9-Month BEBS Learning Series

Apply by September 10, 2024

Join an innovative 9-month BEBS learning series designed specifically for public library staff. This series focuses on building equitable summer and year-round practices throughout California libraries and communities. This program aims to provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities necessary to transform libraries into inclusive and equitable systems and services. 

Benefits of Participation

  • Gain a deep understanding of equity and how to make sure it is the foundation of your library’s summer services.
  • Increase skills and confidence in leading equity learning and initiatives in your local jurisdiction.
  • Create meaningful change within your library and community.
  • Develop practical skills in building equitable practices and systemic change through interactive learning sessions.
  • Strengthen equity facilitation practices.
  • Receive support and mentorship from equity and learning facilitators and peers.
  • Build a network of peers dedicated to equity in public libraries and the local community.

Program Structure

The BEBS 9-month series will include both synchronous and asynchronous engagement. The learning series is divided into three comprehensive parts, each designed to build upon the previous. Dates and times provided below are for the synchronous Zoom sessions that will be held throughout the nine months. Along with these in-real-time engagements participants will be required to participate in asynchronous activities.

Learning sessions are facilitated by Linda Braun, Learning Consultant, and LaKesha Kimbrough, Equity Consultant, and the Building Equity Based Summers facilitation team.

See the BEBS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Part 1: Foundational Elements of Equitable Summer Practices

Approximately twice-monthly, September 25, 2024 – December 18, 2024, 2:00–4:00 pm: 7 sessions

  • Understanding the Why:  Deepen your understanding of how knowing your summer why can help you to build equitable summer services.
  • Letting Go of Tradition: Learn to identify and challenge traditional summer practices that hinder equity.
  • Centering Community: Develop strategies to place community strengths, needs, and voices at the forefront of equitable summer services.
  • Assessing Progress: Develop strategies to assess progress towards equitable summer goals.

Part 2: Workshopping Ideas

Weekly January 8, 2025 – January 29, 2025, 2:00–4:00 pm: 4 sessions

  • Engage in hands-on learning to practice and implement Building Equity-Based Summers (BEBS) ideas and frameworks.
  • Collaborate with peers to develop actionable ideas tailored to your library and community’s unique context.
  • Receive feedback and support from session facilitators and fellow participants on your equity implementation plans and ideas.

Part 3: Facilitating Equity Learning

Approximately twice-monthly February 5, 2025 – June 11, 2025, 2:00–4:00 pm: 10 sessions

  • Learn effective facilitation techniques to facilitate Building Equity-Based Summers (BEBS) learning sessions with colleagues and community partners.
  • Plan and execute equity-focused summer services through your library.
  • Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations to enhance equity initiatives.

Program Dates

MonthsDatesTimes
September 2024Wednesday, 9/259:00 AM to 11:00 AM
October 2024Wednesdays, 10/9 and 10/232PM to 4PM
November 2024Wednesdays, 11/6 and 11/202PM to 4PM
December 2024Wednesdays, 12/4 and 12/182PM to 4PM
January 2025Wednesdays, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/292PM to 4PM
February 2025Wednesdays, 2/5 and 2/192PM to 4PM
March 2025Wednesdays, 3/5 and 3/192PM to 4PM
April 2025Wednesdays, 4/2, 4/16, 4/302PM to 4PM
May 2025Wednesdays, May 14 and May 282PM to 4PM
June 2025Wednesday, June 112PM to 4PM

Team Requirements

To foster collaboration and support, participants must attend as part of a team of at least two people and no more than four people from the same jurisdiction.

Application Process

Complete the interest application by September 10, 2024. Include in your application a description (no more than 500 words) that describes:

  • Why you are interested in being a part of the Building Equity-Based Summers initiative.
  • How your library is already engaging in equitable practice.  

Note there are no wrong answers to these questions. The BEBS planning team is simply interested in learning more about those who may join the cohort.

Confirm that all team members are committed to participating in all three parts of the series and all have necessary approvals to be able to participate fully. Participation in this learning series requires a significant time commitment. If you are thinking of applying to another long-term professional development program, please consider if you have the time, energy, and administrative support necessary to complete both programs.

See the BEBS Frequently Asked Questions to review expectations for full participation.

Contact Us

For additional information and questions, please contact the BEBS team at bebs@cla-net.org.

Building Equity-Based Summers is a program of the California Library Association, supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.