For immediate release | November 9, 2010

IMLS director nominee Susan Hildreth to lead panel at PLA Midwinter institute

91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Susan Hildreth, director of the Seattle Public Library and IMLS director nominee, will lead a panel of library administrators and consultants at , a day-long Midwinter institute sponsored by the Public Library Association (PLA).
The institute, scheduled for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, preceding the 91´«Ã½ 2011 Midwinter Meeting in San Diego, offers attendees the opportunity to learn from experts and connect with public library professionals from across the country.
Presenters will discuss how public libraries can navigate the current economic environment and will share best practices to help libraries survive now and grow into the future. Topics will include making tough budget decisions, communicating with staff and the public, fundraising, technology, facilities, staffing, community collaborations, customer service and more. There will also be an optional box lunch available to enjoy on-site, providing an opportunity for attendees to network.
Hildreth will be joined in the morning by John D. Hales, Jr., director of Libraries, Suwannee River Regional Library (Fla.); Teresa Landers, director, Santa Cruz County (Calif.) Library; Jane Light, director, San Jose (Calif.) Public Library; and Lisa Musgrove, director, Siskiyou County (Calif.) Library. Kimberly Bolan Cullin, Providence Associates LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., and Rob Cullin, Evanced Solutions, Indianapolis, Ind., will present in the afternoon.
is an institute dedicated to the future of public libraries. Discounted registration is available for PLA and 91´«Ã½ members. Please note: Registration for the Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to attend the institute.
PLA is a division of the 91´«Ã½. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

Contact:

Amy Sargent