United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees – Friends – Foundations
91´«Ã½
Save the date for the fifth annual United for Libraries Virtual:
July 29-31, 2025
This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.
- Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters.
- Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors.
- Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing).
91´«Ã½
Tuesday, July 30
Trustee / Board Member Day
- Advocacy: The Importance of Leveraging Your Community
- Preparing for Troubling Times: Tips for Trustees
- Rising to the Challenge: The Trustee's Role in the "Culture Wars"
- Securing Tomorrow: Effective Succession Strategies for Library Boards
- Valuing Your Library: Beyond Cost-Benefit Analysis
Scroll down for program descriptions and speakers.
91´«Ã½
Wednesday, July 31
Foundations & Fundraising Day
- Donor Engagement: Acquiring and Inspiring Committed and Faithful Supporters
- Enhancing the Story - Developing a Smaller-Scale Capital Projects Fundraising Campaign
- Fundraising Tips and Tricks: Some Novel Ideas
- Marketing is the Future: How to Build a more Sustainable Library Foundation Model by Integrating Marketing in the Organizational Culture, Strategy, and Practice
Scroll down for program descriptions and speakers.
91´«Ã½
Thursday, August 1
Friends Day
- An Extravaganza of Literary Events for Your Library
- Championing Library Freedom: How Friends Groups Can Fight Back When Our Library is Under Attack
- Libraries are Better with Friends: How to Foster a Strong Group of Advocates
- Smooth Sailing with Library Trustees and Staff
Scroll down for program descriptions and speakers.
Keynote: Eric Klinenberg
91´«Ã½
Sponsored by Penguin Random House Library Marketing
As public libraries face issues like funding cuts to challenges to books, materials, and programs, how can library boards, Friends, and Foundations best support and advocate for their libraries? In his book Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg details how the future of democratic societies rests not simply on shared values, but on shared spaces – one of the most important ones being libraries.
In this session, he will discuss how to leverage these shared values and spaces for public support in the current political environment, and how to move forward following the challenges that COVID brought (detailed in his new book, 2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year that Changed Everything). Many library Foundation directors, library directors, and board presidents give copies of Palaces for the People to their board members and community stakeholders – find out how this book can help garner library support.
Eric Klinenberg is the Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the Social Sciences and director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University. He is the coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller Modern Romance and author of Palaces for the People, Going Solo, Heat Wave, and Fighting for Air. He has contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, Wired, and This American Life. He lives in New York City.
Gala Author Tea
91´«Ã½
Sponsored by Baker & Taylor
Join United for Libraries for our 2024 Virtual Gala Author Tea. Bring your beverage of choice and enjoy authors talking about their writing experience and latest books.
Authors include: Anna Rasche, Alice Austen, Marcie R. Rendon, and Edward Underhill. Moderated by Donna Seaman, Editor of Adult Books, Booklist.
2024 Virtual Gala Author Tea Authors
91´«Ã½
Anna Rasche (The Stone Witch of Florence) is a historian and gemologist who has previously worked in the jewelry collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and as a curatorial fellow at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
91´«Ã½
Alice Austen (33 Place Brugmann) won the John Cassavetes Award for her debut film Give Me Liberty (writer/producer). Austen currently lives in Milwaukee and is working on a new film and her next novel.
91´«Ã½
Marcie R. Rendon (Where They Last Saw Her), citizen of the White Earth Nation, is one of O: The Oprah Magazine’s 31 Native American Authors to Read Right Now and a McKnight Distinguished Artist Award winner.
91´«Ã½
Edward Underhill (The In-Between Bookstore) grew up in the suburbs of Wisconsin, where he could not walk to anything, so he had to make up his own adventures.
2024 United for Libraries Virtual Registration Options
91´«Ã½
New for 2024 - flexible registration options, including individual full conference; individual single day or multiple days; or group viewing single day or multiple days. United for Libraries personal members save 35% off all registration rates. Save up to an additional 40% off per seat when purchasing multiple seats.
Unsure which option is the best fit?
- If you live in or work for any type of library in Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, or Virginia, full conference registration is paid for by your state library!
- Check out the full details including registration, attendance, and participation; available discounts; detailed pricing charts, and frequently asked questions.
- Contact United for Libraries staff by phone at (312) 280-2161 or by email at united@ala.org.
Individual Full Conference
91´«Ã½
Individual Full Conference registration includes three days of live programming and on-demand access for one year.
Save an extra $15 on all individual full conference registration rates with Early Bird savings through July 17.
United for Libraries personal members pay $81.85 with Early Bird savings.
FREE Registration States: MA, MI, NE, OR, VA
91´«Ã½
If you live in or work for any type of library in Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, or Virginia, full conference registration is paid for by your state library!
Individual Single Day
91´«Ã½
Individual single day registration includes live attendance and on-demand access for one year to the selected day's programming.
Register for one or more single day options:
- (Tuesday, July 30)
- (Wednesday, July 31)
- (Thursday, August 1)
Save an extra $5 on all individual single day registration rates with Early Bird savings through July 17.
United for Libraries personal members pay $37.25 with Early Bird savings.
Group Viewing Single Day
91´«Ã½
Group Viewing is available for single or multiple day registration, and is only available by invoice request. Includes live group viewing and on-demand group viewing of the selected day's programming.
Full details including pricing and discounts is available on the .
Save an extra $20 on all Group Viewing single day conference registration rates with Early Bird savings through July 17.
United for Libraries personal members pay $119.75 with Early Bird savings.
Lead Sponsor of United for Libraries Virtual 2024
91´«Ã½
The mission of the Penguin Random House Library Marketing Department is to put great books and audiobooks into the hands of librarians before they are published, as well as to provide resources to assist with Readers’ Advisory, Event Programming, and Book Club planning.
Trustee / Board Member Day
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Tuesday, July 30, 11:00 am Eastern
Description
Learn key components of strategic succession planning for all types of boards (library Trustees, Friends, and Foundation), including identifying future leaders and ensuring continuity of governance and core board activities. Participants will gain insights from best practices and real-world examples, enhancing their ability to smoothly navigate leadership changes and maintain organizational stability. Whether you're a current board member or a library professional, this webinar will equip you with the skills to secure your library's future.
Speakers
Stephanie Chase is the Executive Director of the Libraries of Eastern Oregon and Founding Principal of the Constructive Disruption consultancy. Previously, Stephanie was the Director of Libraries for Hillsboro (OR) and was the Director of Library Programs and Services for The Seattle Public Library. Stephanie is the founder of the Green Mountain (VT) Library Consortium, a statewide library consortium providing digital collections and partnership opportunities to 150 member libraries, a founding member and inaugural chair of the LibraryReads Steering Committee, and currently serves on the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board and the 91´«Ã½ Council.
Maura Deedy is the principal of Local Librarian Consulting, with over 17 years of experience in municipal and state government. Maura has worked with a variety of library organizations, from small and rural to large and urban, library networks, and library associations. Previously, she was the Library Advisory Specialist for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, a state library agency, and held management roles at public libraries in Arlington (MA) and Weymouth (MA). Maura has served on the United for Libraries board since 2019, and also serves on 91´«Ã½'s Committee on Library Advocacy.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Tuesday, July 30, 12:00 pm Eastern
Description
Libraries have become a flashpoint in the so-called "culture wars," facing an increasing backlash targeting everything from books and displays, programs and presenters, institutions, and even staff members themselves. Commentary has escalated to include misinformation, hate speech, and violent threats. Trustees can have a significant impact--positive or negative--in how their libraries weather these challenges, and how supported library staff feel throughout. Learn about the scope of the challenges libraries are facing, what it's like to be a front-line worker from one of the marginalized groups under fire, and how Trustees can work to proactively support their libraries, counter misinformation, and stand firm against the backlash.
Speaker
Heath Umbreit is the Adult Services Librarian at Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood, MA. Heath uses they/them pronouns, and is trans/nonbinary and genderfluid. They earned their MLIS from Drexel University in 2014, and have presented before the Massachusetts Library Association, the New England Library Association, the Public Library Association, and the 91´«Ã½'s Core webinar series. In their work, they intentionally center the values of equity, access, and social justice.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Tuesday, July 30, 1:30 pm Eastern
Description
Library value calculators are novel ways to show the financial value of a library, but cost-benefit analysis is just one of many lenses through which library value can be viewed. This presentation will explore four areas in which public libraries add short- and long-term value: as institutions of learning, keepers of history, sustainable resources sharers, and community builders. Learn the quantifiable and qualitative benefits of each of these areas so that you can be a strong advocate for the full value of your library.
Speaker
Kevin Unrath is a Consultant for Library Operations for the Vermont Department of Libraries. After earning his Master's in Library Science at the University of Illinois in 2000, Kevin worked in library management and administration for the past two decades. He's served as the director of two busy libraries and is a past president (2020-2021) of the Vermont Library Association.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Tuesday, July 30, 3:00 pm Eastern
Description
How can we work better together to advocate for libraries? Join the FReadom Fighters to share insights on the impacts of building an informal advocacy community. Hear about their experience advocating with legislators, and learn how to create your own informal support network, work together to increase impact, and build a community that can sustain us during difficult advocacy work.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Tuesday, July 30, 3:00 pm Eastern
Description
Is your library board prepared for challenges to library materials, resources, or programs? A panel of library directors and Trustees will discuss what directors and board members need to know about intellectual freedom, including applicable laws and library policies, who to contact for support, and how to work together to build relationships and advocate for the library. Attendees will learn about training resources from 91´«Ã½, United for Libraries, and other organizations, and find out how Trustees and directors have worked together to successfully navigate challenges.
Moderator
Amanda Sand Vazquez
2023-2024 Intellectual Freedom Round Table Chair and Director, Dubuque County Library District
Speakers
MacKenzie Ledley
Executive Director, Pulaski County Public Library
MacKenzie Ledley, M.L.S., is the Executive Director of the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac, IN. She is passionate about promoting intellectual freedom principles and advocating for libraries with public officials. Extending beyond her community, she has supported the profession by serving on the Merritt Fund Support Committee, IFRT By-laws & Organization Committee, and 91´«Ã½ Election Committee. She is the former co-chair of the Indiana Library Federation Advocacy Committee, where she worked tirelessly to promote the interests of libraries statewide. MacKenzie has presented on various intellectual freedom topics and advocacy topics for the Public Library Association, Freedom to Read Foundation, Indiana Library Federation, and most recently, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
Deborah A. Doyle
President, United for Libraries and Chair, Sonoma County Library Commission
Deborah Doyle, 2024-2026 President United For Libraries is a writer, editor, and fundraiser as well as an active library advocate at local, state, and national levels. Her work experience includes roles at the Defense Nuclear Agency, the Council on Economic Priorities, Dolby Laboratories, Heidrick & Struggles, Booz Allen.. She played board and staff roles at Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and was actively involved in helping to create San Francisco’s well-funded modern library system. She has served as President of the California Library Association (CLA) and is the only person to receive CLA’s President’s Award twice – the highest honor given to an individual for significant contributions to libraries. She currently sits on the United for Libraries board, the 91´«Ã½ Committee on Legislation, the CLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, chairs the Sonoma County Library Commission, and is a past president of California Public Library Advocates. She also serves on United Intellectual Freedom/Advocacy Committee. Deborah holds a BA from University of Virginia (high honors) and an Executive MLIS from San Jose State University. She is also a performer and serves on the boards of the Living History Centre and the Guild of St. George in California.
Erika Thibault
Library Director, Sonoma County Library
Erika Thibault has over 17 years of experience working in libraries throughout California. Before starting as the Library Director for Sonoma County Library, I worked as a reference librarian, young adult librarian, and library assistant, in addition to my management experience as a branch manager and principal librarian for Los Angeles Public Library, and Deputy Director at Sonoma County Library. Before her library career, she worked for Santa Monica Public Radio, LA County Museum of Art, and University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Foundations / Fundraising Day
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Wednesday, July 31, 11:00 am Eastern
Description
Join Johnson County Public Library (JCPL) Director Lisa Lintner to learn about the library's fundraising campaign, "Enhancing the Story," that raised over $300,000 for special projects at JCPL's newly constructed branch that opened in 2022. The campaign was designed to raise private donations to enhance intentionally designed spaces with state-of-the-art technology and features, as well as to construct an exterior space promoting art, health and nature. With the "Enhancing the Story Campaign," residents learned of six special project areas that needed additional fundraising to become a reality: public art, a Robotics Learning Lab, a teen gaming center, an early childhood learning area, an Adult Learning Center and a nature trail and community garden.
Speaker
Lisa Lintner was appointed the director of the Johnson County Public Library in 2015. In her 20 years of public library experience, she has dedicated her career to providing outstanding services for patrons from the cradle through retirement. She graduated from Indiana University’s Master of Library Science program and holds a Bachelor of Science in English and Theatre from Ball State University. In 2016, the Johnson County Public Library Foundation was formed to support JCPL in providing lifelong literacy resources and programming. Lisa provides leadership, research and development for the Foundation as a board member and Library Director.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Wednesday, July 31, 12:00 pm Eastern
Description
Often marketing for libraries and library foundations is a footnote to a strategy, limited to designing an appeal, copywriting, or posting on social media. What if we flip the script and make marketing an integral piece of the strategy? This presentation will share the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s marketing journey and the transformative results in awareness building, lead generation, and donor conversion – that you can use and customize for your organization too!
Speakers
Rica Bouso, Marketing Director, Chicago Public Library Foundation
Prior to joining the Chicago Public Library Foundation, Rica has worked in global advertising agencies and multinational companies – building award-winning campaigns for brands like Kraft, Toblerone, and Unilever. In her 5+ years with CPLF, she has developed a comprehensive data-informed marketing strategy and marketing systems that led to 100% increase in website visits, 50% increase in online donations, and has helped the Library Foundation’s signature event – the Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards – be more accessible to the public through a free broadcast.
Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO, Chicago Public Library Foundation
President & CEO Brenda Langstraat Bui joined the Chicago Public Library Foundation in 2019, her personal and professional values aligning with the Library’s commitment to “the freedom to read, to learn, to discover.” Brenda’s career is driven by the belief that creating empowered communities of learners will transform lives and support the advancement of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Brenda previously served as CEO of Working in the Schools (WITS), Chicago Public Schools’ largest literacy partner. Prior to WITS, Brenda was Executive Director of Parkways Foundation, the philanthropic partner to the Chicago Park District, where she led fundraising initiatives that invested private dollars into capital and programmatic projects. Brenda started her career in the social impact sector at the Chicago Humanities Festival, where she oversaw major giving programs, special events, and the annual gala. Brenda is an active community volunteer who serves on the Lookingglass Theater Board and the United for Libraries Board and is a literacy mentor for students.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Wednesday, July 31, 1:30 pm Eastern
Description
Whether you're new to fundraising or have an established program, join Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation staff for an overview of tips and tricks that will maximize your success. Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation has a 30 year fundraising history, and its Director of Development has almost 20 years of fundraising experience in a variety of industries. In the past few years, the Foundation has tripled its donor base and almost doubled its average annual amount raised. Learn which efforts have the biggest ROI based upon library surveys, experience, and proven success. You'll leave with a road map to success that you can manage no matter your team's size.
Speaker
Rachel Heine is a philanthropy expert who delivers clear and impactful presentations that challenge audience members to examine their definition of success and what it takes to get there. She has 20 years of fundraising experience ranging from Executive Director of a small education foundation to major gift fundraiser at a nation-leading medical center. Since 2019, she has served as Director of Development at the Columbus Metropolitan Library where she has led a team of gifted fundraising professionals to meet new heights every single year. Rachel’s implementable strategies and easy to digest recommendations will be sure to help you focus on the highest priorities and greatest returns on your investment of time and energy.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Wednesday, July 31, 3:00 pm Eastern
Description
How can you lead your donors and members to increase their donations and stay committed to the library? Learn basic principles of donor-centered fundraising that can increase financial participation and library support. Proven techniques and practical examples of thanking, communicating, and celebrating library supporters will be shared.
Speakers
Cathi Alloway is a consultant with Library Strategies Consulting Group. She brings over thirty years’ experience in library administration and fundraising, plus volunteer leadership positions with professional associations and community organizations. Alloway has consulted and presented extensively on fundraising, library management, strategic planning, and board management.
Richmond Kinney is the Programs & Services Manager at The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. As part of its consulting division, Library Strategies, she manages client inquiries and client/consultant relationships. She has 15 years of experience in public and academic libraries.
Friends of the Library Day
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Thursday, August 1, 11:00 am Eastern
Description
Everyone benefits from having a highly aligned partnership among library staff, the library board, and the Friends. From building relationships to resolving conflicts of interests to defining roles, this presentation will provide a practical checklist for fostering a strong and supportive Friends of the Library group.
Speaker
Kathy Dooley-Smith is currently the President of the Friends of Tennessee Libraries and has been a lifelong library advocate. Over the last decade, she has served as a trustee of the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, a board member of the Brentwood Library Foundation, and the President of the Friends of the Brentwood Library. In her role with FOTL, she mentors local Friends groups on issues big and small, advocates with elected officials, and educates patrons about Friends across Tennessee and the country.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Thursday, August 1, 12:00 pm Eastern
Description
Friends and Foundation boards occasionally have to navigate rough waters with library Trustees and staff. Undefined roles, differing goals, poor communication, and strong personalities are among the common reasons for disagreement and misunderstanding. Learn about common Friends/library issues, and ways you can navigate into calmer seas with best practices and real-life examples.
Speakers
Cathi Alloway is a consultant with Library Strategies Consulting Group. She brings over thirty years’ experience in library administration and fundraising, plus volunteer leadership positions with professional associations and community organizations. Alloway has consulted and presented extensively on fundraising, library management, strategic planning, and board management.
Richmond Kinney is the Programs & Services Manager at The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. As part of its consulting division, Library Strategies, she manages client inquiries and client/consultant relationships. She has 15 years of experience in public and academic libraries.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Thursday, August 1, 1:30 pm Eastern
Description
Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library have dealt with book banning, a parental review board, and privatization threats. The Friends will discuss what they have learned, what to do before the trouble starts, what works, what doesn’t, and what they wish we had known sooner.
Speaker
Dina Chavez, past President and board members of the Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library.
91´«Ã½
Date/Time
Thursday, August 1, 3:00 pm Eastern
Description
Learn tips for Friends and Foundations looking to organize successful author events to meet library and community needs, whether a single/solo author speaking event, a panel of authors, a one-day multi-author festival, or a multi-author weekend festival. Find out how author events can raise much-needed funds, or provide value to the library community. Attendees will also learn best practices for successful and engaging marketing and public relations for these events.
Speakers
Robin Hoklotubbe
Retired from Public Libraries; Library Consultant specializing in Friends of the Library.
Co-Founder of Serving with a Purpose Conference in California
After 17 years of working in public libraries, Robin “retired” in April 2016.
She has organized 15 conferences and 20 workshops for Friends of the Library in the state of CA and she's the co-founder and organizer of the annual Serving with Purpose Conference. She was also a trainer for the California State Library -Get Involved workshops for 3 years.
She served as a United for Libraries board member for 12 years. She was chair of the 2017 UFL Annual Program Committee among other committee assignments and continue to assist the staff with marketing and social media. Robin has presented at over 13 91´«Ã½ Annual and mid-winter Conferences. She also served as the Special Events Chair for the 2017 California Library Association Conference.
She is a past President of California Public Library Advocates, and is a current 13-year board member, publicity chair and author chair of the Friends of the Corona Public Library. She has consulted with five libraries and was a Grants Manager/Project Coordinator with the California Library Association. She recently completed a 21-month consulting contract with the Ontario City Library which included revitalizing a new Friends of the Library and book store operations team.
Bill Kelly
Adult Programming Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library
Bill Kelly is the Adult Programming Manager for Cuyahoga County Public Library. Bill has served as Chair of the 91´«Ã½’s Notable Books Council, as Chair for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, a judge for The Story Prize, and the Axinn Foundation Prize for Creative Nonfiction. Bill is the co-founder of both Cleveland Book Week and One Community Reads. He is longtime reviewer for Booklist and former columnist of Bill’s Bookshelf. Bill is the 2013 recipient of the Allie Beth Martin Award, given to a librarian who has demonstrated extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books and distinguished ability to share that knowledge.
