Adult Services Notes

Recent LVA Training

As 2026 approaches, the pace of change is picking up. Generative AI, retrieval-augmented search, and locally hosted models are giving libraries fresh ways to enhance discovery, improve efficiency, and support patrons in entirely new ways — but they also bring big questions about privacy, ethics, and readiness.

In this lively, skills-focused session, we’ll look at what’s next for AI in libraries and how to get ready for it. You’ll leave with a toolkit of emerging tools worth exploring, and a clear picture of the trends shaping how libraries will lead — not just adapt — in the years ahead. 

Niche Academy is open to all Virginia library staff members and library associates such as trustees and Friends board members. If you do not have a Niche Academy account, please use your library email address to sign up. If you do not have a library work email, you may register with a personal email, and we will contact you to confirm that you are affiliated with a Virginia library. 

News from Library Development

LVA/RUSA Scholarship Reports

Activating AI Education and Algorithmic Literacy

Henricka Barbour, Prince William Public Libraries

Through an LVA scholarship, I had the opportunity to attend the course “Activating AI Education and Algorithmic Literacy at Toronto Public Library,” hosted by Fiona O’Connor. The course focused heavily on Toronto Public Library’s Digital Expo, which immediately stood out to me as an exciting and thoughtfully designed program—one I would love to adapt for my own public library. O’Connor emphasized how broad and intentional digital literacy efforts need to be, especially as AI and other emerging technologies become increasingly embedded in everyday life. Rather than treating digital literacy as a single skill set, the Expo demonstrated a wide range of approaches, from hands-on learning to deeper conversations about ethics, equity, and access.

What I found most compelling was how the Digital Expo balanced practical education with critical thinking. Programming addressed not only how to use AI tools, but also how to recognize misinformation, understand algorithmic bias, and think more carefully about privacy and data use. This reinforced for me that public libraries are uniquely positioned to create safe, accessible spaces for these conversations.

The biggest takeaway I’m bringing back to my own library is the value of combining strong staff training, community partnerships, and approachable programming to help patrons feel empowered—not intimidated—by emerging technologies. With the right support, libraries can play a key role in helping communities engage with AI thoughtfully, confidently, and critically. I would love to connect with O'Connor to discuss the set-up, finding the experts and how to bring this excellent program to my community.  

Activating AI Education and Algorithmic Literacy

Melanie Sisson, Essex Public Library

Some of the key points of Activating AI Education and Algorithmic Literacy at Toronto Public Library were:

• Look for a group already in progress who you can join up with and can give you some resources and guidance on how to fuel a program within your library.  Toronto Public Library did this by joining the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights.

• Partner with other nonprofits to gain the knowledge and experience that can be shared with the community. Toronto Public Library found one partnership with MediaSmarts.  With their assistance they put on Digital Conferences and Expos for the community.

• Providing resources through web pages and tip sheets can give general knowledge to the public and make it accessible.

• It is time to look into putting together an AI policy for your Library.  An example of this can be found at Toronto Public Library's website.

Passports & Notaries @ Your Library

Suzanne Cross, Fairfax County Public Library

General:
The presenters noted that offering passport and notary services at their library made customers very happy to have the option of coming to the library for either service. 

They said often while people come in for a passport or notary service they may check out books, return books, or get a library card during their visit.
In some cases, other entities offering passport or notary services have discontinued those services once nearby libraries start offering them. For instance, the post office and the banks have stopped or scaled back both services in the area of the presenting library. 

Notary:
Of the two services, notary would be quicker to stand up and could be run with fewer requirements. People are certified as notaries outside the library, meaning that the responsibility/liability rests with the individual and not the library system. For this reason, the presenters would not recommend running notary services without bonding and insurance. This protects the individual and can be provided for a reasonable fee (around $99 for their notaries.) One requirement is secure place to store notary records and stamps. The presenter's library did not charge for services and took walk-ins for usual service. For extensive service they take appointments. Most notary transactions can be completed in 5 minutes. 

Passports:
Passport services are to be started with by contacting the State Department. Libraries offering Passport Services are required to offer service during normal operating hours. For example, a library cannot choose to offer passports only on Tuesdays from 1-5 if they are open M-F 9-6. Libraries can delay services to allow for lunch breaks, opening, and closing only (ex 10:30 - 5:30 if the library is open 10-6.)

The presenter library had a photo booth on site, which patrons appreciated for one stop shopping. The library received 33% of the fees collected by the booth. The booth is maintained and serviced by the photo booth company. Photo booths are not a requirement to stand up a program. The presenter did say their library took appointments for crowd controls and service management.  There are three levels of personnel responsible for managing of the passport (two types of managers and then agents who intake and process the documents.) Libraries are required to charge a $35 facility acceptance fee per passport.

The patron pays the State Department also, with a check or money order. Libraries must have secure storage of documents before they are mailed. Libraries also must maintain transmittals for each envelope sent via the mail. There are supply costs associated with passports including envelopes and black ink pens. Passport processing takes approximately 30 minutes per person. 

I learned a great deal from this presentation and feel much more informed of what is involved in offering both of these services

Passports & Notaries @ Your Library

Erin Creighton and Tracy McPeck, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

The Value of Passport & Notary Services

• New User Engagement: Many people visit specifically for these services and end up signing up for library cards or discovering other resources (events, video games, etc.).

• High Demand: SLPL processed over 4,000 passports in 2025, with demand continuing to grow.

• Monetary Benefit: The library retains a $35 execution fee for every passport application.

• Broad Reach: Services attract residents from the entire metro area, including neighboring counties and states. 

Notary Services

The St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) provides free notary services at the majority of its locations. A notary acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. The notary is responsible for verifying the signer's identity and ensuring they understand what they are signing, but they do not offer legal advice or verify the document's legality.

Navigating State Requirements

Missouri’s notary standards differ significantly from those in "self-certifying" states like Virginia. Missouri notaries must complete a state-approved education course and pass an exam covering state laws and procedures for official acts, such as acknowledgments and oaths.

Building a Collaborative Culture

SLPL staff highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to notary services. Key takeaways included:

• Real-Time Support: SLPL notaries utilize a shared group chat to pose questions and resolve concerns quickly, fostering a sense of teamwork and consistency across branches.

• Empathetic Communication: When a request must be declined, staff are trained to "say no with care," clearly articulating the legal or procedural reasons behind the decision.

Key Logistics:

• Utilize Professional Services: Consider a bonding service for liability coverage, training, and supplies. Organizations like the National Notary Association (NNA) offer comprehensive packages to streamline this process.

• Appoint a Program Coordinator: Designate an internal "point person" to manage documentation, track staff renewals, and facilitate the resolution of complex issues.

• Liability: The notary commission belongs to the individual, not the library. The individual is responsible for their own journal and stamp.

• Time Commitment: Most sessions take less than 5 minutes. Appointments are recommended only for complex cases (e.g., real estate or more than three signatures).

Passport Services

Passport agents are authorized to verify identity, review documents, and administer oaths. Unlike notaries, passport agents provide a layer of review for the State Department but are not the final decision-makers.

If your library is interested in becoming a Passport Acceptance Facility (PAF), contact the Department of State at AFDesignation@state.gov.

Requirements & Setup:

• Designations: You must have a Program Manager and Facility Managers. All must be certified agents.

• Training: Requires a robust initial online training course and an annual refresher. To stay certified, an agent must process at least one passport every 6 months.

• Space Needs: Requires a secure, locking cabinet for transmittal forms and completed applications. A dedicated desk where customers can sit is highly recommended.

• Appointment Systems: SLPL uses a scheduling system to prevent staff from being overwhelmed. They block out the first and last 30 minutes of the day for administrative tasks.

• Supplies: Black pens, heavy-duty staplers (6 staples per application), and a photo punch (if offering photos).

• Photo Booths: While not required, a self-serve photo booth makes the library a "one-stop shop." SLPL partners with a vendor, taking 35% of net sales while the vendor handles maintenance.

Vendor contact: Ed Stewart, Innovative FOTO, e.stewart@dnp.imgcomm.com | p: 603-459-1700 |C: 603-519-124

Marketing the 21st Century Library

Haven Bowman, Essex Public Library

Marketing the 21st Century Library, covered the fundamentals of marketing. We learned about the distinction of strategic marketing from other marketing efforts, and about mission statements, vision statements, and SWOT analysis-the foundations for a marketing plan.

Then we looked at the role of libraries in the 21st century and better understanding community needs, and how to use research tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups to gather meaningful data.

The class also covered action research for continuous improvement. It was interesting how marketing was approached from an outreach perspective rather than an advertising perspective.

Find It VA Tips

Homework HelpNow Updates

• The students will need their local public library card to access HelpNow

• Since HelpNow is licensed through LVA only for public libraries, teachers should not require students to use HelpNow or incorporate it into specific classroom work. It is a supplement to support further learning at home if a student needs some extra guidance or help. 

You can find a link to a template letter for promoting HelpNow to your schools on the LVA Info Center Brainfuse page. 

As always, please send any questions about Find It VA to Barry Trott.

News from LVA

New Education Resources Links

Readers' Advisory Tips and Tricks

Virginia Libraries RA Survey

As Helen Haines wrote in 1945, books have the power to "enlighten prejudices, to enlarge understanding of vital issues, to strengthen public acceptance and practice of cooperation." Libraries foster these virtues through their support of readers. 

In order to help plan for how the Library of Virginia can support the readers' advisory efforts of Virginia's public libraries, we have created a short survey to examine the state of RA services in Virginia libraries and get a sense of what resources and training Virginia library staff need to enhance those services. 

The survey opens on 2/2 and closes on 3/2, and is open to any library staff person working in Virginia public libraries. Thanks for helping us assess the state of readers' advisory services in Virginia. 

Grants and Opportunities

EBSCO's Solar Grant

EBSCO Solar is open to EBSCO customers, and all VA public libraries are eligible to apply for the EBSCO Solar Grant as participants in the state-wide database collections through Find It VA.

Questions period ends February 27, 2026. Submissions are due by April 30, 2026. 

John Cotton Dana Award

Applications for the John Cotton Dana Award should be submitted electronically and received by March 13, 2026.

Pulitzer on the Road Travelling Exhibit

This exhibit "highlights the cultural legacy of The Pulitzer Prizes; connects new audiences with Prize-winners and their work; and promotes the role of journalism, books, drama and music in a democratic society."

Selected libraries will receive:

• The 1,400-square-foot exhibition on loan for roughly six weeks;

• A $3,000 allowance to support public programs;

• Customizable publicity materials and media training;

• Ongoing support from The Pulitzer Prizes and the ALA, and more.

Applications due by by March 27, 2026.

Featured Virginia Programs

J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library

Creative Outlet Class for Adults

The J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library hosts a monthly Creative Outlet Class for Adults, offering participants opportunities to explore diverse artistic mediums, from watercolor painting to faux sea glass murals. While each session focuses on a specific art project, the program emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of creative expression, fostering relaxation and personal fulfillment alongside skill development. 

The instructor emphasizes that minor imperfections often enhance a piece's unique character and visual appeal. The focus remains on the creative process itself rather than solely on the final product. Several participants have noted that stepping away from their work and returning with fresh perspective allows them to appreciate their creations more fully; an experience the program actively encourages. The class attracts adults from varied age groups, backgrounds, and life experiences, creating a dynamic environment for conversation and connection. Many participants have limited prior experience with artistic creation and find that the supportive, low-pressure atmosphere helps them build confidence while developing new skills. Through this initiative, the library continues to foster creativity, community engagement, and personal growth among its patrons.

For more info, contact Cindy Scheu, director@jrjml.org

Handley Regional Library System

Menopause and Mocktails

For more info, contact Cheryl McKelvey, cmckelvey@handleyregional.org

If you have a successful or interesting library program that we should feature here, please submit a program description and images.

In the News

Recent articles on topics of interest to Adult Services

• Library's "Spice It Up!" program continues with lavender in February
• Longlist for PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel Is Announced
• A Most Unlikely Year: Library Policy in 2025
• Before You Toss That Book …
• Curiosity as a Professional Skill
  

This newsletter is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is published by the Library of Virginia Library Development Division.