Welcome to California’s library leadership initiative. Catalyst is a cohort-based program designed to equip and support California library workers with development opportunities that allow them to lead from anywhere. This 12-month program combines live online learning, self-paced activities, mentoring, monthly cohort meetings, and two in-person meetings to help participants develop the confidence and skills to lead from anywhere.
Anyone who is currently working in a California library is eligible to apply for the Catalyst learning cohort. Those already in leadership positions, front-line library workers, and behind-the-scenes staff are all invited to apply. An MLIS degree is not required. We’re looking for people to lead from everywhere, and from any type of library!
2026 – 2027 Cohort Applications
The application period for the 2026–2027 Catalyst cohort is now open. Apply today.
An accessible document with all of the application questions is available for download.
Application deadline: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Pacific).
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to all of your questions on the Catalyst FAQ page.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone currently working in a California library is eligible to apply. Catalyst welcomes library workers from all library types and all roles, including front-line staff, support staff, librarians, supervisors, managers, and directors. An MLIS degree is not required. We’re looking for people who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills and make a positive impact, regardless of their job title.
Hear Catalyst Participants
Wondering what the experience is like? Hear directly from a California library worker who participated in Catalyst as they reflect on what the program meant to them.
Program Coordinators
- Maddy Walton-Hadlock, Program Facilitator
- Ivan Aguirre, Co-Facilitator
- Akiliah Perez, Intercultural Development Coach
Past Catalyst Cohorts
Other Leadership Opportunities
Many people are interested in developing leadership skills and experience for a variety of reasons. If you are not able to participate in the Catalyst cohort this year, or are not selected, CALL continues to support your leadership aspirations. Through Leadership for All, CALL provides opportunities for everyone. Anyone who works in a California library can benefit from these grant-funded webinars, courses, and workshops. All California library workers are invited to visit the CALL events calendar and look for the professional development and leadership learning opportunities under the Leadership for All banner.
If you receive CALL Letters on a weekly basis you can find all leadership opportunities there as well. Just look for this icon.
You will also find self-paced learning opportunities around leadership in CALL Academy under the Leadership for All category, and a compiled list of resources.
Information about the previous leadership programs – Developing Leaders in California Libraries and Leadership Challenge – is still available.