Webinar: Library Trustees and Advocacy

Originally presented February 11, 2026

One of the most important jobs for a library trustee is advocating for the public library the board represents. 

Many trustees consider their advocacy role to be conscripted to library crises, such as loss of funding or large-scale book challenges. However, there is a great deal that trustees are allowed (and encouraged!) to do to advocate on behalf of the libraries they represent that isn't tied to a specific event. 

In this webinar, Al Hayden, Library Advisory Specialist with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, will discuss ways that library trustees and other library advocates can keep their public library a part of the local, county, and state conversations throughout the year. 

Trustees, those who regularly work with trustees, or other library advocates such as library Friends, will come away with customizable ideas to highlight the essential nature of their libraries to their communities, regardless of their situation or level of experience.

Click the video below to access the recording, slides, and transcripts.

When you continue past the introduction to the webinar, you'll be prompted to log in. We require login to view the whole tutorial so we can provide certificates of completion for your records and for professional development credit. No purchase is required and you can create a Niche Academy account if you don't already have one. The certificate will be available for download when you have completed all sections of the tutorial.  

Enjoyed this webinar? Check out our upcoming webinars for more learning opportunities.