In collaboration with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and Simmons University School of Library and Information Science, the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) is excited to announce the Library Summit on Social Cohesion!  

This in-person event will provide a nourishing day for library staff to strengthen relationships within our profession and to support our important role fostering social connection in our communities.   

The theme of our event is: Together We Thrive: Libraries as Catalysts for Social Cohesion. 

By the end of the summit, participants will be able to:  

• Describe how librarians can foster social connections in their communities.  
• Discuss strategies to strengthen library staff wellbeing and collective care.  
• Apply a 4-step process to develop a relationship-driven library. 

Presenters: 

• Sandra Harris, Co-founder and Co-lead, Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness 
• Beth Wahler, Social Work Consultant with Libraries, Co-Host, Surviving the Stacks podcast, Author, Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons 
• Noah Lenstra, Director of Let's Move in Libraries and Author of Healthy Living at the Library 

Location:

Devens Common Center at Springhill Suites, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens, MA

Explore the Library Summit on Social Cohesion Guide for the schedule, presentation descriptions, and helpful resources about libraries and social cohesion.