What does it look like to be a safer and more secure library? How can public libraries maintain open, accessible, and welcoming spaces while ensuring privacy and safety? Library Journal’s Public Library Safety Summit will help your team answer these questions and more.   

LJ’s Public Library Safety Summit explores a wide range of topics across a day and a half of programming, including emergency preparedness, trauma-informed practices, responding to patrons in crisis, understanding legal responsibilities, proactive engagement with community partners and law enforcement, and supporting staff with a culture of resilience. 

From presentations to networking time to workshopping real-life examples, participants will leave with new ideas and connections to support your library's work.  

Included in your ticket price is breakfast and lunch on day 1, and breakfast on day 2 of the event.  

Who should attend: This event is designed to support team attendance! We encourage library directors, chief librarians, security heads, HR leaders, facilities and operations directors, public service leaders, and other stakeholders in library safety to join us for networking and learning. Contact jweinheimer@mediasourceinc.com to discuss discounted tickets for team members.  

By registering for this event, you are agreeing that Library Journal/School Library Journal may share your registration information with sponsors currently shown and future sponsors of this event. Click here to review our full Privacy Policy. 

By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Library Journal's Health & Safety Policy. 

Interested In Sponsoring? Please contact Advertising Director Roy Futterman: rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com 

Need an invoice? Please contact jweinheimer@mediasourceinc.com 

Day 1 — Foundations of Library Safety 

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Registration & Networking 
 

9:30 – Noon | Programming 

Welcome & Overview: The State of Library Safety 

• Key objectives 

• Current trends, key challenges in library safety 

Understanding Safety Beyond Security 

• What does safety mean in public libraries? 

• Balancing physical security with emotional well-being 

• Data-driven approaches to safety 

Trauma-Informed and Equity-Centered Practices 

• Equity considerations in safety 

• Approaches that respect diverse community needs 

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch / Networking Break 

1:00 – 5:00 PM | Programming 

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response 

• Planning for incidents (from minor disruptions to emergencies) 

• How to build and test response protocols 

Building a Culture of Safety 

• Organizational culture change strategies 

• Supporting staff resilience and well-being 

Open Discussion / Q&A 

• Group conversations on local challenges and solutions 

Day 2 — Strategic Implementation & Community Engagement 

9:00 AM to Noon | Programming 

Community Partnerships for Safety 

• Collaborating with social services, health & safety organizations 

• Roles and responsibilities 

Designing Safe Spaces 

• Physical design & layout considerations 

• Accessibility + safety considerations 

Final Reflections & Action Planning 

• Consolidate learnings 

• Next steps & takeaways 

See what past attendees are saying about our Safety Summit!

"Libraries around the country are facing increasing threats from multiple fronts, and it is easy to feel like it is only happening to you. Having the chance to connect with others experiencing similar issues, to learn from each other, and to spark new ideas to explore was a very meaningful experience."  

-D. Neville-Rehbehn, Assistant Director - Customer Experience

"This was a stellar event with a focus on a timely topic. Connecting with other large urban libraries gave me range of ideas for addressing safety issues, and a renewed sense of community in the unique challenges we face in our radically public spaces."

-M. Hartline

"The Safety Summit was a total game-changer for me. I learned so much, and it was nice to be in a room full of professionals who have experienced and understand some of the heart-wrenching things we see in libraries. The passion in the room for finding solutions was electrifying!"

-E. Gordon, Public Safety Manager

"An amazing conference!  I feel better knowing that no matter the size of your library we all deal with similar security issues.  I now have a better understanding of library trends relating to how to best serve our customers while keeping everyone safe."

-D. Seckman, Library Director