Free webinar in June highlights voter education services in public libraries

For Immediate Release
Fri, 05/17/2019

Contact:

Laurence Deutsch

Manager, Communications

Public Library Association (PLA)

ldeutsch@ala.org

CHICAGO – In a time marked by uncertainty, the public library is in an extraordinary position as one of society’s most trusted institutions. Public libraries can leverage that trust to be at the forefront of voter education as we head into what will be one of the most watched presidential elections of our lifetimes. 

Next month, the Public Library Association (PLA) will host a free webinar intended to help public library workers serve patrons seeking information to guide their voting decisions. This webinar, The Public Library’s Role during Elections: Voter Education in the Age of Misinformation, will be held 1-2 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, June 4.

This presentation will equip librarians to gather user-friendly information from reliable and nonpartisan sources. With a focus on citizenship and voting, librarians will learn to serve their diverse populations in a nonthreatening and nonpartisan way. The webinar will be presented by Haley Samuelson and Nate Gass from Cook Memorial Public Library District, serving Lake County, IL.

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the information needs of their communities regarding elections and voter mobilization efforts;
  • Identify key stakeholders and audiences to whom they will communicate the importance of their voter education efforts; and
  • Curate and design a helpful online resource equipping their communities to be engaged in the voting process.

This webinar is presented free of charge, but registration is required and space is limited. Learn more.

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About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.