Rural Library Leaders: A Community of Practice for New DirectorsCalifornia State Library logo

Rural Library Leaders is a year-long cohort that Califa is launching in partnership with the California State Library, specifically for new and early-career rural library directors across California.

We created this cohort because the early years in a director role can be isolating, particularly in a rural context. This opportunity was created to provide a supportive space where you don't have to navigate leadership challenges alone.

Participants will:

  • Meet virtually once per month to discuss real leadership challenges and learn from peers navigating the same work
  • Attend two in-person convenings (grant-funded travel) – one at the California Library Association Conference in Riverside this October, another at the Association of Rural and Small Libraries Conference in Milwaukee in September 2027.
  • Enhance your library's collection (grant-funded collection development) to ensure you meet community-identified needs.
  • Join a trusted peer network of library directors who are also located in rural communities across California and are also working to shape community ideas into library services.

Beyond the resources, this cohort is about building genuine connections and shared learning through co-design work together.

HOW TO APPLY:

The interest form is quick—just a few open-ended questions after your basic info.

Rural Library Leaders Interest Form  Please submit by August 15, 2026

If you have questions, please contact Lisa Lindsay at lisa.lindsay@library.ca.gov or schedule a Teams meeting.

This project is 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.