The Library of Michigan invites up to 60 public and academic library directors, managers, or supervisors to participate in Conversations Worth Having for Library Leaders, led by Library Development Manager, Michelle Bradley. Participants may apply to be part of the in-person cohort on December 3, 2025, or the virtual cohort on February 4-5, 2026. The in-person cohort will be held at the Library of Michigan in Lansing. 

Conversations are at the heart of everything we do in libraries. They are key to effective communications, leadership, strategy, high performance, strong relationships, and the health of our organizations and communities.  This course is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, a widely used positive change approach.

At the end of this course, participants will:

  1.  Use generative questions to shift the dynamics of personal and workplace communication problems.

  2.  Experience flipping negative conversations to conversations worth having.

  3.  Use effective feedback strategies with common workplace situations.

Conversations Worth Having for Library Leaders

Cohort #1 will take place on December 3, 2025, at the Library of Michigan in Lansing.  

Cohort #2 will take place virtually via Zoom on February 4-5, 2025

LM will cover the cost of course materials and course content, a $1,498.00 per person value.

For the in-person cohort, LM will also provide morning coffee, tea, water, snacks, and lunch.  All travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

To Apply:

Complete the online application by Monday, November 10, 2025 to be considered. Please contact Andrea Vernola at vernolaa@michigan.gov for questions regarding the program.

Funding is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

Andrea Vernola

Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development

Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909

vernolaA@michigan.gov | 517-335-0123

https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan

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