Fall 2026 SLRC Conference

In cooperation with the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Office of Equity and Fair Practice (OEFP), please join us for training sessions, activities, and camaraderie with guest presenters from in and out of Maryland libraries, and library workers from throughout the state.

This year’s conference theme is “Common Ground: Libraries Where Gathering, Connection, and Belonging Meet.” 

Our thematic areas include:   

Developing Community Hubs

Libraries often serve as community hubs where people can connect, learn, create, and build a sense of belonging. Sessions that would fall under this  theme may include arts and cultural engagement programs, author  programs, makerspaces and innovation experiences, and initiatives that  support and celebrate immigrant and new American communities.  

Encouraging Civic Engagement  

Libraries can serve as empowering spaces where individuals and communities take active roles in addressing local and global issues. Sessions that would fall under this theme may include those focused on economic help, environmental sustainability, human rights, public health, and others that encourage active participation in community well-being.  

Shaping Safe Spaces  

Libraries can create inclusive and supportive safe spaces where individuals feel valued and respected. Sessions that would fall under this theme may include those addressing affinity groups, children and teen populations, emerging or older adult populations, neurodivergent audiences, and other communities that benefit from having designated safe spaces. 

Why attend the conference? 

• Meet presenters and colleagues from throughout the state who care about this season’s conference theme  
• Enhance your knowledge levels 
• Earn continuing education hours  
• Registration is free, along with breakfast and lunch.   

May training session and activity proposals be submitted, to present at the conference?  

Yes! Please submit the proposal form by no later than 5 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Fall 2026 SLRC Conference Training Session and Activity Proposal Form

Please share the proposal form with others who may be interested in presenting!

Approximately how long is each conference day? 

• Virtual Day: Tuesday, October 27, 2026: 9:30 am-4 pm 
• In-Person Day at the Maryland State Library Resource Center: Wednesday, October 28, 2026: 8 am-5 pm. 

Approximately when will registration begin?  

Early September 2026. 

Questions?  

Please email SLRC Programs & Training: slrcprogramsandtraining@prattlibrary.org.