Surviving and Thriving as a Public Library Director

Maxine Bleiweis

Are you a newly appointed library director in need of support and information?

Are you interested in becoming a library director in the future?

Are you a library director who would like to connect with other library leaders across the state?

Join us for Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director!

Consultant, coach and retired library director Maxine Bleiweis presents this in-depth program addressing the many challenges confronting public library directors. Designed to help new and future library directors survive and thrive as leaders in the library and community, the Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director course offers a unique combination of small group support and expert guidance.

The program is limited to a cohort of 10 people and consists of a half-day workshop and three webinar sessions, as well as an individual consulting session with Maxine for the opportunity to get personalized guidance and advice for managing your most pressing challenges. Suggested readings, podcasts, and discussion of practical scenarios will help you develop your leadership skills.

Topics covered will include:

• personnel issues
• managing boards and city managers
• spotting trends
• leveraging your community for support
• taking care of yourself
• community leadership and management style
• specific situations that each attendee is facing

Register

Schedule

Wednesday, March 12, 2025
10:00 AM to 1:30 PM – in-person meeting at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library in Flint

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
9:00 to 10:00 AM – Virtual meeting

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
9:00 – 10:00 AM – Virtual meeting

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
9:00 – 10:00 AM – Virtual meeting

Registration Rates

Member $975
Nonmember $1950

Register

Previous Participant Testimonials

New and future library directors can benefit from the Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director program's personalized training and guidance. Read what past participants in the program say about how it helped them in their careers.

“Maxine really did a great job boosting my confidence in my new role as director. I also appreciated her approach to library service as I am all about the patron experience and she confirmed that I am making some positive changes here at my library.”

“Maxine was very knowledgeable, has great examples and experience, but never came off as a 'know it all.' She was wonderful.”

“I felt it was extremely valuable and loved everything about it.”

Policies

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations for MLA in-person and hybrid events (including the annual conference, if virtual) must be received in writing by e-mail no later than ten (10) business days prior to the program start date in order to qualify for a refund. For a program with multiple meetings the start date is defined as the first meeting. No refunds for cancellations will be issued for subsequent meetings after that date. Within ten (10) business days of the event, no refund will be issued. Registrations received within ten (10) days of the program are not eligible for a refund. No-shows will be invoiced.

A $150.00 processing fee will be applied to refunds for this event.

If an MLA professional development workshop, conference, webinar, or other training session is cancelled due to low registration or inclement weather, participants will be notified and fees, if applicable, will be refunded.

Consent

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, MLA meetings or other activities constitutes an agreement by the registration to the use and distribution of the registrants or attendees' image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions of such events and activities by MLA. Please contact MLA at [email protected] if you'd like to be removed from any list.

Code of Conduct

Download the complete Code of Conduct (pdf)

MLA’s vision is to be a highly effective, trusted network of libraries, library employees, trustees, friends and supporters working together to support and promote the highest quality library services throughout Michigan. To fulfill our vision, MLA has built, and is dedicated to maintaining, an inclusive and equitable community where all people can come together to advance our shared vision.

MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, and service providers, is expected to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities (whether virtual or in-person), including but not limited to those held in conjunction with conferences, events, and meetings.Any conduct that is prohibited in-person is also prohibited online, including but not limited to on MLA social media pages and other online platforms. 

Health and Safety Guidelines

We ask you to be courteous and conscientious of others while meeting in-person at the event, especially when it comes to health and safety.  

Common Allergens

MLA will make every effort to ensure that provided meals are free of any declared allergens. Please ensure you have alerted MLA staff to any allergies you may have. If you have emergency medications, such as an EpiPen, please carry it with you during the conference.

Although we always aim to work with you to provide a safe and comfortable conference, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free event or prevent others from bringing potential allergens to the event. Conference attendees and exhibitors are asked to refrain from bringing, distributing, and consuming products containing peanuts and other nuts at the conference.