WebJunction

Cuesta

Yolanda Cuesta – Institute Facilitator/Curriculum Developer

Ms. Cuesta is a nationally-recognized expert in outreach to multicultural communities and specializes in helping libraries and other non-profit organizations serve ethnic and culturally diverse communities. Her work emphasizes community-based needs assessments, building partnerships and community coalitions, marketing and public relations, and program planning and evaluation. Prior to starting her own business, Ms. Cuesta was Chief of Library Development Services and Ethnic Services Consultant for the California State Library. She is a certified trainer for the Public Library Association’s Planning for Results and Managing for Results process. She is a member of ALA; the California Library Association, The American Marketing Association, REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish-Speaking, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her publications include “From Survival to Sophistication: Hispanic Needs = Library Needs,” “Guidelines for Library Services to the Spanish-Speaking,” both published in Library Journal, and “Marketing to Latinos: It’s About Building Trust,” published in Information Today. She has authored a chapter, “Developing Outreach Skills in Library Staff” in the upcoming ALA Editions book, “From Outreach to Equity.”

Merribeth Advocate

Since 1998 I have been working at the Mid-Hudson Library System, which is located in New York’s Hudson Valley , one of the fasted growing regions of the state. Part of my work is designing and facilitating training for public library staff and trustees; identifying best practices that help them achieve day-to-day success. My personal training style addresses the fact that material is best presented and remembered when it takes advantage of different learning styles. The participants are often their own best source of information, bringing together different backgrounds, insight and experience.

As Outreach & Education Coordinator I have the great opportunity to integrate the mission of outreach into the system’s offerings and to help libraries form community based programs and plans. I have attended training by Sandra Nelson on The NEW Planning for Results and Managing for Results, Peer Coaching training from Carter McNamara and the EqualAccess Libraries program through Libraries for the Future.

Cassandra “Cassie” Artale

Cassie Artale works as a Library Development Specialist for the New York State Library's Division of Library Development in Albany, NY . She works with public libraries and public library systems on charter, registration, legislative and legal issues. Cassie also works with public library system outreach coordinators on several New York State Aid programs including Coordinated Outreach which helps systems reach out to specific populations who often do not use libraries; System Services to Correctional Facilities which helps systems make their services available to libraries in state and county level correctional facilities; and other related programs including the WebJunction Spanish Language Outreach Program.

Cassie previously worked in public libraries and also many years as School & Youth Services Librarian for the New York State Library's Talking Book and Braille Library, a Regional Library in the Library of Congress/National Library Service program.

Nini Beegan

As the Maryland Online Learning Coordinator, Nini supports Maryland public library staff with their online learning needs. She is involved in statewide initiatives sponsored by the Division of Library Development & Services such as Thomson Online Learning, Ninth House leadership training, videoconference training, LA Community website for library associates, and the new MERLIN website for technology training.  She also coordinates classroom-based training such as Leading from Any Position and Library Ambassadors.

Nini was formerly a library associate with Baltimore County Public Library and has a graduate degree in Instructional Systems Development and Training Systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She thinks library staff people are the coolest and will visit a branch any chance she gets.

Roxana Benavides

Roxana Benavides is the Assistant Manager, Library Services at the Sunset Park Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. She has been working for the Brooklyn Public Library since 1993. Born and raised in El Salvador, Roxana earned her BBA in Marketing Management from Baruch College and an MLS from Queens College of the City University of New York.

Currently, Roxana Benavides is the President of REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking.

She is a member of the ALA/Americas/Salon del Libro Subcommittee, YALSA and NYLA.

Nancy Buck

I received my MLS in 1981 and joined the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in 1982.  We serve our patrons with various media in neighborhoods and still-rural areas in our branches and bookmobile, books-by-mail program, deliveries to institutions, talking books library for the blind, adult literacy program, and Web sites.  As Outreach Services Coordinator, I've been constantly challenged by our patrons' requests and the changing landscape of our community to retool or learn more. 

Through the talking books program, I learned more about different ways of reading (Braille, tape, magnification, Kurzweils).  In the meantime, our patrons with other physical and sensory disabilities were teaching me about other adaptive equipment and physical accessibility into and around the buildings.  I trained as a literacy tutor and became a trainer to support our adult literacy program and my belief that we all learn differently.  In the mid-90s, I went back to school to learn more about computers so I could attempt to keep up with automated circ systems, online databases, Web sites, and electronic reference service! 

I only speak a few words of Spanish, but am working with staff (those who speak Spanish and those who have learned only "No hablo Espanol") to respond to a growing Spanish-speaking community.  We are all eager to help anyone who wants to use the public library.

Brigid Cahalan

Brigid Cahalan has worked with The New York Public Library for a long time, starting happily in the Donnell Library Center 's World Languages Collection and enjoying a lengthy stint in the Telephone Reference department. For the past several years, she has been one of NYPL's outreach librarians, and this has brought her to all corners of the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, visiting the 86 libraries as well as community organizations hither and yon. Her duties include monthly visits to some of New York 's Spanish language book distributors to help purchase materials for the branch libraries that buy books in Spanish.

After being born and raised on suburban Long Island she came to the harsh realization that she would probably never achieve her early goal of becoming a cowgirl--specifically a cowgirl nun--and would have to come up with another idea. After extended jaunts in the coal-mining region of western Pennsylvania as a teacher and a VISTA experience in Coos Bay, Oregon, she met her future mentor, the head librarian in Ketchikan, Alaska --Mary Smith.  Mary convinced her that, contrary to popular opinion, librarians didn't have to be particularly organized--they just had to enjoy helping people and be interested in a variety of things. That sealed her fate.

She is delighted to be part of this project and particularly has enjoyed the opportunity to write about herself in the third person.

Diane Cheshier

Diane Cheshier received her MLS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in January of 1992.  Since then, she has worked in Children’s Services at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library in Illinois, the Kanawha County Public Library in West Virginia , and in Circulation, Reference, and Administrative Services at the Fort Smith Public Library.  Before receiving her Masters degree, Diane received a BS in Advertising from the University of Illinois .  In her current position as Assistant Director of the Fort Smith Public Library, Diane’s main role is of communication, both through PR sent out to the community about library services, materials, and events, and also internally through Staff News sent out weekly to about 70 employees.  In addition, she helps in the day-to-day operations of the library system, assists in the Reference department and other locations as needed, leads a monthly Book Lover’s Club, and teaches computer classes.  Diane is passionate about the opportunity for life-long-learning provided by the public library, and feels strongly about providing access, materials, and services to all members of the community.

Diane and her husband Andy moved to Arkansas from Illinois in 1995.  They live on a 40 acre farm in a combination barn/house designed by Diane and built by Andy.  They share this space with their four short-tailed dogs (mostly Australian Shepherds) and two foundation bred quarter horses.  Diane and Andy are avid whitewater kayakers, who were certified as instructors earlier this year.  They can generally be found wherever there is moving water, leading them to Colorado, Tennessee, and North Carolina frequently over the last two years of drought. 

Cindy Church

I am Cindy Church, Continuing Education Consultant for the Library of Virginia . My background includes almost 20 years of experience in academic, government and corporate libraries. I have only been in my current position for three months. My most recent position before this one was Library Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Correctional Education, essentially being a coordinator of all of the prison libraries in Virginia . These librarians are the "unsung heroes" of librarianship. They work with very little financial resources with no Internet access and in settings you would have to see to believe.

Regina Cortez

I am originally from Fordyce, Arkansas where I lived for most of my life. I currently live in Little Rock , where I have lived for the past three years; and I love it so I plan to stay there.

I am the Director of the Mid Arkansas Regional Library System which covers 4 counties in Arkansas: Dallas, Cleveland , Grant and Hot Spring. Our regional headquarters is located in Malvern at the Malvern-Hot Spring County Library; which is around 35 minutes from where I live in Little Rock .

I have been in the library setting since I was 16 years old and worked as everything from a page to now a director. I just received my Master's this May; and I am ready to start the a new chapter of my life outside of school and now being able to focus more on helping public libraries in Arkansas.

I am currently the Trustee Division chair for our state library association and also reside as the 2006 Advocates for Arkansas Public Library's secretary.

I am very excited about participating in this program. I feel that libraries throughout the state will greatly benefit from this service.

Jill DiPaolo

My name is Jill DiPaolo and I have been the director of the Selbyville Public Library for 3 1/2 years. My library is located in rural Southern Delaware near the Maryland border.  The town it serves is approximately 30% Spanish speaking.

During my time in Selbyville, the library has consistently worked toward developing and increasing a viable collection of Spanish language materials, providing multiple English as Second Language classes, hiring bilingual staff members and forging working relationships with a variety of community organizations.  I received a Master of Library and Information Science Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA.   Before discovering my love of library work, I briefly worked as an Underwriter for a Health Insurance Company and a bookstore manager.

Gabriel Duque

I was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1969 were I lived until I was 10 years old. From 1980 to 1986 my family and I lived in Syracuse, NY , while my parents completed their post-graduate studies. By the age of 16, when I graduated from high school, I was fully bi-lingual and I had been exposed to two cultures that to this day I deeply love. During this time, the Syracuse University Library and the Onondaga County Public Library Bookmobiles were vital in making me feel at home and in helping me adjust to life in the US .

Back in Colombia , I received a B.A. in Sociology in 1994 and I worked as an ESL teacher for close to 10 years. In 2002 I decided on a career change and came back to the states. Of all the disciplines I considered for my post-graduate studies, Library Science seemed the most attractive and logical choice for me. I feel that as a librarian I’m going to be able to draw from my previous studies and experiences. I plan to graduate in May of 2007 from the State University of New York at Albany . Currently I am a Student Assistant at the Library Development Department at the New York State Library where I am working with Cassandra Artale, Library Development Specialist and New York Coordinator for the SLO, on this wonderful program.

Being part of the Spanish Language Outreach Program is exciting for me, not only as a future librarian, but also as someone who has experienced first-hand the vital role libraries can play in the life of new immigrants.

Elaine D. Fike 

I have three careers so far.  I have a Masters degree in Elementary Education and taught third grade for 15 years.  Then I had the wonderful job of being a stay at home mom for 10 years--not that I was always home--between 3 kids in dance, scouts, school activities, etc. Now I am the director of a small public library which means I do a little of everything--just like a mom--from interviewing and hiring staff, programming, circulation, cataloging, supervising and scheduling staff, acquisitions, accounting, computer implementation, liaison with the library board, etc.  I am looking forward to learning from others what works in helping the Spanish community discover the benefits of the library.

Cira Foster

I was born in Havana, Cuba .  I came to the United States in 1996.  Once here I thought I could continue my education in Business Management, but it came to be that not even my High School Diploma from Cuba could be validated. There I started my education again. Once I received the High School Diploma I decided to change careers to computers, which has been a hobby of mine since Cuba . My first choice was Computer Information System which I studied until I transferred to SUNY IT-Utica/Rome to continue into a Bachelors Degree in Telecommunications which I finished in December of 2002. Right now I'm pursuing a Graphic Design Certificate.

In 2001 I started working at the Utica Public Library and have been there since as an Information Technology Specialist. I Love what I do, there is not one day that goes by without learning something new, and that makes my job very exciting. Here at the library I also do the parts of Instructor and Web Designer. As an instructor I teach a Computer Fundamentals course for our patrons.

Living in Central New York has been a little tough, especially when you lived most of your live in the Tropics, getting used to the cold and the snow has not been that easy, but it has been worth it. I do miss the nice, blue beaches and my family, but in life, sometimes, we have to make sacrifices to obtain what we want.  Dreams sometimes are hard to get specially when you have to make decisions that will not only change your life but also the life of those around you; but at the same time the future might as well be as bright as the dreams that you once had.

Stephanie Gerding

Stephanie Gerding is the Continuing Education Coordinator at Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. She manages a statewide training program, bringing nationally known speakers, teleconferences, Library Institutes, and other events to Arizona libraries. She also consults with libraries and assists in grant reviews for the LSTA state-based program.

Focusing her publications on training, technology, and fundraising for libraries, Stephanie loves to share her experiences by writing. She is the “Bringing in the Money” columnist for the Public Library Associations’ Public Libraries. Her first book was published this year by Neal-Schuman, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians and has received a starred review in Library Journal. She also co-authors the Library Grants Blog (http://librarygrants.blogspot.com) which lists grant announcements for libraries in one easy to access location.

Having done a variety of training during her library career for all types of libraries—school, public, academic, and special, Stephanie has presented at national conferences and conducted training across the US from Seattle to Florida, Maine to California, and many places in between.

Formerly a trainer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Library Program, Stephanie worked with many public libraries, either traveling to their site or conducting week-long train-the-trainer programs in Seattle . Stephanie has also managed a small technical library at Federal Express, worked for SIRSI as a traveling trainer, been a cataloger at an academic library, and also worked for the New Mexico State Library. Stephanie received her MLIS at the University of Tennessee .

Stephanie loves living in Phoenix with her husband and very large cat, Raji. One of her goals is to leave the country every year, as she loves learning about different cultures.

Kathy Goodrich

My name is Kathy Goodrich and I have been a librarian in the Dept. of Extension Services ( Buffalo and Erie County Public Library) for 16 years. I have been doing a variety outreach for all of those years. As a bookmobile librarian my patrons included children from inner city to rural schools, as well as senior citizens. As a children's librarian I developed a toddler lap-sit (prereader) program in 1991 for children under two. As a branch manager (with my staff) we promote the library in the community by having children's programs, computer classes and delivering large print books to a senior apartment. Currently, I'm doing a six month rotation as the branch manager at the Erie County Correctional Facility, where many of my patrons speak Spanish. In December I will return as the branch manager for the North Park and Niagara branch libraries. The Niagara branch library is set in a Hispanic neighborhood.

On a personal note I am married and have two children. My son Sean also works in the Buffalo and Erie County Library system at the Crane branch. I love animals and have five pets, including a HUGE St. Bernard called Homer.

Sol Gomez

I’m a Knowledge River graduate from the University of Arizona . I graduated in December of 2004 and began working with the Tucson-Pima Public Library two months later. I started off as an intermittent librarian for five months, then a children’s librarian for six months, and now I’ve been managing a small branch library for the past six months. I’ve worked at three different branches so far; all have been in South Tucson, which is primarily a Spanish-speaking city (and my home).

I collaborate with the University of Arizona Honors College and the Tecnólogico de Monterrey, México to provide online computer classes to our community. The classes are entirely in Spanish and we provide tutoring hours (we provide coffee too). We also offer ESOL classes for students who wish to learn English. These are just two programs we offer at the library I work at.

I really enjoy working with the community and I look forward to learning much more at this training so I can teach it as well.

Kathy Graybeal

Kathy has been passionate about public libraries since she was introduced to them as a first-grader. Dewey classification made total sense and set her on the path of a dedicated life-long learner. For Kathy, it is the shared experience of exploring new interests or discussing a “great read“inherent in public libraries that excites her most.

With 19 years invested in Delaware public libraries, from volunteer to Administrative Librarian, Kathy’s library experience runs the organizational gamut.  Kathy has expertise in collection development and management, quality performance management, reader’s advisory, operations management and staff development.

She is a recipient of the Delaware Librarian and Archivist Incentive Program Scholarship and has a Master of Science degree in Information Resources and Library Science. 

Kathy lives 12 miles from the Atlantic Ocean with her husband, Jim, and 2 teenage sons.  Her grown daughter only grocery shops at home; she doesn’t live there. Kathy and Jim welcomed their first grandchild, Samantha, into the world on August 14, 2006.

Jan Haines

Hi, I’m Jan Haines, a Library Development Consultant for the State Library of Ohio and one of the co-coordinators for the SLO program in Ohio . I help public libraries in various ways including strategic planning, and am a certified trainer for the Public Library Association’s New Planning for Results. I help public libraries serving Spanish-speaking community members and encourage partnerships between the PL’s and agencies serving the Spanish-speaking. I’m a member of the Ohio Library Council’s Diversity Awareness and Resources Committee and was a member of the program planning committee for the OLC 2006 Diversity Conference.

Marcia Harrington

Marcia Harrington has had extensive experience in teaching, training, coordinating and managing educational programs for adult developing readers.  Since 1976 she has worked with many adult literacy and basic education programs for native speakers of English and for speakers of other languages, including public school adult education programs and community based adult literacy providers. For the past 16 years she has headed the Adult Literacy Resource Center of the D.C. Public Library and is responsible for planning and coordinating the Library's services and outreach to adult developing readers and adult education practitioners and programs.  This includes designing and delivering training workshops and providing technical assistance, program development, collection development, teaching and assessment methods to community literacy programs and libraries. She holds a B.A. and M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education from the Johns Hopkins University and has done graduate work in linguistics and reading at American University and the University of Maryland .

Hector Horta

My name is Hector Horta, from The New York Public Library.  I started working for NYPL as a page at the age of 15. After graduating high school I continued in the system as a Part-time Clerk while pursuing my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Lehman College . I then became a Librarian Trainee while working on my MLS at Pratt Institute.  During my time as a trainee I worked at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library for two years.  This was an amazing experience, as I got the opportunity to work with a special-needs population and provide a variety of services.  I was also a recipient of the Urban Libraries Scholarship. The Urban Libraries Scholarship Program was wonderful in that I got the chance to network with different librarians from across the country and share our ideas about our library experiences. 

Upon completing my MLS degree, I became a librarian at the Soundview Branch Library in the Bronx, which is where I am currently working at.  Now I am a Senior Adult Librarian, and work with a large Spanish-Speaking Population.  This is why I am so excited about being a part of this program, and hope to learn many new ways of reaching out to my community and providing high quality services for them.

Donna Hughes

Hi, my name is Donna Hughes and I am employed as Coordinator of Children’s Services in the Winchester, VA area. I have been in this position since May 1990. I have been a youth services librarian since 1983. Throughout my career I have worked in public libraries in North Carolina and Virginia . I am a MSLS graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. I have a great sideline as a storyteller and musician. I have been a missionary to Central America as a vocalist, clown and puppeteer. I lead worship at my local church and enjoy musically accompanying our Hispanic congregation. I have a great love for Latin America.

Kathy Hunt

Kathy Hunt, Coordinator of Extension Services, Arkansas State Library. I have worked for the State Library since February. I worked previously for the Fort Smith Public Library, 18 years, Fort Worth Municipal Library, Texas , Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. In, I worked closely with several ethnic groups. I am looking forward to seeing work get started in Arkansas to include the Spanish speaking citizens in the Library life. I have two daughters, one of whom is a paleontologist, the other is studying to be a psychologist, and I am still married to my first husband. I have traveled a lot in the past, visiting 4 countries, and 35 of the 50 states. Now I get to add Washington State !

Kim Iraci

Kimberly Iraci is the Communications, Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator for the Pioneer Library System.  Kim received her MLS from SUNY Buffalo and has an undergraduate degree in Television and Radio from Ithaca College . Kim started her career as producer with WHEC-TV 10 in Rochester, New York , but missed her work-study days at the Ithaca College Library. After migrating to public relations and funds development for a local non-profit, Kim took advantage of her regular work schedule to pursue her MLS on a part time basis. Upon graduation, the Geneva Free Library, Central Library for the Pioneer Library System hired her as General Services Librarian. Kim states "Returning to the Geneva Free Library as a professional member of staff was quite an honor. It was the library where I received my first library card and the library I had used throughout my childhood. It was wonderful being able to give back to the community the same level of service that sparked my life long love of libraries and reading."

While at Geneva -- Kim advanced to Head of Reference Services to Head of Central Library Services to finally serving the library as Interim Director. Upon completion of her Interim Director duties she was tapped to work at Pioneer Library System Headquarters. After 10 years of service to the Geneva community-- she now oversees a newly created position of Communications, Advocacy and Outreach. Kim enjoys using her previous experience in communications and public relations to further library outreach and the marketing of library services for 42 member libraries in four counties. 

Kim has also held several library leadership positions including President of the Reference and Adult Services Section of the New York Library Association, Section Conference Planner, Noted Author Chair and Secretary as well as representing the section's membership on the New York Library Association Council. Kim was honored to be named a New York Library Association Dewey Fellow and currently chairs the Inter Library Loan Committee for the Rochester Regional Library System. In addition, Kim is involved with several community organizations and serves as a Trustee for a county wide multi-site child care agency. Kim and her husband are the proud parents of three children.

Leyvan Jones

After an extensive career in retail customer service, Leyvan M. Jones joined the ranks of Brooklyn Public Library [BPL] in the fall of 1999. In his first position of Office Aide I at the Kings Bay Branch, Mr. Jones performed the clerical duties required of the title, including supervising part-time staff, completing the weekly cash summary report, and of course checking in and out library materials.

In the summer of 2001 the opportunity to temporarily assist the then Director of the Office of Neighborhood Services [ONS] presented itself and Mr. Jones jumped at the chance. Given the project to somehow record and track the various branch renovations in progress at the time, Mr. Jones created and maintained the Office of Neighborhood Services Database. This electronic database tracked small branch closures, recorded and tracked large branch renovations, and tracked the various staff transfer requests submitted to the office. Due to the success of this and other projects Mr. Jones was offered a permanent position in ONS, and given new projects to undertake.

One project that stood out was to serve as the ONS liaison on the new “ABC” Executive Project Team. This project would soon revolutionize how BPL offered free computer access to the public by allowing the patrons to self administer printing and PC reservations. After 3 years of serving on the team, the new ABC pay-for-print/PC reservation solution was implemented at BPL system-wide, along with the new job title, Technology Resource Specialist [TRS]. It was soon realized that there was a need for administrative support of this new position, and BPL created the TRS Leader position. Serving as TRS leader since the summer of 2004, Leyvan Jones is responsible for leading system-wide meetings, delivering training, and providing administrative support for over 60 public service staff who provide technology support in 58 branch locations throughout the borough of Brooklyn. 

Jean Kaleda

Jean Kaleda received her B.A. in Spanish from Towson University and, despite having lived, studied, and worked in both Spain and Central America, remains all too aware that Spanish is her second language.  She received her M.L.S. from St. John's University and, after a 3-year stint as a business librarian in New York City, began her public library career on Long Island.  Since 2002, Jean has been the adult Spanish Language Outreach Librarian at the Patchogue-Medford Library (PML), the Central Library for Suffolk County, where she partners with local agencies to plan and administer both library and community programs/services for the Spanish-speaking population.  Jean developed and continues to expand the library's Literacy and Languages collection.

Jean was a founder of the Suffolk County Library Association's Multicultural/Multilingual Committee, as well as PML's Spanish Outreach Committee.  She worked with the local school district to bring ESOL and English-language citizenship classes to the library.  In October 2005, she established and continues to work as the facilitator for the library's weekly English Conversation Group. She is a member of REFORMA, New York Library Association, Suffolk County Library Association and a volunteer with Literacy Suffolk. 

Sarah Kaufman

Sarah Kaufman has worked in public libraries for over 8 years. After graduating with her BAE in Elementary Education from Arizona State, she taught full-time for one year before returning to school for her MLS from the University of Arizona. She is currently working for the Tempe Public Library as a Youth Services Librarian. Prior to receiving her MLS, she worked for the Phoenix Public Library for 5 years.

As a youth librarian, Ms. Kaufman is involved in a variety of projects including: youth and family programming, applying for and implementing grants, and serving on the Maricopa County Library Council-Continuing Education Committee. She likes to stay busy! Ms. Kaufman has presented several bilingual workshops in Spanish and English on the topic of building early literacy skills to parents at the Frank School Family Literacy Center in Guadalupe, AZ and also to Head Start Parents at the Escalante Community Center in Tempe, AZ. Last year she coordinated and presented El Dia de los Ninos @ Tempe Public Library, an afternoon event featuring entertainment, crafts, and refreshments for children and families. Ms. Kaufman is excited to be a trainer for the Spanish Language Outreach program.

Jamie Keller

Hi, my name is Jamie Keller. I am a circulation supervisor for Baltimore County Public Library in Baltimore, Maryland . I have been working with libraries for 5 years. I just completed a system wide workplan on services to new populations. At the conclusion of the project, we were to make recommendations for our system to implement. One of those included a Needs Assessment, adding sensitivity and awareness training for all staff, providing ESL library tours, putting common library phrases in Spanish on the computer for staff to interact with Spanish speakers along with many others. I am also on the Diversity Steering Committee and Programming Committee. I also initiated Spanish story times at my branch; so far I have done 6 of these in the past 2 years. I also completed a course on Spanish for Library Staff in December 2005.

I absolutely love Spanish culture and the people. I always say that I may not be Spanish by birth but in my heart, I am. A couple of my other passions are shopping, fashion, reading, writing (currently working on my own chic lit novel)and being with my friends and family! I am so excited about this project and can't wait to start reaching out to these great people.

Wendy Knapp

Wendy has been a librarian for 4 years. She worked at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library for 3 years after receiving her MLS from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). She also teaches a class for the School of Library and Information Science (Computer-Based Information Tools) at IUPUI, which has helped her get used to the idea of being a trainer. She majored in Psychology and French at the University of Indianapolis. Studying French, and traveling to France has helped give her insight on the cultural perspectives we talk about. Wendy says, "I think anyone who's ever spent any amount of time in another culture can really understand how much a simple smile from a stranger or a kind word in their language can mean."

Wendy is the E-rate State Coordinator for Public Libraries in Indiana, so she reads and approve a lot of Technology Plans. She is also very involved in LSTA for Indiana and helps out with the administration of the Technology and Digitization Grants. Currently, she is the coordinator for Indiana in the Collaborative Summer Library Project and does a lot of work with Indiana's public libraries, providing various trainings for directors and other staff.

Jerry Krois

Jerry Krois has worked for the Wyoming State Library for 28 years in several offices and has had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects affecting librarians and residents.  He wears several hats including Library Services and Technology Act state program coordinator, head of library development, and deputy state librarian.

As part of his service to libraries he serves on the advisory committee to the Carol McMurry Library Endowment which offers grants for Wyoming library projects and individual continuing education. He has been involved in the design and management of all the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants provided to the Wyoming State Library for Wyoming 's libraries.

In the community he is a volunteer for the Special Friends program and serves on the Board of Directors for a 17,000 member credit union.  He is a past president of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association.

He tries to take all this in stride as he enjoys hiking and photography as time allows.

Julie Kulikowski

Julie Kulikowski is a multi-lingual Children's Librarian at the DC Public Library. She has worked for the system for a year and a half. Prior to her position at DCPL she served as the Primary Librarian at The Washington International School. Julie started in Library Services to Children at the Corpus Christi Public Library System in Texas where she pursued her second Masters in Library Science. Julie spent the 11 previous years working, living, studying, and traveling overseas (mostly in Asia and Europe).   She holds an additional Masters in English Language Teaching and specialized in Teacher Training. She started her professional career as a French Teacher.  Julie is very happy to be a part of the SLO Training.   

Amanda Latreille

Amanda Latreille is the New York Program Manager and National Coordinator for EqualAccess Libraries (see http://ea.webjunction.org), and she works for both the New York State Library and Libraries for the Future, the program arm of the Americans for Libraries Council.  Previously, she was employed by the State Library’s Division of Library Development, where she was involved in a number of statewide initiatives and projects, such as the New Century Libraries initiative, the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL) and the Statewide Summer Reading Program.  A native of northern New York, Amanda received a Master of Science degree in Information Science from the State University of New York at Albany .  Prior to her career in librarianship, she worked as a registered professional nurse in the fields of family medicine, neonatology and obstetrics.  In her free time, Amanda loves to garden, sew, and spend time with her husband, Chris, and vizsla puppy, Marty.

Kathy Lechman

Hi, my name is Kathy and unlike many of my soon to be colleagues I do not work in a library. I work for Ohio State University Extension as the Leader, Diversity Development which is part of the Human Resources team. I coordinate the Civil Rights compliance process for Extension in addition to developing and leading diversity related training sessions. I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to do what I love. I am a multiracial person who has had some very negative experiences because I am different and that in part has led me down the path that I am on. Personal trivia: I used to play the violin and clarinet. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the group.

Tom Lianez

Mr. Lianez is a well known consultant and trainer for both business and nonprofit organizations throughout Ohio. Recently named as the Training Coordinator and Latino Liaison for Maryhaven, a rehabilitation and mental health hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Lianez has also been active in many Latino organizations throughout Ohio and the Columbus area. 

As a founding member, officer and board member of the Latino Empowerment and Outreach Network (LEON) Mr. Lianez has worked within the Latino community to establish educational and health programs as well as public education in the areas of homeownership, finance and legal and medical rights.

Mr. Lianez is also a past board member of the Greater Columbus Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations relating to youth sports.

Mr. Lianez has been a presenter at several statewide conferences in Ohio and has presented programs in Ohio libraries to initiate outreach programs for the Latino community, Spanish language classes and management and staff training in a variety of areas.

Vanessa Martin

Vanessa Martin received her BA in English Literature from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana in 2002.  She then began working at the Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield, Indiana .  She was a circulation assistant and then a Reference Librarian.

Vanessa received her MLS from Indiana University, Indianapolis in May 2005.  She began working as a Reference Librarian at the Indiana State Library in the Indiana Division in September 2005.  Vanessa’s specialty in the Indiana Division is newspapers, where she is currently the Assistant Newspaper Librarian.

In her free-time Vanessa enjoys reading, camping, and boating.  She resides in Greenfield, Indiana with her husband and two cats, Gracie and Lucy.

Francisca Murrietta

My name is Francisca V. Murrietta ( Frances ).  I ‘m presently working on finishing my BA degree and my goal is to get a Masters degree in Library Science.  I have been working for the Yuma County Library for 15 yrs.  In 2003, I became Somerton’s Branch Supervisor, where I supervise three staff members and coordinate a Teen Club. I have also taught basic computer classes for children and adults.

Next year, we will have our first Teen Summer Reading Program, of which I will be the coordinator.  Somerton’s population is 12,850, so we are going to increase our Library from 8,310 sq. ft. to 12,716 sq. ft. (hopefully) by 2010.

Elizabeth Olesh

Elizabeth Olesh is the Manager of Outreach Services at Nassau Library System.  She began her career at the Bryant Library in Roslyn at the tender age of fifteen, which imbued her with a scarily accurate knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System.  After receiving her BA from Columbia, where she studied Spanish and Italian in addition to her major in English Literature, Elizabeth became the Program Coordinator at the Port Washington (NY) Public Library.  She earned an MLS from Queens College and became a Young Adult / Reference librarian before moving on to NLS, where she helps 55 member public libraries reach out to the underserved, including people with disabilities, seniors, members of ethnic and language minorities, and more.  She especially enjoys working with inmates at the county correctional facility and the juvenile detention center. 
Elizabeth is the vice-president / president elect of the New York Library Association's Ethnic Services Roundtable and a member of ALA's Sophie Brody Award Committee for excellence in Jewish Literature.  She has also served as co-chair of Long Island Reads.

In addition to her work, Elizabeth enjoys facilitating book discussions, cooking, drinking coffee, writing poetry, practicing photography, and cheering for the Mets.  It is believed that she has the largest collection of shoes in the metropolitan area, though this has not been scientifically confirmed.  She also works on her blog and helps her dog Fred write his.

Caprisha Page

Caprisha Page is the library director for the East Central Arkansas Regional Library System headquartered in Wynne, Arkansas .  Previously, Caprisha served as the reference librarian and interim director for the library at Arkansas State University Mountain Home, where she worked for three years.  Hoping to help make a difference in the library field, Caprisha is a member of the American Library Association, Public Library Association, Arkansas Library Association, and Advocates for Arkansas Public Libraries. 

Caprisha had a somewhat backwards way of finding the library field.  She started college as a pre-med major, wandered through the arts, and ended up graduating with a degree in English education.  Before she ventured out into the teaching field, she pursued a master’s degree in English.  But due an unexpected change in plans, she wasn’t able to secure a teaching position.  Instead, she applied for a position as the public services coordinator in the library at ASUMH.  The administration was willing to take a chance on her with the proviso that she get her MLS.  Caprisha chose Florida State University because their online program would allow her to work and go to school.  As each day passed, Caprisha grew to love her new profession more than she could ever imagine.

But one degree and one baby later, Caprisha and her husband Daniel decided they needed to move closer to their families.  The only position open in the library field was as a public library director.  Having no public library experience, she was nervous about applying, but again, someone was willing to take a chance on her.  While public librarianship is vastly different from academic librarianship, Caprisha is enjoying her new job immensely.

While life doesn’t always work out the way you plan, those unexpected byways you travel along the way can certainly make the journey exciting, but this time, Caprisha said that it led her home to the public library, where she hopes to stay for a very long time.

Pat Pasqual

Hi, I'm Pat Pasqual, Coordinator for DC. I've been an outreach librarian most of my career. Recently, I was made interim manager of our new High-Tech Bookmobiles -- another creative way to do outreach.

AnaRita Puertas-Meyers

My name is AnaRita Puertas-Meyers and I'm an Information Technology Specialist with the Montgomery County Public Libraries. Although my Masters degree is in Information Systems and not Library Sciences, a lot of my training and working experience involved working with databases so I know a great deal about taxonomies, information architecture, social software, IM, and all the buzz words that are becoming an intrinsic part of the library landscape.

MCPL's administration believes in personal masteries. I am a "technology" person by trade but I wear many hats. As a member of the Spanish Publications Committee - along with 3 other staff members, we translate and proofread all the in-house Spanish publications (we developed a “Glossary of Library Terms”, that I will be happy to share.) As a member of the diversity, marketing and staff development committees my contributions to the library in the arena of outreach range from open houses for the Spanish speaker community to in-house Spanish training for staff. All of these on top of my "normal" duties as an intranet webmaster, database developer, staff technology training and online catalog administrator.

I’m looking forward to work with our community leaders since this is one of the tasks identified and defined by our Marketing Committee for fiscal year 2007- building partnership with local government and communities organizations.

José E. Rodríguez

I was born in Patillas, Puerto Rico but raised in Brentwood, Long Island since the age of five.  My BA degree in Anthropology/Sociology and MLS degree were obtained from SUNY Geneseo.  I was hired by the Rochester Public Library in 1977 to work at the Manuel Alonso Library (Spanish language sub-branch) which was closed in 1981 due to a budget crisis.  My next assignment, which lasted until 2003, was with the Extension Department.  This department served shut-in patrons (homebound), daycare centers and senior citizen complexes.  The daycare centers and senior citizen complexes were served via the library’s bookmobile.  2003 saw the drastic downsizing of the Extension Department and the elimination of bookmobile service due to budgetary constraints.  Since I was the Rochester Public Library’s only Hispanic heritage Spanish speaking public service librarian, I was transferred to the Lincoln Branch whose service area covers the largest concentration of Spanish speakers in the city.  My current duties range from material selection to assisting patrons with Internet use and resume writing.  Due to a 6 month teaching experience in 1975 at the Attica Correctional Facility, I also enjoy helping patrons use the online correctional department websites to look up persons who are incarcerated.

Some of my outside interests include kite making and flying, tinkering with old sewing machines and learning how to make the West African kora (a string instrument).

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich

Hello! My name is Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. I work for the Mid-Hudson Library System [http://midhudson.org] along with Merribeth Advocate who posted earlier. I am the Coordinator of Member Information and work with our 66 member libraries to help them remain (or become) viable, vital and visible in their communities. A lot of my work is with the member library trustees – we have over 600 of them! Merribeth, myself and our executive director (Josh Cohen) conduct trustee education year-round and find we often surprise trustees when we show them the demographics for their community!

Trivia: My husband and I are on a quest to visit all seven continents in our lifetime. We visited China this summer!

Kelli Shimabukuro

Kelli Shimabukuro is the Community Education and Partnership Coordinator for Howard County Library in Columbia, MD. Her role is to expand the Library's role in the community, and seek out potential partners to assist with new and ongoing projects.  Kelli has been involved in various projects that reach the ESOL community including the creation of library services brochures in multiple languages and creating the Newcomers Program, a program designed to help middle and high school  ESOL students new to the country. The program takes place in the schools and helps students improve their reading and language skills. Kelli is also chief liaison for Howard County Library’s A+ Partners in Education, a partnership between Howard County Library and Howard County Public School System created to expand the educational opportunities and enhance the academic achievement of each student.

 Although Kelli’s very first job was as a library page, she never thought she would end up as a librarian. After studying  graphic design and fashion merchandising in college, she began a career in retail. Kelli’s work ranged from being a manager at a department store to being a trainer  for a jewelry company. But after marriage, children, relocation and graduate school, she found her way back to libraries. Kelli  has been Branch Manager at the East Columbia Branch since 2000. She began her career at Howard County Library in 1994 as a Circulation Technician. From 1996 to 1998, she worked at The Washington Post, and then returned to the Library as Assistant Branch Manager.

Elena Tscherny

I am a librarian and like to read anything that falls into my hands.  I have traveled extensively and enjoy visiting libraries in the countries I have toured, from Djibouti to Guatemala and from Iceland to Singapore . I also enjoy working with my hands and at this time I am my own contractor for the construction of my house, working with wonderful jornaleros (day workers) who I have had the honor to hire. I am interested in the OCLC WebJunction Spanish Language Program to find ways to make information that can alleviate the many problems day laborers face in the Washington metropolitan area.

Francisco Vargas

Luis Francisco Vargas aka “el barrio librarian” or Francisco was born in Bogota, Colombia.  Francisco has a Bachelor’s in Bilingual Education from Arizona State University, and a MLS from University of Arizona where he was a Knowledge River Scholar in 2004.  Francisco enjoys lucha libre masks, and decorating sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos, and is currently working as a teen librarian in Phoenix, Arizona .  He drives a 1964 Mercury Monterey and loves to spend time with his 7 month old boy Benicio Alejandro.

Rachel Rubin is Assistant Manager of the Humanities, Fine Arts, and Recreation department at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. She began learning Spanish in the 5th grade, and her interest in Hispanic issues was cemented after living in Costa Rica during high school. She has since acquired a degree in English and Latin American Studies, as well as her MLIS. Her professional interests include technology, outreach, using library resources to help bridge the digital divide, and intercultural awareness and understanding. Among her personal interests are attempting to read books in languages she barely knows, and her cat, although she hates to fall into that stereotype.

Leslie S. W. Riley

Leslie S. W. Riley is the Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator for the Ramapo Catskill Library System on the west side of the lower Hudson River just outside New York City.  The system coordinates interlibrary loan services and provides a number of support services for 47 member public libraries and 9 correctional facilities. 

The Hispanic speaking population has grown over the past decade and impacts a number of libraries and how they do business.  More than 50% of the individual service populations range primarily from 5% up to 21%.  Leslie's primary mission has been to provide skills training on diversity, multicultural customer services, marketing, and planning by qualified trainers.  

In addition, Leslie provides consulting and training in customer service, management, adult services, advocacy and trustee training, "New Planning for Results,"  "Managing for Results" and "Peer Coaching" facilitation.  She enjoys the daily challenges of assisting library staff, directors and trustees.  Additionally she currently supervises the RCLS Radio Reading Service.  

Previously Leslie was a public library director for 18 years and a children's librarian for 4 years. She participates on committees for continuing education at the South Eastern Library Resources Council and the New York Library Association, and is a member of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association

Bessie Sopeland

Bessie Sopeland was born in Lake Arrowhead, California (1977).  Raised in California's San Joaquin Valley , she's always been surrounded by a very present Hispanic community.  Her Spanish education includes three years of high school level classes and one year of college level instruction.  As a college student, Bessie was employed by Union Bank of California as a teller.  Her basic skills in Spanish language were invaluable to her in this position.

Bessie has a degree in Theology/Biblical Studies.  This degree took her to many countries, leading teams of young adults to very diverse locations in search of need for human aid.  Many of these students have since established residency in various countries, in efforts to better the physical, educational and spiritual lives of the people with whom they now live.

As Events Coordinator for a church congregation of 5,000+ members, Bessie directed several teams of young adults in community outreach, drama and event execution for four years.  This position would come to be ranked as extremely rewarding in her list of life accomplishments.  She has come to recognize that youth can be zealous and fervent about any given task if the vision they are given is clear and attainable.

Now serving her community at the Payson Public Library, Bessie hopes to encourage awareness of cultural diversity and to better equip the town's citizens with tools to reach out to each other.

Personal Motto:  Loving God, Loving People

Hobbies Include:  International Travel, Digital Photography, Hiking with her husband, Altered Book Art (try not to cringe here; I do take apart old books and put them back together the way I want to!), dancing & singing, collecting European ephemera

Children:  One very tiny 3 yr old Pomeranian, whose name is Reuben Tuesday, and four beautiful finches

Family:  My younger sister, Melodie, lives in a tree house in Belize , where she has been a teacher for the Mayan Indians of that area, and now serving the Minister of the Interior as an advocate for educating the youth about Health, Sexual Abstinence and need for education. (if you couldn't tell, I am quite proud of her!)

Funny bit:  I recently transitioned from very blonde to very black hair with hopes of being taken more seriously (it's not easy looking 16 at 29, especially in a retirement community)!

Nanci Clary

• Richmond Public Library – Manager of Broad Rock Branch
• Active participation in The Richmond Coalition (focuses on issues of diversity)
  • Developing partnerships and trust within the Hispanic/Latino communities
• Young Adult Services
• Current project – Teen Education of Richmond Public Library’s Databases
• Oversees Grant funded Homework Help program for Broad Rock Branch
• Member of RPL Technology Committee

I am by choice a resident in Virginia (for 8 years now) having made a brief stopover in Kalamazoo, MI from the wonderful city up north – Chicago . Living in the village of Oak Park I contributed a lot of time and energy to the district school system; collaborating on a district wide plan and implementation of technology, its tools and accessibility.

I left a fast and challenging ten-year career in the investment banking business; that of managing daily equity syndication for a large brokerage firm in Chicago . Anxious to embark on a new career I had the opportunity to choose my next career path and make it FUN. My choice was what was then Rosary College, now Dominican University, (in River Forest, IL ) to complete my MLIS and while I was at it I also received my CSS in Administration.

An internship at Northwestern University ’s Schafner Library gave me great experience in the earlier years of electronic databases and searching as well as a taste of the academic library setting.

Before investment banking and libraries I enjoyed ten years in the retail trade, on the buy side and management, for one of the Federated Department Stores in Columbus OH; my native state.

My hobbies are numerous, my expertise none. I enjoy traveling, dabbling in various crafts, all things food, antiquing, hiking, and acting on curiosities and spontaneous moments!

Janet Park

A native of New Jersey, I received my MLS from the University of Arizona in Tucson.  With a love for travel, my marriage and career opportunities have taken me to Manhattan, Kansas, Chicago, Illinois, and Cleburne, Texas (south of Fort Worth) and finally landed me in beautiful upstate New York in the Finger Lakes region.  For the past 18 years I have donned a multitude of hats working for the Onondaga County Public Library in Syracuse, New York.  Though many years were devoted to children's work, I am currently the Head of Popular Collections and Special Projects at our downtown Central Library.  My duties include serving as the Project Director for a 2-year NY State LSTA grant, "Talking Your Language: Outreach to the Latino Community."  Year 1 of the project focused on Spanish language training for staff, translating library PR materials into Spanish and developing Spanish language collections at all of our branch libraries.  Now in Year 2 we are busy with outreach activities in the community, a direct marketing effort to the Latino community and an upgrade of the library's website in Spanish.  The upcoming training institute should provide invaluable support to our grant project.

Joanne Lugo

Hi my name is Joanne Lugo and I am the Outreach Services librarian at the Newburgh Free Library in the lower Hudson Valley of New York. I was the first Hispanic librarian hired in our library's 100+ history. In that time we have reached out to the Hispanic community by providing computer classes in Spanish, bilingual children's story hours, various cultural programs that spotlight the various Hispanic cultures that we have in Newburgh and our library has become to various degrees a community agency where the Hispanic community can come for information.

My personal trivia is that when I was 10 years old I shook Robert Kennedy's hand and had my picture in the local paper as he came thru my hometown during his campaign for Senator.

Dianne Ludwig

I am the Outreach Librarian for Nioga Library System (and partnering with Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System).  Nioga serves three counties in western New York: Genesee, Niagara, and Orleans. We serve 21 public libraries, two state correctional facilities, and three county jails.

I have recently become interested in the design and craft of hamster furniture. I expect this to last about as long as the hamster does.