n\nAmy DelPo\, Manager of Adult Services and Lifelong Learning\, Denver Public Library (Denver\, CO) \n\n\n\nAmy DelPo is currently the Library Manager of Adult Services at the Denver Public Library\, where she oversees the library’s programs and services for people aged 18 to end of life. Amy has been a librarian for over 15 years\, and in that time she has developed a specialization in library programs and services for older adults\, for people with Alzheimer’s/dementia\, and for caregivers. \n\n\n\nPreviously\, Amy was DPL’s Manager of Older Adult Services – a role that she created. In that role\, Amy oversaw all aspects of library service for people aged 50+ in the Denver metro area. She spearheaded a positive aging approach rooted in neurology\, psychology\, and the social and emotional needs of people as they age. \n\n\n\nFor her innovative approach\, Amy has received a Metro Vision Award from the Denver Regional Council of Government and a Movers & Shakers award from Library Journal \n\n\n\nRosanna McGinnis\, Library Director\, Opelika Public Library (Opelika\, AL) \n\n\n\nRosanna McGinnis is the Director of the Opelika Public Library in Alabama\, where she has served since 2016. She is passionate about developing libraries that are inclusive\, future-ready spaces that foster connection\, learning\, and community pride.  \n\n\n\nDuring her tenure\, she has led the design and construction of Opelika’s new library facility\, implemented RFID technology to improve access and efficiency\, and brought nationally recognized exhibits such as Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen to the community. \n\n\n\nMcGinnis holds an MLIS from the University of Alabama and a B.A. from the University of Montevallo and is active in statewide library leadership and local initiatives focused on education and economic empowerment.
URL:https://nekls.org/event/older-adult-services-panel-discussion/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261120T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261120T150000
DTSTAMP:20261023T161006Z
CREATED:20261023T161004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T161006Z
UID:26702-1795177800-1795186800@nekls.org
SUMMARY:Youth Services Spark & Share
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to the next edition of YS Spark & Share at NEKLS. Below are the details. \n\n\n\nYS Spark & Share: Reflecting on 2026 & Anticipating 2027  \n\n\n\nFriday\, November 20\, 2026 at NEKLS \n\n\n\n12:30pm – 3pm (12:30pm lunch and friendship time; 1pm start) \n\n\n\nNEKLS provides lunch and beverages. If you would like\, please bring a sweet or salty treat to share.  \n\n\n\nThere is no charge for this event. \n\n\n\nPlease register for this in-person event (lunch is included!).  \n\n\n\nMaybe you just got back from KLA Conference and have a great idea to discuss. Perhaps 2026 was your best summer library program ever and you want to share your success. Or maybe you just want to bounce some 2027 ideas off your Youth Services colleagues at other libraries. Whatever your reason\, come share and learn with us.   \n\n\n\nSpecial activity at this session: 2027 mood boards! We will have supplies\, but you’re invited to bring any special images or art-making supplies you would like to use.  \n\n\n\nQuestions? Contact Anna Foote.
URL:https://nekls.org/event/youth-services-spark-share/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T143000
DTSTAMP:20261022T145249Z
CREATED:20261022T144338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T145249Z
UID:26699-1796909400-1796913000@nekls.org
SUMMARY:After-Lunch Course: Library Legal Self-Help Center
DESCRIPTION:How can libraries help patrons access legal information and self-help resources? \n\n\n\nJoin us for an after-lunch course exploring the Library Legal Self-Help Center Initiative and how Kansas libraries can participate. Eleven libraries are already sharing legal information and resources with their communities\, with a long-term goal of making these resources available in every county. \n\n\n\nLearn about the Online Self-Help Center\, what libraries need to get started\, and how to get involved. One or two participating libraries will also share their experiences\, lessons learned\, and perspectives on offering these resources to their patrons. \n\n\n\nRegistration opens in late November. Watch for more details!
URL:https://nekls.org/event/after-lunch-course-library-legal-self-help-center/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270115T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270115T153000
DTSTAMP:20261022T143648Z
CREATED:20261022T143158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T143648Z
UID:26686-1800005400-1800027000@nekls.org
SUMMARY:Mock Youth Media Awards Discussion at NEKLS
DESCRIPTION:Save the date\, ’cause you’re invited! More details and registration will be announced soon. \n\n\n\n\nWhat: A Mock Youth Media Award Discussion\n\n\n\nWhen: Friday\, January 15\, 2027\n\n\n\nWhere: Northeast Kansas Library System\, 4317 W. 6th Street\, Lawrence\n\n\n\nWhy: To discuss great books for youth and learn with colleagues!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9:30am – 10am coffee & browse & chat\n\n\n\n10am-12:30pm picture book discussion\n\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30pm lunch\n\n\n\n1:30 – 3:30pm chapter book discussion\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is a Mock Award? \n\n\n\nEvery year\, American Library Association selection committees read and meet to discuss the best books of the year in order to make awards in multiple categories. Mock Awards are our opportunity to try our hand at the book selection and evaluation process and see how our choices line up with the awards committees. \n\n\n\n2027 Description of Awards (pdf) \n\n\n\nThis event is co-sponsored by Lawrence Public Library\, Leavenworth Public Library\, Manhattan Public Library\, Northeast Kansas Library System\, and Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. \n\n\n\nQuestions? \n\n\n\nContact Anna Foote\, Northeast Kansas Library System\, anna@nekls.org.
URL:https://nekls.org/event/mock-youth-media-awards-discussion-at-nekls/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270225T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270225T120000
DTSTAMP:20261104T213049Z
CREATED:20261104T213048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261104T213049Z
UID:26706-1803551400-1803556800@nekls.org
SUMMARY:Kansas Open Records Act Training
DESCRIPTION:Public libraries are subject to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)\, and understanding its requirements is an important part of serving the public with transparency while protecting the integrity of library operations. \n\n\n\nJoin NEKLS on February 25\, from 10:30 a.m. to noon\, for a training led by Nicole Proulx Aiken of the League of Kansas Municipalities. \n\n\n\nWe’ll explore what KORA means for public libraries\, including responsibilities for responding to records requests and navigating questions about public access to government records. \n\n\n\nRegistration opens January 22. Watch for details!
URL:https://nekls.org/event/kansas-open-records-act-training/
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