G&G 2025 Track 3: Advocacy & Access

Keynote - Rooted and Rising: Rural Libraries, Equity, and the Power of Community

Keynote - Rooted and Rising: Rural Libraries, Equity, and the Power of Community

How do rural libraries rise to meet the moment when facing pressures on equity, access, and free expression? In this session, Sam Helmick reflects on personal and professional experiences to offer a vision for courageous, compassionate library service. Attendees will leave reenergized with stories, strategies, and shared purpose in building a future where all people see themselves reflected in their libraries.

Sam Helmick serves as President of the American Library Association (ALA), the world’s oldest and largest library association, championing access to information, intellectual freedom, and the essential role of libraries in a democratic society. With nearly two decades of public library leadership, Sam brings a passion for equitable service, community-centered engagement, and bold advocacy in defense of the First Amendment.
In addition to their national leadership, Sam is the Community & Access Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library, where they oversee outreach services, the Bookmobile, and innovative access programs that serve diverse community needs. They have served in numerous leadership roles, including as chair of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table, past president of the Iowa Library Association, and a member of multiple ALA committees focused on policy, equity, and intellectual freedom. Sam’s advocacy is grounded in the belief that libraries are incubators of opportunity, civic dialogue, and collective memory. They are a frequent speaker on intellectual freedom, censorship resistance, and the enduring value of libraries in rapidly changing social and political landscapes. Sam holds a Master of Science in Library & Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and continues to mentor new professionals while leading national conversations about the future of librarianship.

Track 3, Session 1: Ensuring Access to Library Services

Track 3, Session 1: Ensuring Access to Library Services

Public libraries provide a wide array of programs and services for patrons of all ages. Often, many of the resources offered in the public library are not fully accessible, usable or enjoyable by a person with a disability. Additionally, many libraries are not accessible and cannot offer beneficial employment opportunities to a person with a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) sites the requirements of ensuring an accessible public service and employment setting. This presentation will highlight ways to create a useful, enjoyable and accessible library environment for all.

Valerie Lewis is the Administrator of Outreach Services for the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. In this role, Ms. Lewis services as the Outreach and Americans with Disabilities Act Liaison to the public libraries in Suffolk County, NY. Ms. Lewis works with libraries, community organizations, county agencies, healthcare organizations and individuals to ensure access to library services, and community services across Long Island.

Track 3, Session 2: Embracing Neurodivergence: Coping Mechanisms and Colleague Support

Track 3, Session 2: Embracing Neurodivergence: Coping Mechanisms and Colleague Support

In this webinar, I will briefly share my professional journey with ADHD in libraries, detailing the coping mechanisms I developed before and after my very recent diagnosis. The focus will be on how these strategies have been helpful in managing time, projects, and the mistakes encountered along the way. Prior to my diagnosis, I relied on innate methods such as intense bursts of focus and creative problem-solving. Post-diagnosis, I’m emphasizing structured routines, mindfulness practices, and technology aids to enhance productivity and maintain momentum in projects. Moreover, I will discuss the challenges that ADHD presents in traditional work environments, emphasizing the need for adaptive project management methodologies. I will highlight the importance of personalized task management, flexible scheduling, and the utilization of visual aids. I will offer insights into how neurotypical colleagues can contribute to an inclusive workspace. Simple yet effective changes, such as clear communication, recognition of diverse work styles, and supportive feedback systems, can make a significant difference. The presentation will also seek to engage the audience by inviting them to share their coping mechanisms via chat. This exchange aims to foster a collective understanding and generate a pool of resources that can benefit all attendees. The goal is to encourage dialogue that not only empowers neurodivergent individuals but also educates and equips neurotypical professionals to be allies in building a more accommodating and productive environment for everyone. Medical advice will not be provided.

Josh Morgan’s career in libraries began as a student employee in Clemson University Libraries’ digitization lab in 2008. He now serves as the Digital Collections Administrator for University of Tennessee Knoxville Libraries. In 2023, he was officially diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD, leading to a journey of self-discovery and advocacy.

Break with Chair Yoga
  • 1:15 - 1:30pm
  • JOIN THIS SESSION

Break with Chair Yoga

Join STLS Outreach & Sustainability Consultant, Keturah Cappadonia, for a 15-minute break and some chair yoga!

Track 3, Session 3: Autism-Ready Libraries Toolkit

Track 3, Session 3: Autism-Ready Libraries Toolkit

Join us for an informational session about the Autism-Ready Libraries project, including our findings and an introduction to the Autism-Ready Libraries Toolkit. Our Toolkit includes professional development modules and resources designed to empower youth-serving librarians with foundational knowledge to provide autism-inclusive services for families with autistic children. These trainings address the basics of autism acceptance and inclusion, customer services practices for families with autistic children, and how to provide neuroinclusive early literacy services and programs for all.

Dr. Milly Romeijn-Stout is a Neurodiversity Consultant with public libraries, museums, and education programs. Her current research focuses on how libraries can address neuroinclusion and access for all children and families, particularly in relation to early literacy services.

Track 3, Session 4: Year-Round Library Advocacy

Track 3, Session 4: Year-Round Library Advocacy

Advocacy shouldn't be scary or intimidating! This presentation will provide practical tips for all library workers to become more comfortable talking about libraries in an authentic and proactive way. Whether you are dealing with library patrons, local or state politicians, the media, etc., you can share your story in an impactful manner that doesn't always have to be speech-based. Topics covered will include year-round advocacy campaigns that are simple to set up, how to partner with your Friends of the Library organizations, and how to answer when someone says, "but libraries aren't political!".

Lisa is a fierce advocate for public libraries and believes that strong libraries build strong communities. She is a past president of NYLA, and serves on ALA's state chapter relations committee. Lisa is Director of the sustainably certified Lindenhurst Memorial Library, the third library in the country to achieve certification.

Max Prime is the Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at the New York Library Association (NYLA). He leads NYLA’s statewide advocacy efforts, pursuing increased state aid for libraries as well as legislative initiatives intended to protect and empower New York’s library community. Prior to his time at NYLA, Max worked in the district offices of several members of the United States House of Representatives and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Union Graduate College.