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Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series

February 25, March 18, April 8, April 29, May 20, June 10, July 22, August 12 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series

As bastions of democracy, libraries must prioritize building a culture of belonging now more than ever. Most people desire a sense of belonging, and fostering such a culture helps employees feel valued while promoting a positive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Belonging inspires a unique sense of joy and passion that enhances employees’ service, creativity, and innovation. This positive energy not only brings out the best in staff but also overflows to customers, making them feel a genuine sense of belonging as well.

In this multi-part webinar series from ULC, experts in the library field will share their insights and progress on the journey to creating a culture of belonging. Participants will explore topics such as understanding library history, building diverse teams, and fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and respected. By the end of the webinar series, attendees will gain the tools to create a 'third space' that welcomes both internal and external customers.

Note: This webinar series is meant to be taken as your interests align. Feel free to join all meetings or select those meetings that will be most relevant to you. Please be sure to register for each session individually.

See session descriptions and registration information below.

Creating a Culture of Belonging: Session Descriptions and Registration Links

Please be sure to register for each session you wish to attend individually.

The Public Library Was Not Always For Everyone | Tuesday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET

The Public Library Was Not Always For Everyone
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Libraries are essential to the communities they serve. From helping children enter school ready to learn to forging relationships with seniors, allowing them to feel connected and less lonely, libraries help communities thrive. For this statement to be true, library leaders and staff will learn of the hidden stories of African American libraries to disrupt and reevaluate policies, procedures, programs, and services that perpetuate systemic problems from the dark past.

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Self-Awareness and Reflective Leadership First | Tuesday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Self-Awareness and Reflective Leadership First
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Join library leaders and staff in a thought-provoking and interactive webinar designed to deepen understanding of personal privilege, power, bias, and identity. Together, we will explore how these factors shape our perceptions, influence decision-making, and impact how we engage with the world. By fostering self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy, participants will gain the tools needed to lead authentically and inclusively.

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Auditing for Change: Understanding Systemic Inequities | Tuesday, April 8 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Auditing for Change: Understanding Systemic Inequities
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Equity and inclusion are essential for creating workplace cultures where everyone thrives. This webinar empowers leaders to analyze and address structural barriers that perpetuate inequities within their organizations. Participants will explore strategies for conducting equity audits to evaluate organizational policies and practices, understand the intersections of identity, and take actionable steps to foster a more inclusive environment.

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Building Inclusive Organizations | Tuesday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Building Inclusive Organizations
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Transforming library culture to prioritize inclusivity and psychological safety requires intentional leadership and strategic action. In this webinar, learn from experienced library leaders who have successfully fostered more inclusive and equitable environments. Gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate resistance to change, build psychologically safe workplaces, and ensure that both staff and patrons feel emotionally and physically secure.

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Developing Diverse Teams | Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Developing Diverse Teams
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Diversity and inclusion are critical for creating vibrant and effective library teams, yet recruitment and retention challenges often hinder progress. This webinar brings together library leaders who have successfully navigated these challenges to build diverse teams and library boards. Participants will explore practical strategies for recruitment, training, development, and retention, all while fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes equity and psychological safety.

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Leading Belonging Initiatives | Tuesday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Leading Belonging Initiatives
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

“There is no beauty but the beauty of action.” Fostering a sense of belonging within an organization is key to empowering staff, closing trust gaps, and driving systemic change. This webinar will explore how leaders can create environments where employees feel valued and supported through initiatives like Affinity Groups, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and allyship. Participants will learn actionable strategies for supporting staff, managing resistance to change, and measuring the impact of inclusivity and belonging efforts.

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Commitment and Accountability | Tuesday, July 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Commitment and Accountability
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Creating lasting systems of belonging requires commitment, ongoing learning, and accountability. This webinar equips leaders with strategies to foster inclusive environments that empower all team members, particularly Black and Brown leaders, to thrive and advance. Participants will learn how to set long-term goals, create accountability systems, and address mistakes with humility and action. Additionally, this session will provide resources for continued education and tools to sustain progress through peer collaboration and regular reflection.

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Welcoming the Community Inside and Out | Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Welcoming the Community Inside and Out
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Libraries play a vital role in fostering trust and connection within their communities. In this webinar, library leaders will share practices and policies that ensure staff are seen as trusted partners both within and beyond the library walls. Participants will learn how to understand and address biases, research community trauma, and identify trust gaps and community needs through active listening. This session will also highlight strategies for planning collaboratively with the community and leveraging community assets to support shared goals.

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