Library Lady’s K-12 Edition is a mostly weekly newsletter for K-12 school librarians. Today’s topic is Professional Development.
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Today’s Library Lady’s tips focus Professional Development. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic
Tips from Library Lady
Keep Growing: Simple Ways for School Librarians to Stay Inspired and Informed
In the rush of a school year, professional development can easily slip to the bottom of the list—but it doesn’t have to. Ongoing learning keeps your ideas fresh, your confidence high, and your library thriving. Here are a few realistic ways to keep growing without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Set a Learning Goal for the Year
Choose one area you want to improve—like genrefying your collection, adding STEM activities, or building stronger collaborations. A focused goal keeps growth intentional.
2. Explore Online Webinars and Courses
Take advantage of free or low-cost webinars from AASL, state library associations, or educational platforms. Short, topic-specific sessions fit easily into busy schedules.
3. Connect with a Professional Network
Join librarian communities on social media, participate in listservs, or attend local meetups. Sharing ideas and challenges with peers can spark new inspiration.
4. Read and Reflect
Set aside a little time each month to read library blogs, journals, or professional books. Keep a notebook for reflections or ideas you want to try next.
5. Attend Conferences—Big or Small
If possible, attend a regional or national conference. If travel isn’t an option, look for virtual options that offer recorded sessions. Even one good session can reignite your passion.
6. Share What You Learn
Bring back ideas from your professional development experiences and share them with teachers or library staff. When others see your enthusiasm, collaboration grows.
7. Learn from Your Students
Pay attention to what students are reading, watching, and talking about. Their interests can guide your professional learning as much as any course or conference.
Keep Your Spark Alive
Professional growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about staying connected, curious, and energized. Every time you learn something new, you’re modeling lifelong learning for your students and reminding yourself why you love this work. Keep investing in your growth—you and your library are worth it!
| Need to do some fundraising for your library? Here are some posts on my blog which describe my fundraising camps. |
Recent Adult Book Reviews
Adult Review – Journey of the Heart – historical fiction
Recent YA Book Reviews
YA Review – Beneath False Stars – young adult dystopian
YA Spotlight – A Riddle in the Lonesome October – young adult mystery
Recent MS Book Reviews
MS Review – Knights in Manhattan – middle school fiction
Recent Kid Book Reviews
Review Tour – If Jesus Came to My School – picture book
Library Lady Blog Posts
Tips for School Librarians : Cultivating Creativity
Helpful Posts from my Other Blogs
Items in my Shop
Cute animals with books – stickers, shirts and more in my Redbubble Shop
What I’m Checking Out
Family Guide to Digital Citizenship
Family Guide to Teaching Kids and Teens Essential Digital Skills
Family Guide: 5 Strategies for Setting Digital Media Boundaries and Guidelines for Kids
Some things that might interest you
297 Prompts for Complete and Consistent Coloring Books
Want coloring pages for your kiddos? These prompts can help. Check it out here.
For the Holidays Bundle
It’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays. This free bundle is available until the 25th. The For the Holidays Bundle has 70+ free digital goodies to help you make the season fun, creative, and joyful.
🎁 Crafts, planners, recipes, printables, and cozy holiday inspiration all free for a limited time.
📚 Tools for School Librarians 📚
As librarians, we’re always looking for creative ways to engage students and enhance programming. These tools are easy to use. Explore them today and see how they might fit into your toolkit. These were created by a friend of mine and have great potential for helping you in your library programing.
Use Coupon code custom10 to save $10 (ends 10/22)
Escape Game Printable Creators GPT Bundle
Whether you’re just starting out 
or already selling kids’ printables, this bundle helps you generate creative escape game concepts, design engaging puzzles, and weave in polished clue cards — all tailored for Etsy, TPT, or your own shop.
The Escape Game Printable Creators GPT Bundle gives you three custom-built GPTs designed to help you ideate, build, and polish escape games — faster, with more clarity, and with complete confidence.
Each assistant focuses on one part of the escape game process, so your products always feel fun, immersive, and teacher-friendly.
What You Get:
3 custom GPTs:
Addison (Ideas & Blueprints)
Maya (Puzzles & Challenges)
Charlotte (Clues & Storylines)
Unlimited use via ChatGPT — works with free or paid versions One-click access — no setup required
I have this one and will be selling some escape rooms soon.
Authors and librarians, would you like to have a post on this blog?
I’d like to add a couple of features to my blog in the coming months and I’d like your help. I am looking for school librarians interested in being interviewed on the blog. I am also looking for librarians and children’s or young adult authors to do guest posts on the blog. Click on the links below to fill out a survey.
Is there a way I can help you? Drop a note in the comments or shoot me an email, I’d love to help.
See you next week.
Jane (Library Lady)
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