Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Laura Wolven, Finkelstein Memorial Library
Location: Southeastern NY Library Resources Council
Topic: Leadership and Trauma Recovery

In a new iteration of this group, we will talk about working in post-traumatic situations. Whether a traumatic situation was experienced by the collected staff or individually, on the job, or after hours, we can learn ways to adapt our management style to lead. At a time of turmoil and threats to libraries, leadership can feel lonelier than ever. This meeting is an opportunity to share collective experiences and brainstorm about solutions.

This group is for library workers of all library types who handle administrative tasks and are becoming leaders in the field. If you aspire to or are currently working as, a: director, assistant director, manager, program manager, trustee, or serve in a leadership role within a professional organization, this meeting is for you! Topics we will cover in this meeting may include:

• Supervising other staff, volunteers, and/or interns
• Introducing and running programs and services at the library
• Onboarding new employees
• Getting professional development for management skills
• Doing advocacy work on behalf of the library
• Creating and maintaining a budget
• Work/life balance in the light of growing work responsibilities
• Networking with other library workers who may become future colleagues
• Staying committed to social justice issues
• Working within union structures
• Influencing the culture of the library from within
• Deciding when and if to apply for different positions

The nature of the conversation will be based on the interests of the people who attend and may change from meeting to meeting. You can view the notes from previous meetings here.