PLA Webinar: News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries

Sponsored by Press Reader
Recorded on 09/16/2026 at 1:00pm CT

Posted in Library Instruction

FREE 60-minute Public Library Association (PLA) Webinar on how libraries can support news access and media literacy.

PLA webinar screenshot

Summary:

Public libraries are playing an increasingly important role in helping communities navigate today’s complex information landscape. From supporting access to trustworthy news sources to helping patrons build critical media literacy skills, library workers are meeting growing needs amid rapidly changing technologies, formats, and user behaviors.

Join the Public Library Association (PLA) and PressReader for a webinar exploring key findings from the new report, News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries. Based on survey responses from more than 900 library workers, the report examines how public libraries are supporting news access and media literacy, the challenges they face, and where future investment may have the greatest impact.

During this webinar, we’ll discuss:

  • Key trends in how patrons access and engage with news and information
  • Common barriers to digital news access and media literacy support
  • The evolving role of library staff in helping patrons evaluate information
  • Practical strategies and opportunities for strengthening services in your library

Whether you are developing formal media literacy programming or supporting patrons through everyday interactions, this session will offer data, insights, and practical takeaways to help inform your work.

Who Should Attend
Public library staff, administrators, educators, and anyone interested in media literacy, digital access, and community information services.

Speakers:

  • Image of Jessica Keyser

    Jessica Keyser

    DirectorGrosse Pointe Public Library

    Jessica Keyser is the Director of the Grosse Pointe Public Library in Michigan. She earned her master’s in library and information science degree from Wayne State University.

    Keyser has led three successful library millage campaigns in three unique communities. She led the Ferndale Area District through the process of reforming from a public to a district library, ensuring the independence and sustainability of the Library. Keyser believes in the power of libraries to transform lives, and strives to be an inspirational leader, forge connections throughout the community, plan for the future and be a good steward of public funds.

  • Image of Kate Shaw

    Kate Shaw

    District Consultant LibrarianMontgomery County Library District

    Kate Shaw has nearly 20 years of public library experience. As the district consultant librarian for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Kate is passionate about connecting library staff with the resources they need to help enrich their patrons’ lives for work and play.

Press Reader and PLA Report graphic
Public Library Association logo. Purple and blue text against white background.

Please note that this webinar is a Public Library Association (PLA) program intended for a public library audience.

The webinar will be recorded. All registrants will have access to the recording.

The webinar will offer Zoom’s auto-generated AI captioning. If you have any questions, please contact: scofer@ala.org.

This webinar is a paid sponsorship opportunity. The products, services and opinions presented herein do not constitute a CHOICE, ACRL, or ALA endorsement of any kind.

Unauthorized recording of any part of this event is strictly prohibited without prior written permission. This includes video or audio recording, chat or AI-generated transcriptions, and screenshots.

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