When the Mayor Calls: Answering the City’s Call for Support
Thursday, March 22, 2018, 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 111 AB
As libraries continue their role in supporting and building a love for reading and supporting literacy and achievement, many libraries are also being asked to assist and partner with their cities to address societal issues found in their communities. Hear from leaders of 4 public urban libraries who are answering the call to align their work to support their cities’ efforts in areas such as hunger, poverty, homelessness and drug abuse.
At the end of this session, participants will:
1: Determine how libraries can assist their cities in addressing social issues 2: Build support amongst your staff for this new work and role 3: Strategize on how your library can help
The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 2: People with some knowledge, who want to increase their understanding.
This session will have: Low interaction (example: single speaker/panel with Q&A at the end of the program)
Track: Lead
Tags: Administration/Management, Equity of Access, Outreach Services, Partnerships and Collaboration, Social Change, Urban Libraries
Presenters
Marcellus Turner, City Librarian
Seattle Public Library , Seattle , WA
Marcellus Turner oversees The Seattle Public Library, which includes the world-renowned Central Library and 26 neighborhood branches. The Library operates on a $67.2 million budget and has nearly 700 staff members. Turner serves on the University of Washington Information School's MLIS Advisory Board and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Communication and Information's Board of Visitors.
Jo Anne Mondowney, Executive Director
Detroit Public Library , Detroit , MI
Jo Anne Mondowney, an innovative, award-winning library administrator, has served as the Executive Director of the Detroit Public Library (DPL) since 2009. Ms. Mondowney's library career began in Baltimore, Maryland at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, where she served in several positions including Branch Manager, Marketing Manager and Special Assistant to the Executive Director. Prior to her appointment as the ED of DPL, she was the Director of the Flint (Michigan) Public Library.
Felton Thomas, Executive Director, CEO
Cleveland Public Library , Cleveland , OH
Felton Thomas, Jr., immediate Past President of the Public Library Association was appointed director of the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library (CPL) in January 2009. Prior to this position Felton served as director of Regional Branch Services for the Las Vegas-Clark County (NV) Library District and President of the Nevada Library Association. He has served on the PLA Board of Directors since 2012, 6. He was named a "Mover and Shaker" by Library Journal.
Joe Benford, Deputy Director of Customer Engagement
Free Library of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA
Joe Benford currently serves as the design and program project manager of the Free Library?s 21st Century Libraries Initiative to renovate existing neighborhood libraries. In addition to having responsibility for the Neighborhood Library Services Division, Central Public Services Division, Materials Management, the Office of Youth Services and Programs, and the Office of Volunteer Services, Joe serves on the City?s Gurney Street Task Force that is working to address the opioid crisis in Philadelphia.