Southern Library Support Staff Conference 2026

Community On Full Display: How Book Displays Strengthen Connections in the Library - Cyrenity Augestin
This lightning talk will explore and expand upon the way that book displays, a task typically overlooked, can serve as a stage for larger conversations. Through taking the initiative of including personal anecdotes and reaching out to patrons within the community for title contributions, the library can add a personal touch to their book displays and create connections between the patrons that visit the library. Furthermore, it allows patrons to learn more about the people who make the library such a special place, whether that is through their interactions at the desk, or the unseen work behind the scenes. Creating book displays in an intentional and meaningful way not only creates connection between patrons but also allows patrons to further connect with the people they see every day behind the circulation desk.

Sowing Knowledge: Seed Libraries as Outreach - Kelseigh Bien; Taylor McPeake
UT Libraries' Seed Library is a free resource for the campus community to "check out" seeds for growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, and more! We will discuss how this initiative has presented numerous unique outreach and collaboration opportunities that have immensely contributed to our engagement efforts. This program has offered us a creative new approach to engagement overall, and we will share in detail how this has benefitted both the Libraries and the patrons we serve.

Surprise Date with a Book - Your library's path to inclusivity and patron engagement. - McKindree Borges & Nichaela Williams
At the end of the day, everything we do is done for the patrons. Therefore, patron engagement should always be top of mind when it comes to any involvement activities. At the University of Florida’s Marston Science Library, one of our biggest engagement days of the year is February 14th, also known as Valentine’s Day. We hand-wrap books, write witty descriptions about them, include student engagement materials in the wrapping, and make pin-back buttons for students. Patrons will come up and check out a book without ever seeing the cover or knowing the title! Notably, this event requires pulling books to wrap that are representative of the demographics of the patrons in your library. That is why our curated list of books includes LGBTQIA+ authors, Black authors, Female authors, and other marginalized voices that are often forgotten in such activities. This interactive workshop will include a presentation about why and how we do Surprise Date with a Book, real feedback from patrons about the event, and a how-to session working with attendees on actually making and wrapping books and materials.