Apply now to present an Ignite Talk!
Communities in Crisis: Libraries Responding to the Opioid Epidemic
Friday, November 15, 2019 10 AM – 3 PM at the Devens Conference Center
Registration will open in September
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System invite you to apply to present an Ignite Talk at our upcoming symposium on the library response to the opioid epidemic. We hope to have Ignite Talks from all types of librarians: public, school, special, and academic. Ignite Talks should highlight your library’s response to the opioid epidemic. Topics might include developing a plan to respond, building community partnerships, reducing stigma, offering programs or utilizing library space to develop social infrastructure, providing staff education such as Narcan training or de-escalation skills, or promoting occupational safety and employee health.
Presentations will be 5 minutes each with additional time for questions. Applications received by July 18th will be given preference. Applications are due by August 1st. Apply now!
Wondering what else is on the program for the symposium? Our keynote speakers include Dr. Scott Lukas, a Director at McLean Hospital and a Harvard University Professor, and Felice J. Freyer, a Boston Globe Reporter who covers health policy and public health. The symposium will wrap up with a conversation led by Keith West, a debate coach from the Boston Latin School, incorporating all points of view. Representatives from the Massachusetts Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility Committee will be at each table to facilitate small-group discussions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with public health organizations, support groups, and funders at an exhibit during lunch time and morning coffee.
Following the symposium, a limited number of mini-grants will be available to symposium attendees to offer a program, service, or staff training to build social infrastructure. Librarians awarded funding will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with support from the MBLC and MLS.
We are excited to receive your proposals to present an Ignite presentation for the symposium. Please reach out to Michelle Eberle or Shelley Quezada for further information.
Thank you very much!
Michelle Eberle, Consultant, Massachusetts Library System
Shelley Quezada, Consultant to the Unserved, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
*This symposium contributes to both the MBLC and MLS strategic plans as well as aligns MBLC and MLS services.
