From Learning to Leading: AI Safety Training for Libraries - Long Beach

This half-day, in-person training helps library staff build both understanding and practical capacity around AI safety and AI’s longer-term implications for libraries and communities.
 

Prerequisite: Participants are expected to have completed the one-hour introductory AI safety training. Those who did not attend the live workshop on Thursday, January 29 should watch the recorded session in advance. (Link to video will be provided.)

Participants will move through three connected parts over the course of the training: 

1. Understanding AI Safety Concepts
   Building on a required one-hour introductory training, participants take a deeper look at core AI safety concepts, common concerns, and mental models for thinking proactively about how AI is evolving. The focus is on applying these ideas in real library contexts, including supporting patrons who use AI tools, responding to questions, and recognizing both opportunities and risks in everyday library work.
2. Longer-Term Implications of AI
   Participants then dig deeper into future risk, and examine their opinions/thoughts on the direction of AI. Attendees grapple with the idea of extremely capable systems, going from theory and nebulous ideas to actually trying to feel what it would be like to live in that type of world. Participants also explore how current harm/risk sets us up for an undesirable future.
3. From Learning to Leading Workshops
   The final portion of the training shifts from exploration to action. Participants learn how to facilitate AI Safety Awareness Project workshops, such as AI for Seniors and AI 2026, depending on readiness and group needs. Practical facilitation and hands-on preparation leave participants feeling confident to deliver workshops in their own libraries within weeks.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain core AI safety concepts in clear, accessible language
• Assess AI risks, capabilities, and longer-term implications 
• Respond more confidently to patron questions about AI
• Facilitate AI Safety workshops using provided materials

Presenter: 

The AI Safety Awareness Project

The AI Safety Awareness Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips traditional American societal pillars to take an active role in shaping AI for a flourishing human future.

Andres Ramirez moved to Chicago in 2000 from Venezuela and has lived there since. After 7 years in sales, he decided to pivot into AI safety in 2024, eager to use his communication skills to educate the public and get them a seat at the table in deciding how AI will affect all of us. Currently, he is building AI Safety Awareness Project's partnership framework, while personally leading workshops and trainer programs across the US.

Address of Hosting Library:

If you have questions about this event contact CALL (call@cla-net.org). DO NOT contact the hosting library for event information.

Long Beach Public Library, Michelle Obama Neighborhood Branch
5870 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90805
Friday, March 13 | 1pm - 5 pm

Travel and Parking Information: 

• Free parking is available in the library’s parking lot and surrounding side streets.
• Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Travel Reimbursement Information:

• CALL will reimburse travel by personal vehicle or public transit for library workers traveling 50 miles roundtrip or more. 
• We highly encourage carpooling if possible (If you carpool there can only be one mileage claim per carpool.)
• Reimbursements are not allowed when using government or city cars.
• Reimbursement for mileage is $ .70 per mile. 
• Public transit expenses will be reimbursed when they represent a reasonable and cost-effective means of travel. Reimbursement is limited to standard fares and does not include premium or upgraded services.
• Reimbursement requests will be processed after your attendance at the event.  A sign-in sheet will be provided, and reimbursement forms will be emailed to attendees at the end of the event.