Calendar

SMLC SCHEDULE 2023

January 10 Leadership Training Series with Amanda Standerfer on Zoom, 1-3 PM. Let Andrea know if you want to attend to receive a discounted rate/cooperative will pay for your registration.

What Makes a Leader? What can we learn from those who have gone before us? What can we learn from our peers and colleagues? Leading during complex times requires reflection and adaptability. We’ll explore the contradictions in leadership and how to evolve your practice as a leader. 

January 24 Leadership Training Series with Amanda Standerfer on Zoom, 1-3 PM. Let Andrea know if you want to attend to receive a discounted rate/cooperative will pay for your registration.

Whole and Pieces:  Systems Thinking: A leader needs to understand all aspects of the system in which they work while also having knowledge of the individual aspects that comprise the whole.  During this session, we’ll explore how using systems thinking supports leaders during times of change. We’ll give an example of an organizational capacity assessment tool to identify gaps in your system and talk about how to foster psychological safety to build a culture of continuous improvement. 

February 7 Leadership Training Series with Amanda Standerfer on Zoom, 1-3 PM. Let Andrea know if you want to attend to receive a discounted rate/cooperative will pay for your registration.

Creating a Meaningful Roadmap:  Strategic Planning: You know you need one, but what does it really mean to use a strategic plan to guide your organization?  We’ll explore elements of the strategic planning process and best practices for transitioning to and managing implementation. 

February 7New SMLC Director’s Chats on Zoom, 1 PM. Guest “Veteran” Director: Andrea Estelle

February 21 Leadership Training Series with Amanda Standerfer on Zoom, 1-3 PM. Let Andrea know if you want to attend to receive a discounted rate/cooperative will pay for your registration.

Confident Decision-Making: How does your library make decisions?  Have you ever stopped to think about it?  During this session, we’ll dig into the process of decision-making. That’s right! Making a decision is a process, and when the process isn’t clear or doesn’t involve those impacted by the decision, confusion and resentment can result.  Find out how todevelop guiding principles, consider implicit bias and equity, and oversee effective change management to confidently make decisions with your team. 

March 23 – 2 PM SMLC Board : Annual Audit – Van Buren District Library – Decatur Branch

March 7 Leadership Training Series with Amanda Standerfer on Zoom, 1-3 PM. Let Andrea know if you want to attend to receive a discounted rate/cooperative will pay for your registration.

Building a Culture of Evaluation and Learning: You’ve got the data, how do you use it to tell the library’s story and share what you’ve learned?  Evaluation is a big topic – so overwhelming that you might be hesitant to go there.  This session will give you some easy ways to get started and build on the ways you are already gathering data.  We’ll focus on how to show the difference you are making in your community in small and big ways and how to incorporate what you are learning into the decision-making process. 

Friday, March 17 – Children/Teen 10 AM. Location: Oshtemo Branch KPL
Friday, Mary 17 – Adult Programming 2 PM. via Zoom

March 21 Leadership Training Series with Amanda Standerfer on Zoom, 1-3 PM. Let Andrea know if you want to attend to receive a discounted rate/cooperative will pay for your registration.

Facilitating Engaging Conversations:  Leaders need strong facilitation skills to navigate individual and group conversations and create positive team dynamics.  During this session, you’ll learn about how to facilitate conversations to build trust and open dialogue.  We’ll talk about how to handle conflict and recognize power dynamics. 

March 23 – Director Chat – Decatur Branch VBDL, 1:00 Chat, 1:30 Ask an Auditor

April 18New SMLC Director’s Chats on Zoom, 1 PM. Guest “Veteran” Director: Ann Greene

April 27 – Advisory Council and Board Meeting – Niles District Library. Guest Speaker: Randy Riley, State Librarian, Library of Michigan

Wednesday May 10, 10-11 AM Continuing Education Committee – Kickoff meeting

Anyone welcome to attend, email Andrea for Zoom link

May 20 – Trustee Training Workshop, 10-Noon with lunch following – Benton Harbor District Library with Shirley Bruursema. RSVP to aestelle@otsegolibrary.org by May 12.

June/July No Meetings

June 20 – New SMLC Director’s Chats on Zoom, 1 PM. Guest “Veteran” Director: Teresa Stannard

August 1 – New SMLC Director’s Chats on Zoom, 1 PM.
Guest “Veteran” Director: Kristina Knezic

August 31 – Advisory Council and Board Meeting – Willard District Library

Friday, September 8th, 10am – Children/Teen in person Location: Webster Memorial Branch VBDL 

Friday, September 8th, 2pm – Adult Programming via Zoom 

*September 26Tech Training on Zoom, 1 PM. Beth Z: Your Nedry BFF: Tackle Your Tech To Do List

September 28 – Director Chat – Paw Paw District Library

*October 3 – Tech Training on Zoom, 1 PM. Beth Z: Your Nerdy BFF: Powered Productivity

*October 10Tech Training on Zoom, 1 PM. Beth Z: Your Nerdy BFF: AI Tools

October 17New SMLC Director’s Chats on Zoom, 1 PM. Guest “Veteran” Director: Dan Hutchins

October 26 – Annual Meeting – New Buffalo Township Library

Friday, November 10th, 10am – Children/Teen via Zoom

Friday, November 10th, 2pm – Adult Programming via Zoom 

November 30 – Director Chat – Paw Paw District Library

December – No Meetings

December 5 – New SMLC Director’s Chats on Zoom, 1 PM. Guest “Veteran” Director: Gretchen Evans