In February of 2020, Operation Warm was honored to present our literacy-focused A Warm Welcome to the Library program to more than 8,500 attendees at the Public Library Association (PLA 2020) conference. The conference brought together librarians from all across the United States for three days of discussion, innovation, and camaraderie.
The PLA 2020 Conference Program Subcommittee carefully deliberated a record-breaking 588 proposals that were submitted, before selecting Operation Warm as a presenter. In addition, we were further honored as Data-Driven Leaders in PLA’s new Professional Development Theory of Change.
“It was a huge honor to be selected as presenters and recognized for our work in the development of this program,” says Allison Price, Development Director at Operation Warm. “And, we were thrilled to meet so many of Operation Warm’s partners and innovative leaders who are doing amazing work to support families in their local communities.”
“Through A Warm Welcome to the Library, outreach to the community is reimagined,” Price says. “The program provides libraries with an opportunity to showcase services and programs to children and families living in need. At the same time, children receive two vitally important basic needs: a warm coat and literacy resources.”
“A Warm Welcome to the Library was built to support strong family development, along with a culture of literacy in the community,” says Heather Connolly, VP of Development and Community Programs at Operation Warm. “More than 50 libraries in 15 different states have seen the impact. For example, 99% of parents we surveyed said they discovered new library services they would use in the future and share the information with others.”
Operation Warm would like to thank those of you who were able to join us at PLA 2020. Our session presentation is available on our website. For more information about A Warm Welcome to the Library, click here.
