Staff Training & Event Registration - Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

Staff Trainings & Events

MELSA supports its member libraries by offering various staff trainings and events throughout the year.

MELSA Resource Training: Brainfuse Help Now – Online Tutoring and Much More

HelpNow is an award-winning online tutoring and study suite which is backed by an industry-leading academic team and over 4,000 Brainfuse-certified tutors nationwide. Highlighting the easy-to-use online classroom, this training will demonstrate how HelpNow offers patrons of all ages state-aligned one-to-one tutoring, intensive writing assistance, targeted skills building, test preparation, and a full line of collaborative learning and self-study tools. Newer enhancements include access to FAFSA specialists and live AI expert tutors.

Wed, October 1 at 10:00 on Zoom

Fall 2025 Transparent Language Online:

5 Transparent Language Webinars for Libraries

Click Here for Details & Registration Links

1.Supporting Your ELL Community with Transparent Language Online

Thursday, October 9, 2025: 1-2pm (US) EDT

2. Supporting Young Learners with Transparent Language Online

Thursday, October 30, 2025: 11am-12pm (US) EDT

3. Amplifying Indigenous Voices at Your Library: Taíno Revival

Monday, November 3, 2025: 12pm-1pm (US) EDT

4. Transparent Language Online: Reporting and Marketing

Monday, November 10, 2024: 1-2pm (US) EST

5.What’s New in Transparent Language Online?

Tuesday November 18, 2025: 11am-12pm EDT

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Recording of “Getting Started with Transparent Language Online” session from September 29, 2025

Regional Event Ambassadors

MELSA member library staff also serve as ambassadors for various regional events.

Teen Lit Con

A celebration of teen literature, promoting reading and writing, and creating a community of readers by connecting teens and authors. Held yearly in April or May.

Register to be a Public Library Ambassador here!

2025 Teen Lit Con is taking place on Saturday, April 26th at Two Rivers High School.

Twin Cities Pride Festival

The metro area public libraries have a booth presence at the Twin Cities Pride Festival. Annually in June.

Registration is currently closed.

MELSA Workshop Recordings

Data Axle – Reference Solutions – An Overview (March 13, 2025) passcode: mKEMZB?2

Data Axle Reference Solutions was created to provide libraries with the most up-to-date business and consumer data available. From everyday research to new business ventures, library users can leverage the data for growth and success. Data is categorized to help library users get what they need such as:

Jobs by job skills, location, and industry
Great locations for a new businesses
Companies nationwide
Addresses and phone numbers
News articles

Learn how to navigate, filter, and create lists to assist your customers gather the data they need most.

Please return to this page to complete a brief evaluation form: [click here for eval form]

Training resources on vendor sites:

Ancestry Library Edition (ProQuest): Ancestry LE (PROQUEST)
Historic New York Times (ProQuest): Historic NYT (PROQUEST)
NoveList (EBSCO): NoveList (EBSCO)