Featured Speakers

William Adamczyk

Library Director, Milton Public Library and MLA Legislative Committee Co-chair

The Advocate's Playbook

Matt Amory

he/him/his
Librarian for Information and Technology, Canton Public Library and IF/SRC Committee Member
Matt Amory is the Technology Department Head at the Canton Public Library and has been an Intellectual Freedom Champion for the MLA Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibilities Committee since 2019. Matt will be discussing the timeline of events in the town of Ludlow, MA and the Baird Middle School Library in 2019 and 2020 which eventually resulted in the filing of a Request for Reconsideration of the book "Sex is a Funny Word" in the Middle School Library. Though the book was unanimously recommended for retention in the library collection by the Reconsideration Committee, the conflict led to the departure of the Middle School Librarian amid their allegations of a hostile workplace environment and townspeople's allegations of depraved endangerment of student welfare.
Sex is a Funny Word: Handling Local Challenges to Materials and Programs

Maureen Amyot

she/her/hers
Director, Westborough Public Library
Marketing is Not an Afterthought: The Importance of Marketing, Advertising, and the Use of Social Media Platforms in Today's Library

Marissa Antosh

she/her/hers

MLS, Southern Connecticut State University, 2012. Former Chair, YSS and former Conference Committee Liaison, YSS. Loves dogs, the color red, true crime, and the ocean. Connecticut native.
StoryWalk This Way: Installing and Maintaining a Permanent Storywalk

Carlina Arsenault

she/her/hers
Children's Assistant, Northborough Free Library

Yes, and...: Applying Yes Mentality to Tween Programming

Patty Bailey

MLA Paralibrarian Section Awards Chair, Technical Services Assistant/Book Group Leader at Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood

Your Town 101
Paraganza! Paralibrarian Annual Meeting and Awards

Nandini Bajpai

she/her/hers
Author
Ms. Bajpai grew up in New Delhi, India and had a passion for reading at an early age. Unfortunately, the titles available to Nandini (Nancy Drew, Jane Austen) had zero characters that ‘looked’ like her. Thus started Nandini’s journey to become an author for Teens & Children, promoting her culture.
Author Session: A Girl Like Me

Kazia Berkley-Cramer

she/they
Children's Librarian, Watertown Free Public Library
Kazia Berkley-Cramer is a children’s librarian at the Watertown Free Public Library. They hold an MS in Library and Information Science and an MA in Children’s Literature from Simmons University, review for Kirkus, and have served on the Sibert and Stonewall Book Award committees.
Is it Censorship or is it Collection Development?

Laura Bernheim

she/her/hers
Deputy Library Director, Cary Memorial Library, Lexington
Laura is the current Deputy Director at the Cary Memorial Library in Lexington. Until April, she was the Head of Reference at the Waltham Public Library, where she worked for 20 years. @librarieslaura
Low-Stress E-content Strategies for Busy Librarians

Callan Bignoli

she/her/hers
Library Director, Olin College of Engineering
Callan studies and speaks about user experience design, library management, and social issues in technology, challenging students and colleagues to fight for a more just and human future.
@eminencefont (Twitter)
Protecting Digital Privacy for Your Library and Community

Joanne Bisetta

she/her/hers
Director, Green Communities Division, MA Department of Energy Resources
Joanne Bissetta is the Director of the Green Communities Division at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. She started at DOER in 2009 as a Regional Coordinator, working directly with municipal officials and volunteers on Green Communities Designation and clean energy projects, and was named Deputy Director in 2016. She possesses over two decades of local and state government experience, having worked at MassDEP, Concord, and Cambridge. Joanne earned a BS in communications at Emerson College and a MA in Urban and Environmental Policy at Tufts University. When not working, you can find her in the garden, on her bike, or tending to her backyard chickens.
Focusing Energy on Efficiency

Nora Blake

she/her/hers
Director of Library Services, Ipswich Public Library and Past President, Massachusetts Library Association
Nora has been working in the library field for more than 25 years, working as a cataloger, trainer, and library network manager. Most recently Nora has been a public library director, spending more than 6 years as the director of the Emily Williston Memorial Library in Easthampton, and now is the director of the public library in Ipswich.

Managing Building Projects at Any Scale
MLA Business Breakfast

Noelle Boc

Secretary, Massachusetts Library Association

MLA Business Breakfast

Martha Boksenbaum

she/her/hers
Youth Services Librarian, Cranston Public Library
Martha Boksenbaum is Youth Services Librarian for the William Hall Branch of the Cranston Public Library. She purchases graphic novels, comics, and anime for children and teens and runs a manga and anime club for teens. She has served on ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable (GNCRT) Conference Committee and is currently a Member-at-Large for the GNCRT. She has also served on YALSA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Selection Committee. She works every day to champion graphic novels, manga, and anime from her small library branch, and tries to keep up with the amazing number of comics being published today.
Ask the Comics Librarians!

Andrea Bono-Bunker

she/her/hers
Library Building Specialist, MBLC

Managing Building Projects at Any Scale
Focusing Energy on Efficiency

Shannon Bowman-Sarkisian

she/her/hers
Outreach Librarian, Turner Free Library, Randolph
Shannon Bowman-Sarkisian is the Outreach Librarian for Turner Free Library in Randolph, MA. She is a champion for equitable and inclusive information access. Shannon received the 2019 Outstanding Staff Award from the Indiana Library Federation for her work developing and implementing the Creating Access for Violence Survivors (CAVS) program at Monroe County Public Library. She has an MLS from Indiana University Bloomington, an MFA in Creative Writing from San Jose State University, and a BFA in Writing for Publication, Performance, and Media from Pratt Institute. Shannon lives in Quincy, MA with her partner Guthrie and their cats Egon and Butters.
Compassion in Action: Decreasing Access Barriers for Domestic Violence Survivors

Robin Brenner

she/her/hers
Teen Librarian, Public Library of Brookline; Editor-in-Chief No Flying No Tights
Ask the Comics Librarians!

Jenn Bruneau

she/her/hers
Library Director, Northborough Public Library
Jenn is the Library Director at the Northborough Free Library. She believes that information literacy, access to leadership development, and knowledge of privacy issues are keys to advancing equity and creating thriving communities.
Protecting Digital Privacy for Your Library and Community

Susan Caulfield

she/her/hers
Reference Librarian, Newton Free Library and IF/SRC Committee Member

Sex is a Funny Word: Handling Local Challenges to Materials and Programs

Michele Chapin

she/her/hers
Assistant Library Director at Dean College Library
Michele Chapin is an avid learner and history aficionado who has worked in higher education as a librarian for over eleven years. In her role as the Assistant Library Director, Michele supports classroom instruction, handles reference inquiries and facilitates other administrative duties for the library.
Googling the Alphabet for Research Ideas That Will Make a Difference

Clayton Cheever

he/him/his
Director, Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood
Clayton Cheever has been a library director for just over a year and was previously the Assistant Director of the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy for over 7 years. He has also been a teen librarian, led a Technical Services and IT library team, been part of the BPL management team, and much more. He will talk about his experiences as a new director and the protests during Pride Month, 2021 when his library presented the community's first Drag King, Queen, & Friends Story Hour.
Sex is a Funny Word: Handling Local Challenges to Materials and Programs

John Chrastka

he/him/his
Executive Director, EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary’s founder is John Chrastka, a long-time library trustee, supporter, and advocate. Mr. Chrastka is a former partner in AssociaDirect, a Chicago-based consultancy focused on supporting associations in membership recruitment, conference, and governance activities. He is a former president and member of the Board of Trustees for the Berwyn (IL) Public Library (2006 – 2015) and is a former president of the Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System (RAILS) multi-type library system. Prior to his work at AssociaDirect, he was Director for Membership Development at the American Library Association (ALA). He is a member of ALA as well as the Illinois Library Association (ILA), and the American Political Sciences Association (APSA). He as named a 2014 Mover & Shaker by Library Journal.
@mrchrastka

Expanding your Library’s Advocacy Potential to the Max

Kelly Collins

she/her/hers
Director, Bolton Public Library
Kelly Collins worked in large and small academic libraries, as well as a special (consulting engineering) library, before becoming Director of the Bolton (MA) Public Library in 1998. She participated in the renovation and expansion of the historic Bolton Public Library from start (1998) to finish (2010). In the years since Bolton’s grand opening, she has served as a reviewer for MBLC’s Planning and Design, and Construction, grant applications.
Managing Building Projects at Any Scale

Erica Cote

she/her/hers
Teen and Reference Librarian, Medfield Public Library
Erica is the teen and cat wrangler at Medfield Public Library, in addition to being a reference librarian. She believes Halloween is a lifestyle, sleep is the remedy for anything that ails you, and everyone should own a black cat. @librarianeureka (Twitter) @librarianeureeka (IG)
Welcome to Deadfield: How to Get Teens to Turn Your Library into a Haunted House Attraction!

Reni Cunningham

she/her/hers
Reference Librarian, Concord Free Public Library
Reni was an active participant in creating the Concord Free Public Library Corporation’s Sustainability Plan and the Chair of the recently formed implementation committee.
Blue Marble Librarians: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!

Sarah Cunningham

she/her/hers
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, Westborough Public Library

Marketing is Not an Afterthought - The Importance of Marketing, Advertising and the Use of Social Media Platforms in Today's Library

Kerri Darcy

she/her/hers
Adult Programmer and Outreach Specialist, Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy
Kerri, originally from NY, began working with teens in 2007 in a predominantly immigrant community outside of NYC before moving to Quincy in 2014. During her 14 years working with teens she has witnessed the disparities these disenfranchised communities faced as well as the desire of teens to be agents of change. As an ally, she works to empower teens with an opportunity to be the change they want to see in their communities.
Be The Bridge Youth: Leading the Charge for Racial Reconciliation

Nicole Davieau

she/her/hers
Director, Porter Memorial Library, Blandford
Nicole Daviau is the library director of Porter Memorial Library in Blandford. With seven years of experience as a K-12 library assistant, she continues to collaborate with her public school district to build a culture of literacy in the close-knit community. Nicole is passionate about library advocacy, grant writing, and creative children's programming (she looks forward to summer reading all year long)! Nicole is currently attending Simmons for her MLIS with a focus on management and is looking forward to graduating this year.
StoryWalk This Way: Installing and Maintaining a Permanent Storywalk

Kaetrena Davis Kendrick

she/her/hers
Researcher and Facilitator, Renewals

Kaetrena Davis Kendrick earned her MSLS from the historic Clark Atlanta University School of Library and Information Studies. While known for her work on ethics, equity, diversity and inclusion, and communities of practice in libraries, Kendrick’s research on low-morale experiences in library workplaces is recognized as groundbreaking and validating for library employees at all levels. In her daily and long-term work, Kendrick has transformed library programs, services, and culture via creativity, leadership, and advocacy. She is committed to centering well-being, creativity, and empathy in the workplace and promoting career clarity and rejuvenation to workers. In 2019, Kendrick was named the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Academic/Research Librarian of the Year. Learn more about Kaetrena’s mission or low morale work.

Yes, That Happened! Experiences of Low Morale in Public Libraries

Maura Deedy

she/her/hers
Library Advisory Specialist, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)

At MBLC, Maura supports library directors, Trustees, municipal officials, and Friends on legal and governance issues and matters relating to the administration and development of public library services in Massachusetts. Previously, she worked in Arlington, Weymouth, and Stamford CT. She serves as a Board Member at Large for United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, and is a co-chair of the United for Libraries Programming Committee. Locally, she serves as a co-chair to the Leadership and Management section of MLA. Maura will talk about managing policy and communications during a challenge. She will help create a ‘challenge checklist’ for attendees to take back to their libraries. She will also address intellectual freedom threats internally and externally with library boards, school committees, and town councils.

Sex is a Funny Word: Handling Local Challenges to Materials and Programs

Gerry Deyermond

she/her/hers
Assistant Head of Circulation, Memorial Hall Library, Andover; MLA Paralibrarian section
Paraganza! Paralibrarian Annual Meeting and Awards

Heather Diaz

she/her/hers
Information Services Librarian, Forbes Library, Northampton
Heather is an early-career librarian whose professional interests include oral history, readers' advisory, and services for incarcerated folks. Beyond work, she spends her time quilting, gardening, and spoiling her cat Sassafras and would someday like to ride her bike to Canada.
The Human Library

Annette Marie Diola

she/her/hers
Information Services Librarian, Wellesley Free Library
Annette Marie Diola has been an Information Services Librarian at Wellesley Free Library for five years. Her focus is technology education in the library where she schedules tech classes, provides open lab hours, and purchases multimedia items for the Library of Things. She is passionate about bridging the digital divide between generations and encouraging others to embrace new platforms and applications. Annette is also the secretary and social liaison for the MLA’s Intellectual Freedom/Social Responsibility Committee.
TikTok and Libraries: Let's Tok About It

Ryan Donovan

he/him/his
Library Director, Southborough Public Library
Ryan P. Donovan has been the director of the Southborough Library for the past 8 years. Prior to that, he previously worked for the New York Public Library at the Mid-Manhattan Library. He has previously contributed youth book reviews to School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. He wrote the opening chapter for Out Behind the Desk: Workplace Issues for LGBTQ Librarians. He has also presented at the New York Comic Con and Book Expo America on the subject of graphic novels in libraries. Ryan contributed four entries to the 2-volume Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: Heroes & Superheroes published by Salem Press.
Accidental Human Resources Manager
StoryWalk This Way: Installing and Maintaining a Permanent Storywalk

Melissa Earls

she/her/hers
Trustee, Joshua Hyde Public Library, Sturbridge
Melissa Earls is a Head of School at an independent elementary/middle school in Western Massachusetts. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and earned a Masters with Distinction from Boston College. In 2019, Melissa was named a Klingenstein International Head of School Fellow at Columbia University's Teacher College. In 2021 she completed a certificate program in Diversity and Inclusion through Cornell. Melissa is currently serving as Vice Chair of the Joshua Hyde Public Library Board of Trustees. She lives with her husband, Joe, daughter, Emma (when she's home from college), and two spoiled rescue dogs.
You Belong Here: Why Being Inclusive is So Divisive

Michelle Eberle

she/her/hers
Consultant, Massachusetts Library System

Blue Marble Librarians: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!

Daniela Faas

she/her/hers
Director of Fabrication and Laboratory Operations, Olin College of Engineering
Both inside and outside the classroom, Daniela’s goal is to broaden participation in engineering education, especially in the field of fabrication and prototyping. Her mission is to empower all students to use and master the tools of engineering production and prototyping and she strives to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are part of compelling, inclusive, and safe educational environments. 
Increasing Diversity and Access through Makerspace Literacy and Education

Amanda Fauver

she/her/hers
Membership and BiblioTemps Manager, Massachusetts Library System

BiblioTemps Presents: Empathy Driven HR

Kai Fay

he/they
Digitization Preparation Assistant, Harvard University
Kai Fay is a digitization preparation assistant at Harvard Library. Their interests include trauma-informed practices, open educational resources, and the intersections of cultural heritage and book history.
Trauma-Informed Practices for Library Services

Andrea Fiorillo

she/her/hers
Co-Chair, MLA Intellectual Freedom/Social Responsibility Committee and Head of Research and Reader Services, Reading Public Library

Sex is a Funny Word: Handling Local Challenges to Materials and Programs
Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis
Vendor Collection Development Failure and Recovery: A Conversation with Midwest Tape

Ann Ford

Director of Sales & Customer Support, Midwest Tape

Vendor Collection Development Failure and Recovery: A Conversation with Midwest Tape

Lisa Francine

she/her/hers
Adult Services Librarian, Chelmsford Public Library
Lisa has been working in libraries for 20+ years both as a school librarian and in public libraries across departments: Reference, Reader Services, Children's, and Circulation. She is a trained SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) facilitator, and incorporates social justice issues in her library work whenever possible. In her spare time Lisa enjoys reading (in multiple formats), gardening, and walking her dogs.
Windows, Mirrors, and Screens: Virtually Connecting with Patrons on Social Justice Issues

Thomas Gatzunis

he/him/his
Section Manager, CHA Companies
Thomas Gatzunis has over 30 years experience in the Construction Industry. His roles have included Town Engineer, Building Commissioner (Town of Belmont), Commissioner of Public Safety (Commonwealth of Massachusetts), and Senior Project Manager (CHA Companies).
Managing Building Projects at Any Scale

Corey Farrenkopf

he/him/his
Technology and Adult Services Librarian, Eastham Public Library
Corey Farrenkopf is a Cape Cod based writer. He is the Fiction Editor for the Cape Cod Poetry Review. https://www.coreyfarrenkopf.com/
Blue Marble Librarians: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!

Jeremy Goldstein

he/him/his
Data Curation Librarian, Minuteman Library Network
Jeremy Goldstein is the Data Curation Librarian for the Minuteman Library Network. He supports acquisitions, serials, and various reporting tools and develops custom data applications to meet the needs of member libraries. You can find many examples of his work on Github.
@jmgold (Twitter)
Protecting Digital Privacy for Your Library and Community
Collection Audits on a Budget

Kimberly Grad

she/her/hers
Director, Abbot Public Library
Kimberly Grad is a library leader with a passion for library renovations and revitalization. She recently moved to Massachusetts from Brooklyn, New York where she specialized in youth services and administration at Brooklyn Public Library. She received her Master's in Library Science from Queens College (CUNY) Graduate School of Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh. She is currently a member of the 2022 Newbery Selection Committee and the Newbery 100th Anniversary Celebration Task Force through the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association.
Municipal Boot Camp: Town of Marblehead

Gabrielle Griffis

she/her/hers
Assistant Youth Services Librarian, Brewster Ladies’ Library
Gabrielle is a contributing writer to the books, Repair Revolution: How Fixers are Transforming Our Throwaway Culture from New World Library and Libraries and Sustainability: Programs and Practices for Community Impact from ALA Editions. Twitter: @ggriffiss
Blue Marble Librarians: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!

Vanessa D. Hale

she/her/hers
Assistant Town Administrator, Southborough, MA
Vanessa Hale has served as Southborough’s Assistant Town Administrator since 2000. Before that, she held positions in Northborough and Sherborn, as well as working as a database administrator for the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Ms. Hale has earned two master’s degrees, one in library and information science from the University of Rhode Island and one in public administration from Clark University. She is on the board of Directors for the Friends of the Shrewsbury Library. @litgirlhale
Accidental Human Resources Manager

Kelly Hancock

Senior Marketing Manager, Midwest Tape

Vendor Collection Development Failure and Recovery: A Conversation with Midwest Tape

Robert Hayes

he/him/his
Community Outreach Librarian and Head of Technical Services, Tewksbury Public Library
Robert Hayes has worked as the Community Outreach Librarian and Head of Technical Services at the Tewksbury Public Library for the past 12 years. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the MLA Program Planners Section, Chair of the Northeast Program Planners Group, and Chair of the MVLC Tech Services User Group. Outside the library profession, Robert was elected to his town’s School Committee, and served as President of his town’s Education Foundation, Community Access TV Station, and Friends of the Library. He now manages his town’s Farmers Market and serves as editor of a popular not-for-profit hyperlocal news website.
The Human Library

Kim Hewitt

Vice President and President-elect, Massachusetts Library Association

MLA Business Breakfast

Deb Hoadley

she/her/hers
Library Director, Moultonborough Public Library, NH
Deb Hoadley is the Library Director at the Moultonborough Public Library in NH. She is the Conference Chair for NHLA, and is working with NELA on a joint conference between NHLA and NELA in October 2022. She has served as NELA President, NELA Educational Assistance Chair, and NHLA Continuing Education Chair. She was a participant and menor for the NELLS (New England Library Leadership Symposium). She has been a consultant for all types of libraries to facilitate their strategic planning process. She also has created and implemented professional development workshops related to customer experience, staff empowerment, project management, and management and leadership skills.
The Work of Leaders and Managers: Differences, Similarities, and Alignment

Rachael Hobson

she/her/hers
Circulation Assistant, Wellesley Free Library
Rachael Hobson is a member of the circulation department at the Wellesley Free Library. She also leads in content creation for the library's TikTok account. After beginning her career in libraries in 2015, she became passionate about social media. She can boast of amassing over a million views on her personal account and 300,000 views for the library's account. When she is not creating content, she enjoys traveling.
TikTok and Libraries: Let's Tok About It

Jason Homer

Executive Director, Worcester Public Library

Vendor Collection Development Failure and Recovery: A Conversation with Midwest Tape

Ann Hood

she/her/hers
Ann Hood is the author of the best-selling novels The Book That Matters Most, The Obituary Writer, and The Knitting Circle, and the memoir Comfort: A Journey Through Grief. Her most recent books are the memoirs Fly Girl: A Memoir and Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and New York City.

Author Session: Fly Girl, Ann Hood

Lisa Hooper

Lisa Hooper, Director, Council on Aging, Marblehead, MA
Lisa Hooper has over thirty-five years of work experience in both the private and non-private sectors. Seventy percent of her experience has been working with seniors in settings such as in-home health care, geriatric care management, medical adult day care, and the council on aging. Since she began her role as Director at the MHD COA, she has transformed the COA’s image from a “bingo” warehouse to a vibrant, all inclusive senior center that promises healthy aging by providing programs and services to promote physical and mental fitness, nutrition, socialization, and access to medical care. Lisa holds a Master's degree in Gerontology from the University of Mass, Boston and Bachelors of Science degree in Management from Leslie University.
Municipal Boot Camp: Town of Marblehead, MA

Katrina Ireland-Bilodeau

she/her/hers
Children's Librarian, Northborough Free Library
Katrina loves music, the great outdoors, creepy kid lit, and keeping it weird!
YSS Presents: Catch the Programming Wave!

Kim Ivers

she/her/hers
Assistant Director, Southborough Public Library
Kim Ivers is the Assistant Director and also in charge of the Children’s Room at the Southborough Library. She has been at the library for over 27 years as a full time employee but actually started at the age of nine volunteering in the Children’s Room. After working as a library page in high school, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, then went to Simmons for her MLS. She joined the library as a full time staff member right after college and has held the positions of Library Assistant, Children’s Librarian, Interim Director, and Director, before settling into her current role.
StoryWalk This Way: Installing and Maintaining a Permanent Storywalk

Meena Jain

she/her/hers
Director, Ashland Public Library
Meena has been librarian for almost 20 years and loves programming. She likes to find out what the community wants/needs and then add what they didn't even know they were missing. Sometimes it's like throwing jello at a tree, but it's fun and rewarding to her. Meena is also the chair of the newly formed MLA Program Planners Section and Director of the Ashland Public Library (a sweet library in an awesome community!).
DIY Green Products

Laura Judge

she/her/hers
Adult Services Specialist, Chelmsford Public Library
Besides working in public libraries, Laura has also been a research assistant at Harvard, a lecturer at Keene State College, a teacher, an audio-visual archivist, and has spent time on the lecture circuit in Hungary. Throughout her career she has worked to build inclusive collections, analyze institutional policies and infrastructure for accessibility, and has hosted educational and collaborative programs. She believes that public libraries should center on diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to foster resilience, connection, growth, and so much more within their communities.
Windows, Mirrors, and Screens: Virtually Connecting with Patrons on Social Justice Issues

Leslie Kahugu

she/her/hers
Co-Lead Peer Facilitator

Be The Bridge Youth: Leading the Charge for Racial Reconciliation

Dennis King

Police Chief, Marblehead, MA
Dennis King is a twenty-six-year Law Enforcement professional experienced in police administration, community engagement, mental health, substance use, use of force, and complex investigations. Holds a Master and Bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from Salem State University and a law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law. Has been collaborating with community stakeholders on tough issues for years and willing to institute non traditional police strategies to address them. Recently completed work on Marblehead’s Speak out Against Hate Panel discussion with the ADL and Salem’s Race Equity Task Force and several other social justice initiatives.
Municipal Boot Camp: Town of Marblehead

Patricia Lalli

she/her/hers
Children's Librarian, Joshua Hyde Public Library, Sturbridge
Patricia Lalli has been the Children's Librarian at the JHPL for 14 years. She finds sharing her passions of reading and art with young patrons to be extremely rewarding. She encourages them to be curious and learn something new every day. Patricia loves showing and spending time with her horses and dogs.
You Belong Here: Why Being Inclusive is So Divisive

Joanne Lamothe

she/her/hers
President, Massachusetts Library Association

Joanne Lamothe is the Director of the Sandwich Public Library. This year she managed to retain her sanity through COVID, a move to a temporary facility, and a major renovation of the Sandwich Public Library. She began her library career after a stint in banking with a part-time position in Technical Services at the Duxbury Free Library, where she typed millions of Library of Congress catalog cards. She moved up through the ranks, eventually being appointed Director during the construction of the new library. Following Duxbury, she became the Director of the Weymouth Public Libraries. She has served as the President of the New England Library Association and the Old Colony Library Network. Joanne holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Rhode Island. She is also the administrator of the Glass Town Cultural District in Sandwich.

Opening Session
‘Yes, that happened! Experiences of Low-Morale in Public Libraries
MLA Business Breakfast
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening 

Jenkins Lumpkin

she/her/hers
Branch Manager, Forest Park & East Forest Park Branches | Springfield City Library
Jenkins wants to live in a world where libraries are fiercely funded, all mockingbirds are spared, and every love letter is written by hand. Jenkins earned a Bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College, a Masters in Modern Irish Literature from University College Cork, and a MLIS from the University of Washington iSchool. When she’s not writing, reading, and thinking about libraries, you may find her re-reading Ender’s Game on a rainy beach somewhere or binging Community for the 22nd time. Questions? Connect with Jenkins at jenkins.h.lumpkin@gmail.com.

‘I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying’: Infusing Resilience and Trauma-Informed Services into Public Libraries

Kerri MacLaury

she/her/hers
Technology and Library Consultant, Rural Techies
Kerri MacLaury is a Nonprofit Technology and Library Consultant with Rural Techies, her small business, and the former solo Librarian of Wilder Memorial Library in Weston, VT. She graduated from Simmons University's School of Library and Information Science in 2021. During the Fall 2020 semester, Kerri took the LIS 512 course and was a fully remote intern at Boston Public Library's Teen Central.
How to Host a Library Internship: Sharing Experiences from the Boston Public Library

Mari Martin

she/her/hers
Library Assistant, Sawyer Free Library
Mari Martin has been working in libraries in California and Massachusetts for over 25 years. She is also a well-known vocalist and was previously a back-up singer for Kenny Loggins. She continues to perform all over the North Shore.
Self Care and Holistic Wellness: Programs and Collections in Libraries

Olivia McElwain

she/her/hers
Children's Librarian, Reading Public Library
Olivia McElwain is a Children's Librarian at Reading Public Library. She has an MLS and an MA in Children's Literature from Simmons University. Most recently, she was an administrative assistant for the 2022 ALSC Notable Children's Books Committee and a 2022 Bill Morris Seminar participant!
Is it Censorship or is it Collection Development?

Anna McGrath

she/her/hers
Chair, Paralibrarian Section. Career Development Committee Member
Paraganza! Paralibrarian Annual Meeting and Awards
 

Anna Mickelsen

she/her/hers
Reference Librarian, Springfield City Library
Anna Mickelsen is a Reference Librarian at the Springfield City Library in Springfield, MA. When she isn't fiddling with spreadsheets, ordering fiction and graphic novels, or weeding library materials, she shares her #LibraryLife experiences on Twitter (@helgagrace).
Collection Audits on a Budget
RA on the Fly

Dr. Samantha Montano

she/her/hers
Assistant Professor Emergency Management Department Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Dr. Samantha Montano is the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis. She became interested in disasters following a trip to New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina and the levee failure. She spent years in New Orleans working with various nonprofits on recovery efforts related to both Katrina and the BP Oil Disaster in 2010. Dr. Montano is currently an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She has taught courses on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, vulnerable populations in disaster, the political and legal foundations of emergency management, disaster communications, and voluntary organizations active in disaster. She is also the co-founder of the Center for Climate Adaptation Research.
Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis

Alene Moroni

she/her/hers
Head of Reference/Information Services Co-Coordinator, Forbes Library, Northampton

Alene Moroni is the Head of Reference at the Forbes Library in Northampton. She has worked in public libraries for more than 30 years, and thinks you should probably weed that.

RA on the Fly

Sophie Nerine

she/her/hers
Co-Lead Peer Facilitator
Be The Bridge Youth: Leading the Charge for Racial Reconciliation

Lily Nicolazzo

she/her/hers
Teen Librarian, Goodnow Library, Sudbury
Lily Nicolazzo is the Teen Librarian at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury, where she likes to put her Fine Arts background to good use. Outside of the library you can find her curled up in bed, surrounded by her houseplants.
YSS Presents: Catch the Programming Wave!

Middi Norberg

she/her/hers
Circulation, Medfield Public Library
Middi is a Circulation Assistant at the Medfield Public Library. She believes that the library environment is perfect for pursuing her passions for connecting people to resources and community engagement. As an eager learner, detail-oriented and highly organized individual she is essentially the modern-day PalmPilot. She considers herself a lifelong learner, and the library is teaching her how communities can enrich themselves from within, while also using the magic of Halloween!
Welcome to Deadfield: How to Get Teens to Turn Your Library into a Haunted House Attraction!

Felicia O’Keefe

she/her/hers
Teen Librarian, Westwood Public Library
Felicia is the Teen Services Librarian at Westwood Public Library. She is also currently the Chair of the Youth Services Section of MLA. Outside the library, Felicia loves rock climbing, traveling, hiking and, most importantly, lying on the couch reading. @bookmarkedbyfelicia

YSS Annual Meeting
YSS Presents: Catch the Programming Wave!

Renee Pawlowski

she/her/hers
MLIS student, San Jose State University
Renee is on the path to public librarianship. Her professional background is in human services, and she is interested in the use of technology to increase accessibility and outreach at libraries.
Protecting Digital Privacy for Your Library and Community

Tricia Perry

she/her/hers
Library Director, Bancroft Memorial Library, Hopedale
Tricia Perry has worked in public libraries for nearly forty years, and has been most recently employed as a Library Director in three different libraries including Millis, Westwood, and her current position at the beautiful and historic Bancroft Memorial Library in Hopedale, Massachusetts. She has overseen new construction in Millis, the punchlist and planned upgrades in Westwood, and planned upgrades in Hopedale.
Managing Building Projects at Any Scale

Becky Plimpton

she/her/hers
Director, Joshua Hyde Public Library, Sturbridge
Becky has been the Director of the JHPL for 12 years. She has also worked as the Director at the Emily Williston Memorial Library in Easthampton and for the Western Mass Regional Library System.
You Belong Here: Why Being Inclusive is So Divisive

Anna Popp

she/her/hers
Consultant, Mass Library System

Marketing is Not an Afterthought: The Importance of Marketing, Advertising, and the Use of Social Media Platforms in Today's Library

Sarah Pratt Martin

she/her/hers
Assistant Professor of Practice and Manager of Curricular Field Experiences, Simmons University School of Library and Information Science
Sarah Pratt Martin is an Assistant Professor of Practice and the Manager of Curricular Field Experiences at Simmons University's School of Library and Information Science. An archivist by training, her teaching interests include archival studies, community engaged learning, and outreach and advocacy. She teaches "LIS 512: Advanced Field Experiences in LIS" which places students at a local site for a 130-hour field experience under the supervision of an LIS professional.

How to Host a Library Internship: Sharing Experiences from the Boston Public Library

Andrea Puglisi

Privacy Advocate, Library Freedom Project; Systems and eResources Librarian, Middlesex Community College

A privacy advocate through Library Freedom Project, Andrea is a Massachusetts-based social media marketing/technology librarian. Serving a range of community types, her work has focused on connecting communities with the tools, resources, and information needed to navigate the digital information landscape and surveillance systems in the modern age. Twitter: @MassLibAssoc; @puglibri

Protecting Digital Privacy for Your Library and Community

Seana Rabbito

she/her/hers
Children's Department Head, Waltham Public Library
Seana Rabbito is the Children’s Department Head at the Waltham Public Library in Waltham, MA. Before joining Waltham in 2017, Seana worked as a Library Assistant in the Children’s Department of the J.V. Fletcher library in Westford and the Gleason Library in Carlisle for 17 years. In her new role as Children’s Department Head, Seana is looking forward to creating a fun and welcoming space for all.

#LibraryLawn: Building Community on Waltham's Front Lawn

Lisa Racine

she/her/hers
Children's Librarian, Reading Public Library
Lisa Racine is a children's librarian at the Reading Public Library in Reading, MA. Lisa is an amatuer plant mom, a graphic novel enthusiast, and can't seem to stop shifting the shelves and moving furniture.

Is it Censorship or is it Collection Development?
YSS Presents: Catch the Programming Wave!

Maddi Ranieri

she/her/hers
Youth Services Librarian, Charlotte & William Bloomberg Medford Public Library
Maddi is a Youth Services Librarian at the Charlotte & William Bloomberg Medford Public Library in Massachusetts, where she runs the library’s GSA for teens in grades 6-9, two graphic novel book clubs (one for teens and one for 4th and 5th graders), drawing classes for kids and teens, storytimes, and more. She is also responsible for collection development for the teen graphic novel collection, where (in alignment with the rest of the coworkers in her department) she makes it her mission to amplify queer, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and disabled voices. When she’s not at the library, you’ll likely find her: singing in two queer choirs, drawing or hand lettering something, curled up with a book, or spending time with her girlfriend and friends. Maddi runs the MPL GSA Tumblr at mplchameleon, and tweets bookish things at @littlebrarian.

Ask the Comics Librarians!

Jenn Reed

she/her/hers
YBH Committee Member, Joshua Hyde Public Library. Sturbridge
Jenn Reed, MSW, LICSW, IMH-E® is a clinical social worker, wife, and mother of two (ages 7 and 14). Jenn has worked in the child abuse prevention field for nearly two decades, with a focus on reflective supervision and strength-based family-centered practice. She is a lifelong New England native and has lived with her family in Sturbridge for the past 17 years.

You Belong Here: Why Being Inclusive is So Divisive

Bernadette Rivard

Treasurer, Massachusetts Library Association

MLA Business Breakfast

Lisa Ryan

she/her/hers
Head of Reference, Beverly Public Library
Lisa has worked in all departments of library service for 20 years. She is also a certified Massachusetts science teacher for grades 5-12. She lives in Gloucester with her two daughters.

Self Care and Holistic Wellness: Programs and Collections in Libraries

Renata Sancken

she/her/hers
Teen/Reference Librarian, Memorial Hall Library
In addition to her library work, Renata is the co-host of the readers' advisory podcast The Worst Bestsellers.

Ask the Comics Librarians!

Olivia Sederlund

she/her/hers
Head of Technical Services, Goodnow Library, Sudbury
Olivia Sederlund is the Head of Technical Services at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury, Massachusetts. She formerly worked as a high school history teacher. She's very interested in issues of equity and diversity as they relate to cataloging.

Trauma-Informed Practices for Library Services

Linnea Sheldon

she/her/hers
Community Relations & Communications Manager, Worcester Public Library

Marketing is Not an Afterthought: The Importance of Marketing, Advertising, and the Use of Social Media Platforms in Today's Library

Alice Shin-Yi Kao

she/her/hers
YBH Committee Member, Joshua Hyde Public Library. Sturbridge
Alice Kao has taught Mandarin Chinese at Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and Williams College. She also serves as the secretary of the Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library. Alice is a long term resident of Sturbridge and a full-time mom of two teenagers.

You Belong Here: Why Being Inclusive is So Divisive

Christi Showman Farrar

she/her/hers
Consultant, Massachusetts Library System
Christi Showman Farrar is a Consultant at the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) where she provides guidance and continuing education to library staff all over the state. Prior to working at MLS, Christi worked as a children’s and teen librarian in Massachusetts public libraries for a decade, and was the Director of the School and Public Library division at a well-known library vendor. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, as well as a master’s in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona. In her “spare” time she teaches Children’s Literature in the Library Media Studies program at Salem State University, and most recently was a member of the selection committee for the 2020 Sibert Informational Book Medal. @LibraryChristi (Twitter/Instagram)

Building an Inclusive Collection: Best Practices for Conducting Diversity Audits and Selecting for Equity

Stan Skrabut, Ed.D.

he/him/his
Director of Instructional Technology and Design
Stan is the Director of Instructional Technology and Design at Dean College. He has over 30 years of experience working as an instructional technologist, trainer, and educator. He has a doctorate in education through the University of Wyoming. He is the author of Read to Succeed: The Power of Books to Transform Your Life and to Put You on the Path to Success as well as Evernote: A Success Manual for College Students.

Googling the Alphabet for Research Ideas That Will Make a Difference

Jess Snow

she/her/hers
Assistant Manager of Youth Services, Boston Public Library
Jess Snow is the Assistant Manager of Youth Services for the Boston Public Library. Prior to that, she was the Teen Services Team Leader for Teen Central and helped work on the renovation of that space and its services. In 2020, she published a book, Outreach Services for Teens: A Starter Guide through ALAEditions.

How to Host a Library Internship: Sharing Experiences from the Boston Public Library

Audrey Snowden

she/her/hers
Children's/YA Librarian, Medway Public Library
Audrey enjoys readers' advisory and collection development, particularly weeding.

YSS Presents: Catch the Programming Wave!

Lynn Soukup

she/her/hers
Assistant Director, Westborough Public Library

Marketing is Not an Afterthought: The Importance of Marketing, Advertising, and the Use of Social Media Platforms in Today's Library

Kate Spalding

she/her/hers
Technical Services Department Head, Waltham Public Library
Kate has been working in public libraries for over 10 years.

Low-Stress E-content Strategies for Busy Librarians

Michelle Spinney

she/her/hers
Member Services Manager, CLAMS Library Network
Michelle is the Member Services Manager for the CLAMS Library Network.

Protecting Digital Privacy for Your Library and Community

Megan Statza

she/her/hers
Aurora Hills Branch Manager, Arlington Public Library, Arlington VA
Megan Statza (she/her/hers) is the Aurora Hills Branch Manager at the Arlington Public Library in Virginia. She holds Masters in both Library and Information Science and Children’s Literature from Simmons, is a graduate of the New England Library Leadership Symposium, and has presented at past MLA conferences and Teen Summit. Megan formerly held the positions of Assistant Director in Acton, Head of Children’s Services in Sudbury, and has worked at the Bedford and Wellesley libraries.

Is it Censorship or is it Collection Development?

Kaite Stover

she/her/hers
Director of Readers' Services, Kansas City Public Library
Kaite Stover is the Director of Readers’ Services for the Kansas City Public Library. She holds master’s degrees in library science and English literature from Emporia State University. Currently, Stover writes the “He Reads, She Reads” column for Booklist magazine with David Wright and “Under the Radar” for Public Libraries with Jessica E. Moyer. She is the co-editor of The Readers’ Advisory Handbook with Moyer has published articles in Reference & User Services Quarterly, Wilson Library Bulletin, Young Adult Library Services, the Kansas City Kansan, INK, and the Kansas City Star. Stover appears regularly as a “book doctor” on KCUR’s Up to Date radio program.

Book Groups are a Readocracy
RA on the Fly

Maureen Sullivan

she/her/hers
Consultant and NELLS Facilitator

Maureen is widely-recognized leader and educator in the library profession. Her career has included positions as the human resources administrator at two major research libraries, the University of Maryland and Yale University; a consultant and trainer with the Association of Research Libraries. She has served as a consultant to numerous academic and public libraries on the development of their strategic plans and their programs to redesign work and create organizational cultures in which equity, diversity and inclusion are core values. She has designed and led numerous leadership development programs, including ALA’s Leading to the Future Institute, the New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS), and the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Maureen served as the 2012-2013 president of the American Library Association.

The Work of Leaders and Managers: Differences, Similarities, and Alignment

Sarah Sullivan

she/her/hers
Head of Reader Services, Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen

The Work of Leaders and Managers: Differences, Similarities, and Alignment

Craig Thomas

he/him/his
Assistant Director, Office of Sustainability, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Craig Thomas, the Assistant Director of the Office of Sustainability at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, brings a breadth of knowledge from both municipal and academic experience. Prior to joining UMass Lowell, Thomas served as the Deputy Director of the City of Lowell's Department of Planning and Development and the Real Estate Director for Coalition for a Better Acre, a community development corporation dedicated to supporting the Merrimack Valley.

Focusing Energy on Efficiency

Kisha Tracy

she/her/hers
Associate Professor of English Studies, Fitchburg State University
Dr. Kisha Tracy is Associate Professor of English Studies, specializing in early British and world literatures, as well as Chair of the General Education Program Area at Fitchburg State University. Her research interests and publications focus on medieval disability, especially mental health, and higher education pedagogy.

Trauma-Informed Practices for Library Services

Lisa Uglialoro

she/her/hers
Human Resources Director, Town of Ashland
I am a fierce advocate for green products! I'm a member of GreenUp Ashland and spend my time helping to teach the benefits of green living, talking about the effects of climate change, and how we can all make a difference even if it's just one small change.

DIY Green Products

Heath Umbreit

they/them
Adult Services Librarian, Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood
Heath Umbreit (they/them), MLIS, is the Adult Services Librarian at Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood, MA.

Pronouns: A Guide for Library Staff

Tamar Warburg, AIA, LEED, A.P.

she/her/hers
Director of Sustainability, Sasaki
Tamar navigates sustainability and resilience goals for Sasaki projects through sustainability charrettes and an integrated design process. Current projects include zero-carbon and zero-energy buildings, and advocacy for State and city climate action goals. She is an active member of the AIA and BSA Committee on the Environment, BE Plus, ILFI, and USGBC, and lectures widely on sustainable design. She believes that every project is an opportunity to make a healthy and resilient contribution to our communities and our planet.

Focusing Energy on Efficiency

Emily Westa

she/her/hers
Children's Librarian, Waltham Public Library
Emily Westa is a Children’s Librarian at the Waltham Public Library in Waltham, MA. Emily began her library career in Waltham in 2017 after working as a teaching assistant with Boston Public Schools and AmeriCorps. She recently completed her MLIS from San Jose State University and is excited to find more opportunities to bring the library outside and on the road!

#LibraryLawn: Building Community on Waltham's Front Lawn

Miki Wolfe

Library Director, Morse Institute Library, Natick
Miki Wolfe is the Director of the Morse Institute Library in Natick. She received her MLIS from Florida State University, and an advanced degree while studying the intersection of social media and libraries. She is passionate about using technology to connect with the community and to improve library services. When not busy reading, she crafts, teaches her family how to execute memes properly, collects mystery books by the stack, and relives her glory days on the softball field in a local league.

BiblioTemps Presents: Empathy Driven HR

Patricia ‘Patty’ Wong

President, American Library Association
Patricia (Patty) Wong is the first Asian American to serve as president of the American Library Association (ALA). Her term began July 2021 and closes at the adjournment of the 2022 Annual Conference in Washington D.C.

Jennifer Woodward

she/her/hers
Assistant Director, Falmouth Public Library
Jennifer Woodward is currently the Assistant Director of the Falmouth Public Library on Cape Cod. Jennifer has worked at five public libraries in Massachusetts in three library networks in every capacity over 18 years. She has also worked in three positions in two special libraries at a global biotech company and a law library, all which were virtual/physical libraries, over 12 years. In both settings, committee membership played an important role in her career. Jennifer is a graduate of Framingham State before it was a university and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (MLIS). She is both a lifelong “library rat” and lifelong resident of Massachusetts (Eastern & Central) and doesn’t see either changing any time soon.

How to Win Friends and Influence People (Really!) or How Committee Membership can Elevate, Enhance, and Energize your Library Career

Meghan Yost

she/her/hers
Young Adult Librarian, Duxbury Free Library
MLS, Simmons College, 2013. South Shore Youth Services Roundtable. Graphic novel and board games enthusiast. Theater nerd. Maryland native. Dislikes Old Bay and trying to pronounce town names in Massachusetts.

StoryWalk This Way: Installing and Maintaining a Permanent Storywalk