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EXTON, Pennsylvania — United for Libraries’ Learning Live program for May, “Libraries Build Business: Support from Boards, Friends, and Foundations,” will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 2 p.m. Eastern. .

Libraries Build Business (LBB) is a national initiative of 91��ý, supported by Google.org, intended to build capacity in libraries offering programming or services to local entrepreneurs and the small business community, prioritizing low-income and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Learn how library boards, Friends of the Library groups, and library Foundations can help support libraries in their business-related services and programming. Megan Janicki, project manager of Libraries Build Business, will provide an overview of the program. Susan Preece, director of the Topsham (Maine) Public Library, will discuss how the library’s board and Friends have supported the LBB program in their library. Stacey Goddard, public services manager at the Spokane (Washington) County Library District, will address their library Foundation and board’s involvement.

Megan Janicki is the project manager of the Libraries Build Business initiative with the Public Policy and Advocacy Office at the 91��ý. Prior to her work with 91��ý, Megan worked in a variety of adult education, workforce development, and social service roles in Washington, DC. She holds a master of education degree in learning, diversity, and urban studies.



Susan M. Preece is the director of the Topsham (Maine) Public Library. Career and small business support have been a part of the library’s program since 2005 in the aftermath of the Brunswick Naval Air Station closure and related economic downturn. Her work with Libraries Build Business from 91��ý and Google has been reinvigorating and, she is excited about the many possibilities that exist to expand business support in public libraries.

Stacey Goddard is a public services manager at the Spokane (Wash.) County Library District. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, and from the University of Washington with a master’s degree in library and information science, and has more than 35 years of experience working in public libraries. She and her team focus on supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, assisting individuals with career development, and encouraging financial empowerment through consumer education.



United for Libraries Learning Live sessions take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Each month’s session will cover a hot topic of interest to Trustees, Friends and/or Foundations, followed by a Q&A and/or discussions. Sessions are open to all personal and group members of United for Libraries.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91��ý with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. To join, please visit  or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.