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Orem staff organize free Utah Valley conference to broaden local library training
Summary
Orem library staff organized a free, countywide conference aimed at giving Utah Valley library employees practical, low‑cost training and networking opportunities. Organizers emphasized local presenters, hands‑on sessions and staff participation to lower travel barriers for smaller libraries.
Nathan, a library staff member, described a free countywide conference organized by Orem Library Hall staff to give Utah Valley library employees practical training and networking opportunities. “we've really the last couple of years we've focused on creating library experiences,” Nathan said, explaining the event’s emphasis on programs, access and new community needs.
The conference, held for a second year, was built as an accessible alternative to larger state conferences that can carry travel and lodging costs. Nathan said organizers aimed to “provide an opportunity for Utah Valley library staff to network, socialize, brainstorm, make connections,” and to offer sessions that address local, day‑to‑day needs rather than only academic or statewide policy topics.
Organizers recruited presenters from nearby city departments and libraries, including IT staff and a mental‑health liaison from the police department. Nathan noted that Steve Cannon from city IT “gave a great presentation on AI and libraries” and that Cameron Wilson from the police department led a session on serving neurodiverse patrons. Megan Flinders Pei and the library programming team staged an escape‑room demonstration as a keynote session to show how a popular summer program can be scaled and executed with efficient staffing and resets.
Staff also sought to make the conference a career advancement opportunity for Orem employees participating in the city’s step program, which requires presentations or similar professional development for some staff to advance. Nathan said that creating a local, free venue helps staff meet those requirements without the cost of travel.
Attendance included about 70 people from roughly 10 libraries across the valley, Nathan said, and the organizers want to increase participation next year. He credited staff across Orem Library Hall with marketing, logistics and session proposals and said the group will invite other library administrations and high‑school and college librarians to expand the pool of presenters.
Moon’s Rare Books provided a closing exhibit of rare items that Nathan described as a highlight, and Megan Flinders Pei and Ruth Covington were named as staff who helped design and run sessions. Nathan said staff plan to keep the conference in the fall and to solicit earlier session proposals next year so other libraries can encourage attendance.
The commission discussed whether the Library Advisory Commission could participate in future conferences; Nathan encouraged commission involvement and said staff welcome commission presentations or attendance.
