BLC Mentors
BLC Mentors is designed to support mid-career library professionals in their professional development through structured mentorship.
BLC Mentors is designed to support mid-level library professionals in their career development through structured mentorship. This program connects experienced library leaders with mid-career professionals (3-15 years experience in or with libraries) who are looking to develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and navigate the next steps in their careers.
Building on the strengths of BLC Leads, BLC’s signature leadership development program, BLC Mentors offers a hybrid mentorship experience, blending virtual mentor-mentee meetings with two in-person retreats. The program supports 10 mentorship pairs carefully matched based on roles, goals, and aspirations.
Program Overview
Through structured mentorship pairings, participants will engage in self-directed virtual meetings, guided discussions, and two in-person retreats to foster meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. The program aims to connect experienced library leaders with mid-career professionals, creating a supportive space for professional growth, knowledge sharing, and leadership development. BLC Mentors aims to:
- Foster leadership development and professional growth.
- Strengthen peer connections across institutions.
- Provide guidance and support from experienced library leaders.
- Build a culture of mentorship within the BLC community.
Through BLC Mentors, mentees will gain guidance from experienced professionals, leadership development skills, an expanded professional network, and insight into career growth opportunities. Mentors will gain the opportunity to give back and shape the next generation of library leaders, connections with talented library professionals across the BLC membership, and the chance to refine coaching and leadership skills. BLC Mentors also offers participants a cohort experience as a mentor and mentee, respectively, providing peer-to-peer support throughout the program.
BLC Mentors Opening Retreat
The program begins with an in-person kick-off retreat where participants will engage in networking, onboarding, and mentor-mentee matching, concluding with the first mentor-mentee meeting of the program. This retreat is held in September 2026 at a BLC member institution.
Virtual Onboarding and Training
Prior to the opening retreat, virtual sessions will be hosted for mentors and mentees separately to learn best practices, review program logistics, and have the opportunity to ask questions. These onboarding sessions are designed to prepare for meaningful connections at the opening in-person retreat. These trainings will occur virtually via Zoom in August 2026.
Virtual Mentor-Mentee Meetings
Following the retreat, mentors and mentees will then set their own meeting schedules for the remainder of the program, October through April, with recommendations, support, optional resources and check-in opportunities provided by BLC.
Virtual Mentor and Mentee Cohort Meetings
Virtual cohort meetings will provide touch points for mentors and mentees, respectively, to meet and discuss challenges, opportunities for growth, and the mentorship experience overall through facilitated conversations. These cohort meetings will occur virtually via Zoom every other month.
BLC Mentors Closing Retreat
The program concludes with an in-person retreat in May 2027 at a BLC member institution, offering participants a space to reflect on their experience, provide feedback, and determine how to continue their mentorship relationship beyond the program.
Who Should Apply?
Mentors
Mentors are experienced library leaders who are:
- Eager to share their knowledge and provide guidance to the next generation of library leaders.
- Committed to fostering growth and learning in others.
- Willing to engage in meaningful conversations and mentorship throughout the program.
Mentees
Mentees are mid-level library professionals who are:
- Looking to develop leadership skills and gain career guidance.
- Interested in learning from an experienced mentor in the field.
- Seeking support as they navigate challenges, transitions, or professional goals.
Program Schedule
The eight-month hybrid program will run from August 2026 to May 2027, supporting 10 pairs of mentors and mentees. A detailed schedule will be shared soon and updated here.
- August 2026: Virtual onboarding workshop for mentees.
- August 2026: Virtual onboarding workshop for mentors.
- September 2026: Kick-off retreat featuring networking, onboarding, and mentor/mentee matching at a BLC member institution.
- October 2026–May 2027: Self-scheduled virtual mentorship meetings.
- October 2026: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.
- December 2026: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.
- February 2027: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.
- April 2027: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.
- May 2027: Closing retreat hosted at at BLC member institution.
Application Information
Program Fee
The 2026 BLC Mentors program fee is $450 for mentees. This fee is the responsibility of the participating institution and is not paid by individual mentees. There is no program fee for mentors. The program fee includes meals during program activities, and supports instruction costs and program materials. The program fee does not include travel to and from the program locations.
BLC is committed to making BLC Mentors accessible to all BLC member institutions, fostering a diverse community of mentees irrespective of their financial capacities. Institutions may apply to the BLC Mentors Fund to reduce the program fee for those who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program. BLC Mentors is not open to institutions outside BLC’s membership network.
Questions?
Questions? Email Cate Harriman, Program Manager for Learning and Development.