Join us for a session to have your Excel questions answered. Here is an opportunity to share tips and ask questions about Excel. Do you want to learn more about quickly navigating in Excel? Excel formula basics? Using automatic color coding to create a printable work schedule based on staff availability? Summarize data you’ve exported from another system like your ILS? Power Query basics? You may email questions and files ahead of time to Melissa Lattanzi or just join us on Zoom for the conversation. Keep in mind when sharing your files to protect the innocent.
Facilitators:
Scott Trimmer currently serves as the Director of the Learning Commons at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus, where he has been since 2014. Scott enjoys helping people use technology to meaningfully improve their lives. His staff jokes that there’s very little Scott doesn’t try to organize in a spreadsheet. While serving for more than ten years as the go-to person to answer Excel questions at a 1000+ employee University, he picked up a number of Excel tips and tricks. In recent years, Scott has developed or assisted in the creation of variety of Excel tools to facilitate administrative tasks and dashboards, simplifying workflows and making data available to less tech-savvy folks in the organization.
With a degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Organizational Leadership, Scott has effectively used Excel to enhance data accessibility in a manner that benefits his organizations.
The cold winter months can be isolating. Pause and reconnect with your body, mind, and community in this gentle chair yoga class. Through slow, mindful movement and breathwork, you’ll cultivate a deeper sense of presence and connection with yourself, your community and the natural world around you.
Learning Objectives:
Use gentle movements and breath techniques to enhance physical and mental relaxation.
Cultivate a deeper connection to the self through focused awareness.
Foster a sense of community and connection by embracing practices that support openness and presence.
Presenter:
Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
Keeping abreast of changes in employment laws is an on-going challenge for employers generally and for HR Professionals in particular. In this webinar, we will examine recent developments in the law that impact the ability of public libraries to manage the workforce in a challenging environment.
Learning Objectives:
Recognizing the recent trend toward unionization among Ohio public libraries and what it means.
Becoming aware of recent developments in EEO law, especially accommodation issues relating to pregnancy, religion, and disability.
Learning about wage & hour hotspots for litigation in Ohio and beyond.
Addressing new pay transparency laws, affirmative action plan requirements, and layoff notice requirements in Ohio.
Understanding the executive orders, administrative guidance, and enforcement activity addressing DE&I and diversity initiatives more generally.
Presenter:
Amanda S Smith, Shareholder, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Amanda’s unusual path to becoming a labor and employment attorney began with earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience at Allegheny College and Kent State University, respectively. After determining that a career in science ultimately was not for her, she took a job as a legal assistant following her graduate studies, and immediately fell in love with law. That first position at a plaintiff’s side labor and employment firm quickly evolved into enrolling in classes at the University of Akron School of Law, where she eventually earned her juris doctor degree, summa cum laude.
Amanda is now an Ohio State Bar Association-certified specialist in labor and employment law. She represents both public and private employers in many types of labor and employment matters, including with labor negotiations and arbitration as well as charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission and other state fair employment practice agencies. She also counsels employers on litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters, as well as wage/hour compliance, performance and leave management, discipline, and workplace policies. Amanda firmly believes in the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). In furtherance of her commitment to advancing DE&I initiatives both at K|W|W and beyond, Amanda completed the National DiversityFirst certification program to become a National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional and regularly counsels employers on DE&I-related matters.
Amanda is a native of Falconer, N.Y., near Chautauqua Lake. She and her spouse, Brian, are enjoying a joyfully chaotic time of life raising two young boys. Amanda is also involved in her community. She serves as a board member for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce and as Chairperson of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Akron Bar Association. more info...
This webinar is also part of the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy.
This Webinar will provide a brief overview of strategic leadership, provide you with tools to infuse strategic thinking into your library operations, and will discuss strategic leadership in an ever changing world.
Learning objectives:
Participants will learn the difference between strategy and leadership skills vs operations and management skills, and will understand the importance of weaving these critical skills together.
Participants will learn several integral tools for infusing their management style with strategic thinking.
Participants will discuss trends and potential impacts on future library operations
Presenter:
Paula Miller has served as Director/Administrator in four states –Baltimore County Public Library and Eastern Shore Regional Library (both MD), Pikes Peak Library District (CO), Westlake Porter Public Library (OH), and Dover Public Library (DE). Most recently, she molded BCPL’s role as a community hub and instrument of democracy, and she oversaw the development and opening of award-winning and state-of-the-art Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Enamored by libraries since her first shelving job at age 16 at Kent Free Library, she believes our public libraries are critical community resources that bring people together and that serve as bridges to opportunities in individuals’ lives. She is focused on identifying new and emerging needs, roles, and connections that keep our libraries relevant and effective.
Library work can be meaningful and rewarding but comes with unique challenges that can impact well-being, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional labor. This presentation will explore the systemic causes of workplace stress, the role of psychological safety, and practical strategies to foster a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Learning Objectives:
Identify and understand workplace challenges to well-being
Know and discuss best practices for policies, procedures, and culture
Implement strategies to foster a psychologically safe workplace
Presenter:
Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience.
This engaging workshop offers a dynamic forum to collaboratively prepare for the 2026 Children's Summer Reading Program theme, "Unearth a Story."
Start off the morning by learning best practices and pro tips for effectively engaging children directly from an experienced school visit panel. Followed by the popular presentation given by Janet Ingraham Dwyer of the State Library discussing the CSLP theme, Unearth a Story, and the extensive resources offered. Next you will have more time to interact with your colleagues sharing and developing innovative ideas for programs, incentives, and reading tracking methods with fellow librarians. Before lunch we will embark on creating some theme centered decorations.
After a provided lunch we will have our program palooza where you will have an opportunity to hear 6 different programs you can implement in your own library. We will end the day discussing booklist for all ages. Don't miss this fun-filled day and opportunity to connect with your peers. More details will be coming soon.
Dig In! Unearth Your Summer Why
Unearthing the WHYs of your summer reading program can help you identify which practices are vibrant and beneficial and which should go extinct. We’ll identify our whys, celebrate what we love about summer, and name something we’d like to revisit, change, or let go. This session will also feature a quick tour of CSLP’s “Unearth a Story” theme, art, and resources and other statewide summer planning supports.
Presenter: Janet Ingraham Dwyer is the youth services library consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support, advise, and empower children’s and teen services specialists in public and school libraries around the state. She manages Ohio’s participation in the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program; coordinates Choose to Read Ohio; co-facilitates Building Community-Based Summers learning sessions; promotes library participation in nutrition programs and community well-being initiatives; and collaborates with the Ohio Library Council on Ohio Ready to Read, a statewide resource network supporting early literacy activities in libraries.
Excavating the Stacks: Unearth a Story Booklist
Lucy Carney, Collection Development Specialist with Cuyahoga County Public Library will share a curated list of books that connect directly to the "Unearth a Story" theme. Join us to discover diverse titles, identify cross-promotional opportunities, and leave equipped with the resources needed to inspire patrons throughout the summer.
Presenter: Lucy Carney is a Collection Development Specialist at the Cuyahoga County Public Library where she obtains print materials for children and teens, as well as world language materials for all ages. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and has worked at Elyria Public Library’s Central Library as a Children's Librarian, Rocky River Public Library as the Children’s Services Manager, and the Akron-Summit County Public Library as the Children’s Library & Teen Division Manager at the Main Library in downtown Akron.
No one expects public service staff to have read every popular title that has been published in a given year; however, it's not an unrealistic expectation to be familiar with them to better serve patrons. This webinar will go over the top 25 titles of 2025, literary trends and anticipated releases to note for 2026, and reader's advisory tips & tricks.
Learning Objectives:
Familiarize yourself with the buzziest books for children, teens, and adults in both fiction and non-fiction.
Gain an understanding of the 2025 and 2026 literary landscape.
Improve your reader’s advisory and circulation upselling skills.
Presenters:
Ris Labib, Collection Development Manager at Portage County District Library, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading "Alchemised" by Senlinyu.
Amber Salmon has 22 years of experience in public libraries and is currently an adult services librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. She co-leads specialty book clubs and her favorite read of 2025 was “The Favorites” by Layne Fargo.
We're hosting a lively workshop to jointly develop ideas for the 2026 teen summer reading theme, "Unearth a Story."
Your day kicks off with a lively game of Trivia, featuring sample questions and themes you can adapt for your own programs. Followed by the popular presentation given by Janet Ingraham Dwyer of the State Library discussing the CSLP theme, Unearth a Story, and the extensive resources offered. Next, you will have dedicated time to connect with colleagues, sharing and developing innovative ideas for programs, incentives, and reading tracking methods. Before lunch you will have the opportunity to create cardboard stand-ups.
After lunch we will have our program palooza where you will have an opportunity to hear 6 different programs you can implement in your own library. We will wrap up the day with a high-energy session focused on 25 programs under $25! Don't miss this action-packed day and opportunity to connect with your peers. More details will be coming soon.
Dig In! Unearth Your Summer Why
Unearthing the WHYs of your summer reading program can help you identify which practices are vibrant and beneficial and which should go extinct. We’ll identify our whys, celebrate what we love about summer, and name something we’d like to revisit, change, or let go. This session will also feature a quick tour of CSLP’s “Unearth a Story” theme, art, and resources and other statewide summer planning supports.
Presenter: Janet Ingraham Dwyer is the youth services library consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support, advise, and empower children’s and teen services specialists in public and school libraries around the state. She manages Ohio’s participation in the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program; coordinates Choose to Read Ohio; co-facilitates Building Community-Based Summers learning sessions; promotes library participation in nutrition programs and community well-being initiatives; and collaborates with the Ohio Library Council on Ohio Ready to Read, a statewide resource network supporting early literacy activities in libraries.
Do More with Less! Twenty-Five programs under $25
: As library funding goes down but costs go up, we need to wring every last cent out of our programming budgets. Here are twenty-five dynamic programs you can do for $25 or less, and the tools you need to create even more.
Presenter: Sarah Amazing is the Teen Services Department Manager at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, where she has advocated for teens since 2007.
Unlock new levels of efficiency and impact for your projects. This hands-on session introduces "The AI Advantage," a modern approach to project management designed specifically for community leaders. We will demystify artificial intelligence and demonstrate how to leverage powerful, free tools like Google's Gemini and NotebookLM to streamline every phase of your project lifecycle.
Learning Objectives:
Brainstorm & Plan with Gemini: Use Gemini as a creative partner to generate innovative project ideas, develop detailed action plans, create timelines, and delegate tasks.
Draft Communications in Seconds: Instantly create compelling emails for coworkers, social media posts for promotion, and thank-you letters for partners and stakeholders.
Centralize Your Project Knowledge with NotebookLM: Transform meeting minutes, past project reports, and documents into an intelligent, searchable database. Get instant answers to questions like, "What was our budget for last year's fundraiser?" or "Summarize the key takeaways from our planning meeting."
Presenter:
George Garrett is the principal at Mathews High School in Vienna, Ohio, where he has dedicated over two decades to serving the school community. His extensive experience at Mathews includes roles as a teacher, coach, and administrator. George began his career in education as a language arts teacher before transitioning to a technology educator, sharing his expertise with junior high and high school students, as well as adults through evening programs at the Trumbull Independent Public Libraries.
Thankfully, the library is still a safe place for interacting and connecting with others. But what happens when the conversations become uncomfortable and controversial? How do you remove yourself from the unwanted drama, or at least disengage, if you can’t remove yourself?
Learning Objectives:
Two easy to use phrases to set boundaries with and redirect unwanted patron conversations
Two respectful phrases to use the get yourself out of an unwanted conversation
Three agreements staff can make with each other to remove politics, religion and other hot topics from the workplace
How to recover from being involved in the controversy
This program will use “real library life” examples of controversial and unwanted conversations and how to handle them.
Presenter:
Andrew Sanderbeck is a respected presenter, coach, and consultant. He has worked with library organizations for more than 20 years.
He champions Meliorism (mÄl′yÉ-rÄz″Ém), the belief that we can contribute to positive change and improve the world through acts of love, creativity, compassion, and kindness. He now resides in Wadsworth, Ohio with his wife, Michelle, and enjoys visiting his grandchildren in Pennsylvania.
Do you have more than one boss at your library? Do you have lots of responsibility but little authority? Are you working between multiple departments? Are you looking to improve your communication skills with your managers and your direct reports? If you said yes to any of these questions then this webinar can help you communicate better and manage up, and down.
Learning Objectives:
Communication techniques for communicating with upper management and employees
Prioritizing tasks and setting goals
Performance evaluation strategies: How to better give and receive feedback
Time management concerns: How to organize and prioritize your time to meet multiple (and sometimes competing) goals
Planning and organizing meetings from "the middle"
Presenter:
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie is the author of four books: Teen Fandom and Geek Programming (2018), Digital Citizenship: Teaching and Practice from the Field (2019), Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries (2020), and Becoming a Digital Parent: A Practical Guide to Help Families Navigate Technology (2021). She is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others.
We're hosting a lively workshop to jointly develop ideas for the 2026 Adult summer reading theme, "Unearth a Story."
Did someone say murder? Kicking off the morning with a bang, we present a Murder Mystery Game—and show you exactly how to create and implement one for your own library. Followed by a presentation on CSLP theme, Unearth a Story, highlighting resources presented by Katy Hite of the State Library. TikTok isn’t just for teens, learn how to create simple summer reading TikToks to market your library effectively.
After a provided lunch, you will have dedicated time to connect with colleagues, sharing and developing innovative ideas for programs, incentives, and reading tracking methods.
The afternoon features our Program Palooza, where you'll hear about six distinct programs you can readily implement in your library. We will wrap up the day with Programming during tough times: Free, Cheap, and Recycled. Don't miss this energizing day and opportunity to connect with your peers. More details will be coming soon.
Murder in the Stacks: Hosting Murder Mysteries at the Library
Learn where to find and facilitate interactive murder mystery programs for patrons of all ages. Warm up your detective skills with a mini murder mystery game, then explore planning, pacing, and best practices.
Presenter: Lindsay Miraglia, is the Adult Assistant Manager at the Wayne County Public Library. She has spent nearly 15 years working in public libraries across Northeast Ohio—including Akron-Summit County Public Library, Stark Library, Canal Fulton Public Library, and now WCPL—gaining a deep appreciation for the communities we serve. A lifelong true crime and horror enthusiast, Lindsay turned that passion into creating immersive, story-driven murder mystery programs for patrons. She even designed custom mysteries inspired by the summer reading themes. Fun fact: she once built a full life-size coffin out of cardboard for a vampire-themed mystery.
Dig In! Unearth Your Summer Why
Unearthing the WHYs of including adult participation in your summer reading program can help you identify which practices are vibrant and beneficial and which should go extinct. We’ll identify our whys, celebrate what we love about summer, and name something we’d like to revisit, change, or let go. This session will also feature a quick tour of CSLP’s “Unearth a Story” theme, art, and resources and other statewide summer planning supports.
Presenter: Katy Hite is the Adult Services Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support and champion the work of library staff across the state who are serving adult patrons through programs, services and outreach. Katy facilitates Adult Services networking meetings, co-facilitates Building Community-Based Summers learning sessions and provides strategic planning services across the state. She has worked as an adult services supervisor, adult reference librarian and programmer, and an emerging technology librarian at libraries throughout central Ohio.
The term “neurodiversity” refers to the infinite variation in brain functioning that leads to differences in thinking, attention, memory, and communication. Some neurodivergent individuals have differences in executive functioning skills like time management, and as a result, need different support and accommodations in the workplace. In this presentation, learn about time management from a neurodivergent lens. Whether you are neurodivergent or you are a supervisor to someone who is, this webinar will provide concrete strategies to support time management in the workplace.
Learning Objectives:
Learn why neurodivergent individuals, such as people with Autism and ADHD, have differences in time management skills
Understand key concepts, such as tachyosychia, time blindness, and executive functioning
Gain 6-8 concrete strategies to support and make accommodations for neurodivergent individuals with time management in the workplace
Learn about 3-5 tools that neurodivergent individuals can use in the workplace to support effective time management
Presenter:
Renee Grassi, Librarian and Accessibility Consultant Speaker
Librarian, author, trainer, administrator, teacher, and consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for nearly twenty years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and welcome disabled residents and their families and caregivers. Learn more at reneegrassi.com.
As teachers and librarians, you’re on the front lines of introducing AI to students. But with headlines warning about AI’s massive energy demands, how do you balance the need for AI literacy with decisions about acting sustainably?
This webinar cuts through the confusion to help you make informed choices about sustainability in your classrooms, libraries, and communities.
We’ll examine independent estimates of AI’s energy and water use and put them in context in ways that are easy to understand.
We’ll include an introduction to how data centers work and what they are used for. We’ll clarify what we know and what’s still uncertain about AI’s carbon footprint (both in the present and in future projections).
We’ll compare individual AI use to other digital activities, and we’ll also look at global use of data centers with statistics from the International Energy Agency.
Did you know that AI technologies are also being used to mitigate climate change? We’ll look at some of the many innovations underway related to greener data centers, hardware, and chips. And we’ll look at how AI is being used in projects that map deforestation, improve recycling, clean up the ocean, innovate new materials for greener buildings, and more.
You’ll come away with some practical tips for answering questions from students, and some simple advocacy steps to use in your communities.
Learning agenda
Review statistics about energy use of AI in a clearer context than the usual “factoids” you see in many headlines.
Understand some basic facts about data centers and their use for AI and other technologies.
Look at the history of news reporting about the energy use of other new technologies (like online book ordering in 1999 and streaming media in 2020).
Compare the carbon footprint of individual uses of AI with uses of other technologies and then zoom out to global use and what it could mean for climate change.
Examine the history of “Jevons paradox” and why it’s often quoted in relation to the growth of AI.
See examples of how AI itself is currently being used to mitigate climate change.
Get some practical tips for answering questions about AI and sustainability, and what we can advocate for collectively related to sustainable AI.
Presenter:
Nicole Hennig is an expert in instructional design, user experience, and emerging technologies. She is currently an e-learning developer and AI education specialist at the University of Arizona Libraries.
Previously, she worked for the MIT Libraries as head of the user experience department. In her 14 years of experience at MIT, she won awards for innovation and worked to keep academics up to date with the best new technologies.
Librarians who take her courses are applying what they’ve learned in their communities. See their testimonials.
To stay current with the latest developments in AI, sign up for her email newsletter, Generative AI News, and follow her on Bluesky or Mastodon, where she posts daily about libraries, artificial intelligence, and other technologies.
Planning and executing engaging library programs takes creativity, strategy, and time. AI can significantly help to streamline and enhance the process, and can do so without losing the heart of your events.
This webinar will explore how AI tools can assist with every stage of library event planning, from gathering community input and brainstorming ideas to managing logistics, writing promotional materials, and crafting welcoming remarks. Discover practical ways to integrate AI into your workflow while maintaining the personal touch that makes library programming memorable. By the end of the session, you’ll have actionable strategies to save time, enhance accessibility, and ensure your programs remain community-focused and impactful.
Learning Objectives:
AI as Your Programming Partner-Explore how AI can assist with idea generation, logistics, and outreach.
Understanding Community Needs-Learn how AI-powered surveys and analysis can help align events with patron interests.
Streamlining Event Logistics-Discover AI tools for scheduling, accessibility considerations, and planning details.
Crafting Effective Promotion-Use AI to write compelling event descriptions and generate engaging visuals.
Maintaining the Magic-Learn how to balance AI efficiency with the creativity and connection that make library programs special.
Presenter:
Crystal Trice, CSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC
Crystal Trice, founder of Scissors & Glue, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in education and local government, with a focus on improving collaboration and handling challenging situations with patrons and coworkers. She is passionate about creating environments where people work together more effectively.
With certifications as a Scrum Master and in Scrum at Scale for Government, Crystal holds a Master’s in Library & Information Science and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her dedication to community enrichment fuels her work in supporting organizations to achieve their goals.
Crystal lives near Portland, Oregon, and enjoys organizing her thoughts (and tasks) with Sharpies, Flair pens, and sticky notes. She shares her home with her husband and a quirky mix of animals.
Scott Trimmer currently serves as the Director of the Learning Commons at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus, where he has been since 2014. Scott enjoys helping people use technology to meaningfully improve their lives. His staff jokes that there’s very little Scott doesn’t try to organize in a spreadsheet. While serving for more than ten years as the go-to person to answer Excel questions at a 1000+ employee University, he picked up a number of Excel tips and tricks. In recent years, Scott has developed or assisted in the creation of variety of Excel tools to facilitate administrative tasks and dashboards, simplifying workflows and making data available to less tech-savvy folks in the organization.
Melissa Lattanzi, Continuing Education Coordinator, NEO-RLS
Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
Amanda S Smith, Shareholder, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Paula Miller has served as Director/Administrator in four states –Baltimore County Public Library and Eastern Shore Regional Library (both MD), Pikes Peak Library District (CO), Westlake Porter Public Library (OH), and Dover Public Library (DE). Most recently, she molded BCPL’s role as a community hub and instrument of democracy, and she oversaw the development and opening of award-winning and state-of-the-art Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Enamored by libraries since her first shelving job at age 16 at Kent Free Library, she believes our public libraries are critical community resources that bring people together and that serve as bridges to opportunities in individuals’ lives. She is focused on identifying new and emerging needs, roles, and connections that keep our libraries relevant and effective.
Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience.
Janet Ingraham Dwyer is the youth services library consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support, advise, and empower children’s and teen services specialists in public and school libraries around the state. She manages Ohio’s participation in the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program; coordinates Choose to Read Ohio; co-facilitates Building Community-Based Summers learning sessions; promotes library participation in nutrition programs and community well-being initiatives; and collaborates with the Ohio Library Council on Ohio Ready to Read, a statewide resource network supporting early literacy activities in libraries.
Lucy Carney is a Collection Development Specialist at the Cuyahoga County Public Library where she obtains print materials for children and teens, as well as world language materials for all ages. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and has worked at Elyria Public Library’s Central Library as a Children's Librarian, Rocky River Public Library as the Children’s Services Manager, and the Akron-Summit County Public Library as the Children’s Library & Teen Division Manager at the Main Library in downtown Akron. 
Ris Labib, Collection Development Manager at Portage County District Library, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading "Alchemised" by Senlinyu.
Amber Salmon has 22 years of experience in public libraries and is currently an adult services librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. She co-leads specialty book clubs and her favorite read of 2025 was “The Favorites” by Layne Fargo. 
Sarah Amazing is the Teen Services Department Manager at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, where she has advocated for teens since 2007.
George Garrett is the principal at Mathews High School in Vienna, Ohio, where he has dedicated over two decades to serving the school community. His extensive experience at Mathews includes roles as a teacher, coach, and administrator. George began his career in education as a language arts teacher before transitioning to a technology educator, sharing his expertise with junior high and high school students, as well as adults through evening programs at the Trumbull Independent Public Libraries.
Andrew Sanderbeck is a respected presenter, coach, and consultant. He has worked with library organizations for more than 20 years. 
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie is the author of four books: Teen Fandom and Geek Programming (2018), Digital Citizenship: Teaching and Practice from the Field (2019), Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries (2020), and Becoming a Digital Parent: A Practical Guide to Help Families Navigate Technology (2021). She is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others. 
Lindsay Miraglia, is the Adult Assistant Manager at the Wayne County Public Library. She has spent nearly 15 years working in public libraries across Northeast Ohio—including Akron-Summit County Public Library, Stark Library, Canal Fulton Public Library, and now WCPL—gaining a deep appreciation for the communities we serve. A lifelong true crime and horror enthusiast, Lindsay turned that passion into creating immersive, story-driven murder mystery programs for patrons. She even designed custom mysteries inspired by the summer reading themes. Fun fact: she once built a full life-size coffin out of cardboard for a vampire-themed mystery.
Katy Hite is the Adult Services Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support and champion the work of library staff across the state who are serving adult patrons through programs, services and outreach. Katy facilitates Adult Services networking meetings, co-facilitates Building Community-Based Summers learning sessions and provides strategic planning services across the state. She has worked as an adult services supervisor, adult reference librarian and programmer, and an emerging technology librarian at libraries throughout central Ohio.
Renee Grassi, Librarian and Accessibility Consultant Speaker
Crystal Trice, CSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC