Service for All Conference: Empowering and Rethinking Service for All
June 9, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Conference via Zoom

 

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

9:00 a.m. | Join the Zoom Conference

All registrants will receive a link to join the conference two days prior to the program. We will test audio and video connections to ensure all attendees can see and hear the presenters.

9:15 a.m. | General Session
Keynote: David Bush, Toledo Lucas County Public Library

“Our words in action” — An open letter to all librarians
Reimagining our purpose while recognizing our values will be conveyed in this invigorating talk to inspire, acknowledge, and celebrate the important work of librarianship. This keynote will frame the current state of libraries and the future promise it holds in providing equitable access to all communities. David’s call to action will ask participants to collectively lean in as the speaker brings to light both the consequence and magnitude of authenticity, self-care, and resilience.

Learn more about David Bush

9:45 a.m. | Break

10:00 a.m. | Breakout Sessions – Choose one when registering

1A	1B	1C	1D	1E
Do You Know What I Had to Endure to Make it Here?	Public Libraries as a ‘Third Space’ for Immigrants and Refugees	1619 Project Discussion: What, Why and How	Conversations in the Community:  Creating a Space for All in Rural Communities	Racial Justice and Social Equity Challenge – A Community Weighs In
Core Competency: Patron Awareness	Core Competency: Community Engagement	Core Competency: Programming	Core Competency: Patron Awareness	Core Competency: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Learn more about Core Competencies

11:00 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m. | Breakout Sessions – Choose one when registering

2A	2B	2C	2D
Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Staff and Patrons	[Cancelled]	Library Services for Special Needs Patrons	Reinventing Your Services and Yourself: Libraries Post-COVID and What That Looks Like
Core Competency: Intellectual Freedom		Core Competency: Patron Awareness	Core Competency: Adaptability

12:15 p.m. | Lunch

12:45 p.m. | Networking Sessions – Choose one when registering

3A	3B	3C	3D
Adult Services Networking Session	Youth Services Networking Session	Management Networking Session	Open Discussion

1:15 p.m. | Break

1:30 p.m. | General Session: How Libraries Have Impacted My Journey
Panelists: Mario Harris-Rosser, Amir Abed, Tatjana Misanovic will share how the library impacted their careers and their lives. Moderator: Tara Hutson, Fairfield County District Library

Learn more about the panelists.

2:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions – Choose one when registering

4A	4B	4C	4D	4E
Elevating Marginalized Groups in Your Community	Show Me, Don’t Tell Me: Putting Words into Practice	Accessible Communications Toolkit: Because Libraries are for Everyone	A Sensory Place for All	The Library is Open: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Programs and Addressing Controversy
Core Competency: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion	Core Competency: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion	Core Competency: Marketing	Core Competency: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion	Core Competency: Intellectual Freedom

3:00 p.m. | Break

3:15 p.m. | Closing General Session and Wrap-up Q&A

Keynote Speaker: David Bush, Toledo Lucas County Public Library

We started our day with the message that we must re-think our brand. Now, we’ll reflect and see how your personal brand has changed. Hear testimonials from the day and leave the conference with positive energy to provide excellent Service for All!

4:00 p.m. | Adjourn

---

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS 

This virtual conference allows you to select breakout sessions that meet your needs and interests. When registering, you will be asked to choose one breakout session per time period.

Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Do You Know What I Had to Endure to Make it Here?
Session: 1A
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Presenters: Sharon Watkins, Cincinnati Community Action Agency; David Siders, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

Single parenting time constraints, child care issues, relying on the family phone plan of others for cell phone use, and taking public transit to get to work can be just some of the challenges that our customers face. With limited library staffing resources and ever-changing societal demands on people facing the challenges of poverty, how can we better understand and serve the needs of customers? How can we better relate when our experiences do not mirror always their experiences and it can be difficult to relate? Join us for a simulation experience with Sharon Watkins, Community Engagement Specialist of the Cincinnati Community Action Agency and David Siders, Civic Engagement Coordinator for The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to gain insight and appreciation of the experiences of some of our customers. Come away with ideas to improve service for all and increase your positive impact on people, even if the capacity and resources of your library are limited.

Public Libraries as a ‘Third Space’ for Immigrants and Refugees
Session: 1B
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Presenters: Brooke Meyer, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

We know that libraries are safe spaces that welcome all people. Places that can be particularly helpful for refugees and new Americans to come for resources to support their efforts to become contributing members of their adopted neighborhoods. Public libraries, in particular, are at a unique advantage to reach underserved adult ESL learners. It’s already happening. Libraries are hosting ESL conversation groups, citizenship classes, and language tutoring. But how do we best increase our effectiveness and reach? In this session, we’ll discuss customer service models geared toward new Americans and ways we can remove barriers to access, during this pandemic era and beyond.

1619 Project Discussion: What, Why and How
Session: 1C
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Presenters: John Piche and Ann McNamara, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
This session focuses on program’s origin, best practices, and growth while addressing several key points: a willingness to act quickly to meeting community interest, abandoning conventional programming constraints, working with non-traditional partners, and managing potential pushback/controversy. In August of 2019, staff noticed patron interest in a New York Times’ magazine issue, The 1619 Project. A discussion group on the magazine (modeled after book discussion programs) was started. The library has had four in person and eight Zoom discussions since September 2019. Learn best practices for managing Zoom discussions and how to successfully defended the program against challenges and criticism. This session is designed for those who are interested in starting similar programs or reconsidering how they develop and provide programming to their communities.

Conversations in the Community: Creating a Space for All in Rural Communities
Session: 1D
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Stephanie Freas, Muskingum County Library System (MCLS)

Some conversations are difficult to have, but that doesn’t make them any less important. MCLS started a virtual four-part conversation series on race in an Appalachian county, and over 200 people attended the sessions. These sessions helped gain momentum in a movement towards social justice and equity in the community and have pivoted the library as a strong partner and proponent and equality for all. Conversations have included topics such as race, culture, bias, fake news, and more. Join us to learn how to host these types of conversations in your library and help brand the library as a crucial partner and trusted resource during difficult times, whether it is COVID-19, election unease, racial unrest, or in an age of mistrust.

Racial Justice and Social Equity Challenge – A Community Weighs In
Session 1E
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Gabrielle Rathge and Kate Folmar, Worthington Libraries

Worthington Libraries passed a resolution to affirm a commitment to doing the work of an anti-racist organization in September 2020. As as initiative to support this resolution, the library staff partnered with the City of Worthington’s Community Relations Commission to bring a virtual discussion series to the community called the 21-day Racial Justice and Social Equity Challenge through the P2PU (Peer2Peer University) environment. Staff who participated in the offering will outline how they developed and provided this program from the beginning stages of training and planning to the carryout and the follow up afterward.

---

Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12: 15 p.m.

Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Staff and Patrons
Session: 2A
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12: 15 p.m.
Presenters: Becky Woodruff, Delaware County District Library; Jen Farrell, Huron Community Library; Alison Kennedy, Ohio History Connection

In this information-packed session, learn some LGBTQ+ basics, the importance of personal pronouns, best practices for respecting someone’s pronouns, and how to examine library policies and practices with an LGBTQ+-informed eye. Creating a safe, inclusive environment for patrons begins with creating a safe, inclusive environment for staff. We’ll share some ideas that will help you ensure your library is truly open to all.

Library Services for Special Needs Patrons
Session: 2C
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12: 15 p.m.
Presenters: Natalie Bota, Westlake Porter Public Library; Christian Brewington, Dayton Metro Library; Grace Walker, Pickerington Public Library

Special needs patrons require enhanced skills and services to create a positive experience. The presenters will share their experiences working with this population and answer your questions.

Reinventing Your Services and Yourself: Libraries Post-COVID and What That Looks Like
Session: 2D
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12: 15 p.m.
Presenters: Kara Reuter, Worthington Libraries; Jennifer Welsh, Stark County District Library; and Lisa Santucci, Tipp City Public Library

In 2020, libraries had to pivot to serve their patrons and communities in new ways. As we are discovering in 2021, many of these innovations, programs, and partnerships have improved library services. Now the decision becomes what to keep and which to phase out. Join the discussion with a panel of directors and staff from small, medium, and large libraries as they share what they are keeping, modifying, or ending.

---

Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Elevating Marginalized Groups in Your Community
Session: 4A
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenters: Alli Jacobs and Corrie Schuster, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

In this session you will learn how to develop programming and content that supports marginalized communities via committee work. The presenters will speak about the importance of such committees and will share their experience leading a Black Events and Exhibits Committee (BEEC) at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. The BEEC committee has been working together for the last three years to create programs and content that specifically speak to the Black experience. In that time, they have produced and hosted over thirty programs with many more in the works. This session will focus on sharing a holistic and cross-sectional approach to elevating the voices of marginalized communities. You will learn more about best practices for creating and running a similar committee at your library including how to identify marginalized groups in your community, the importance of having diverse committee members, and how to work with community partners.

Show Me, Don’t Tell Me: Putting Words into Practice
Session: 4B
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Nancy Kirkpatrick, OhioNET

What does Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) success look like in your library? How can you model the changes needed in librarianship and build a sense of belonging for all who enter in, whether as library users or library staff? This session will look at EDI current trends and best practices, and examine how you can get started moving from conversation to action.

 

Accessible Communications Toolkit: Because Libraries are for Everyone
Session: 4C
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenters: Angie Brunk, Design for Dignity and Robin Johnsen, Lake County Public Library

In this session you will be armed with tools and tips to make your library communications accessible to all. You’ll learn best practices for creating print posters, plus how to make your online photos, audio, and video more accessible whether they’re posted on your website or on social media. You’ll learn tips for handling competing access needs and ways for involving your community in accessible design. By the end of this session, you’ll be able to put accessibility into practice in your own library. Remember: accessible and inclusive design is appreciated by all people!

 

A Sensory Place for All
Session: 4D
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenters: Deborah Long and Tracey Phillips, Louisville Public Library

To serve our entire community, including those with disabilities, the Louisville Public Library created the Sensory Space with the needs of those with sensory processing disorders, autism, dementia, and learning disabilities in mind, but where absolutely everyone is welcome. Funded through a grant from the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the State Library of Ohio, the room features equipment to engage the senses, utilizing fiber optic colors, interactive sounds, and a variety of tactile experiences, plus opportunities for fine and gross motor development. Patrons use the facility with their therapists and family, but we invite those with disabilities and neurotypicals to mix in the Sensory Space, particularly during All Ages Sensory Storytime, to normalize disabilities in the community. Hear the story of how we built it and how we work with other organizations to use this innovative space, including our plans for the Sensory Space post-pandemic. See some of our most popular sensory items, learn details of the technology, and hear about what does and doesn’t work for our patrons. Whether you want to begin small or go all in, we can help you get started with sensory equipment and programming.

The Library is Open: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Programs and Addressing Controversy
Session: 4E
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenters: Becky Woodruff, Delaware County District Library;  Nick Tepe, Athens County Public Library; Michala Sage, Westerville Public Library; Timothy Bussey, Newark Ohio Pride Coalition

LGBTQ+ inclusive programs are generating backlash in libraries across the country, often (though not always) in the form of drag-related events. In this session, you’ll hear from staff at libraries big and small, rural and suburban that have attempted to present LGBTQ+ inclusive programming. Some succeeded in offering these programs to their patrons, but many faced obstacles along the way. Learn about what worked, what didn’t, and how to best prepare staff and patrons when planning a potentially controversial program.

---

About David Bush, Conference Keynote
David Bush has worked at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for over 25 years. Bush’s position at the library has allowed him to create open literature-based spaces for teens while tirelessly working with community agencies, schools and organizations. He is the founder and the Executive Director of the Madd Poets Society-Making a Direct Difference youth program, a renowned mentoring and literary arts organization for inspiring poets. As a writer, his works span over two decades. “He has managed to create his own definite voice” says famed poet Nikki Giovanni.

Bush’s passion as a public speaker and youth advocate has led him to receiving countless awards and honors including the most recent 2017 Soaring Phoenix award. Bush leads by example and is not only looking to create great students, but also create leaders and great men and women of the future. He credits his success to his faith and tight-knit upbringing. Bush is a hip-hop historian, noted lecturer and became the first poet in residence for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library in 2007. He is a devoted youth advocate, mentoring over 1,000 youth and young adults within the last two decades. He is the CEO and Founder of a successful company which designs program modules, professional development training and workshops that have been presented at major universities, companies and businesses across the region.

How Libraries Have Impacted My Journey Panel:

About Amir Abed, Panelist
Amir Abed was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and grew up across the street from the Reynolds Corners Branch. His mother introduced him to reading and creative writing at a young age encouraging his curiosity to learn. Amir joined MADD Poets Society as a teenager which was fundamental in his development providing mentorship, opportunities to connect with students and leaders across the city, and a positive outlet for expression. He went on to graduate from Rogers High School and attended The Ohio State University graduating with a BSBA in Finance. Amir is a real estate entrepreneur currently residing in Chicago, IL.

About Mario Rosser, Panelist
Mario Rosser is a graduate of Columbia University and a Partnerships team member at LinkedIn. As a youth, Mario spent most of his time at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library cramming for tests and pondering his future. Mario is a proud New Yorker and is currently running for City Council to represent his neighborhood of Central Harlem.

About Tatjana Misanovic, Panelist
Tatjana Misanovic moved from Bosnia with her family in 1998. As a young girl, she helped her family navigate the complicated social services and immigration systems. The library was vital in improving their English skills and adjusting to their new surroundings. Now as a Customer Services Manager at Columbus Metropolitan Library, Tatjana uses her experience to help others.