Call for Applications: MetLib Learning Circle 2025–2026

Global Talent Development Program for Library Leaders

Are you a library leader serving an urban community of over 400,000 residents? Do you want to connect with peers from around the world, explore cutting-edge innovations, and develop transformative projects for your library?

The MetLib Learning Circle, an initiative of the IFLA Metropolitan Libraries Section, invites applications for its third cohort, running from May 2025 to April 2026. This 12-month leadership program is free of charge, excluding the optional participation in the conference in Toronto, Canada. MetLib Learning Circle offers library leaders the opportunity to engage with global experts, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative projects addressing urban library challenges.

Program Highlights

📌 Monthly Virtual Convenings – 90-minute online meetings featuring guest speakers, collaborative learning, and project development sessions.
📌 MetLib Conference in Toronto, Canada (October 2025) – A chance to present your work, gain insights, and connect with international peers.
📌 International Network & Peer Learning – Engage with library leaders from diverse urban contexts, exchanging ideas and solutions.
📌 Access to World-Class Facilitators & Mentorship – Learn from and be guided by renowned global library leaders and urban innovation experts.
📌 World-Class Facilitators – The Metlib Learning Circle is led by Tommi Laitio and Marie Oestergaard. Tommi is a globally recognized leader on cities and partnerships who previously acted as Helsinki’s Executive Director for Culture and Leisure. Tommi’s work on convivencia as a capacity to coexist has inspired library professionals around the world. Marie is the Library Director of Aarhus Public Libraries, one of the most innovative library systems in the world. To many in the library world, Aarhus’ Dokk 1 is a model of modern library service and democratic space.
📌Thematic Focus: Social Connection –  The third cohort of the MetLib Learning Circle focuses on the library’s role in tackling social isolation and creating social connection, community and wellbeing. 

By the Numbers

✔ 2 Completed Cohorts
✔ 36 Library Leaders from 27 Cities Across 12 Countries
✔ 100% Net Promoter Score (NPS) – Every past participant would recommend the program.
✔ 60% of Participants Collaborated Beyond the Program
✔ 80% of Participants Formed Lasting Professional Connections

Who Should Apply?

✅ Library leaders (directors, managers, or senior professionals) working in public libraries serving cities of over 400,000 people.
✅ Professionals eager to engage in global learning and implement innovative solutions in their libraries.
✅ Individuals who can commit to active participation in the monthly online convenings.
✅ Applicants must have a library project aligned with the 2025 MetLib Conference theme – “From Isolation to Social Connection.”
✅ Proficiency in English is required, as all program activities, discussions, and materials will be conducted in English.

Important Considerations

  • The program is free of charge; however, participants are encouraged to secure support from their library leadership for time commitment and travel to the Toronto conference. The organizers are exploring opportunities for a limited number of travel stipends. We recognize that travel and participation might not be possible for all so the conference participation is not a mandatory requirement for participating in the program.
  • Active participation is expected – this includes preparing for sessions, engaging in discussions, and sharing insights with peers.
  • The MetLib Learning Circle fosters international collaboration, and participants should be open to sharing ideas and experiences with a diverse global cohort.
  • When reviewing applications, we will strive for a diverse group of participants in terms of gender, professional role and region.

What Participants Say

🗣 “It was an amazing and very useful experience. The Circle can be the base for stronger international collaboration.”
🗣 “Challenges that libraries face all over the world are similar but managed in different ways.”
🗣 “The discussions were always inspiring and full of wonderful ideas.”

How to Apply

📅 Application Deadline: 28 March
📌 To apply, please submit an application here.

For inquiries, contact Kaitlin Rotella (kaitlinrotella (at) nypl.org)