Educational presentations
Presentations and Q & A sessions on various topics surrounding AI development, AI impact, the policy landscape, and more.
Nationwide Conversations at Your Local Library
AI development is happening quickly.
This fall, come to your local library to learn more and
discuss what future do you want?
Free, in-person discussions and workshops at libraries across the U.S. focused on where AI is, where it's going, and what a future where AI doesn't "just happen to us" looks like.
- Workshops scheduled
- Nothing yet, want to host one?
Attend
Free, in-person workshops, discussions, and more at public libraries across the U.S.
See all upcoming workshopsHost
Want to bring these events to your community? We're happy to provide support and materials.
Get involvedBrowse
Curious about what templates some of these events might follow? Feel free to browse our resources.
Browse resourcesWhat to expect at an event
No two libraries run it the exact same way. Most pick one or two of these formats, all free and open to the public. Different events may target different levels of expertise, but all are welcome! Contact your library to learn more.
Facilitated discussions
Discussions led by library staff and other facilitators paired with media resources on various AI and AI safety-related topics.
Documentary screenings
Screenings of films such as "The AI Doc" by the Center for Humane Technology followed by critical discussion.
Author and expert talks
Presentations by local and national experts on various topics around AI, AI safety, AI policy, and more.
All upcoming workshops
Why libraries?
For most people, AI is increasingly something that happens to them. Whether it's in the workplace or in personal lives, people have increasingly interacted with AI systems without the opportunity to ask fundamental questions of the technology such as:
- What might be coming over the horizon?
- How do I make sense of what's going on?
- Do I want all of this? If so what parts do I want and which parts do I not want?
- What future do I want?
Communities deserve a say in their future, but there is often no room for these questions to be asked in the workplace or other spaces.
But there is at the library! Since their inception, libraries have been the hearts of their community for curiosity and critical thinking. With the advent of new AI systems, libraries are more relevant than ever before, not less.
So this October, come have in-person conversations with your neighbors. Explore and learn together.
Come to your library and be a part of forging a path forward for your community.
About us
We are a group of library organizations, AI safety organizations, and library systems all interested in getting communities a seat at the table in shaping where AI goes.
- AI Safety Awareness Project (AISAP)
- Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)
- WebJunction
- Chicago Public Library
- Seattle Public Library
Resources
To have a look at the materials we use for our facilitated discussions, workshops, and more, please check out this webpage.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us an email. If you are a library staff member or a member of an organization that supports libraries, please see our get involved page for details on how to join our inter-library calls.