Meet Elkid Alvarez, the first Community Engagement Specialist at the Kenosha Public Library, WI. In her role, she leads a library service, Lobby Stops, that makes literacy and information more accessible for seniors. Listen to Elkid share more about the service along with her love of listening to others’ stories and helping them find information that allows them to better connect with their loved ones.

Meet Julia Wright, Youth Services and Outreach Librarian for the Alameda County Library in California. Julia fuses her passions together to bring a virtual drawing program, Doodle It, to families in her community. Julia reminds us that we are all artists in our own ways, and we don’t need to be perfect to spread creativity in our communities!

Meet Neeyati Shah, Community Engagement Librarian with the Madison Public Library in Wisconsin. Neeyati fosters community relationships and understanding of indigenous peoples and culture through the "Teejop and Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations of the Great Lakes" program. She shares how to make library programming fuse with the community in a respectful and inclusive way.

Meet Na’imah Ali, Acquisitions Lead at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library in Menasha, Wisconsin. Na'imah is also a writer, illustrator, and lover of all things creative. She published her first children’s picture book titled, “The Purple Around Us” in 2020 and shares how affordable and simple self-publishing can be.

Meet Shiela Keaise, the first African American children's librarian at the Colleton County Memorial Library in South Carolina. Shiela, also known as Ms. Literacy, has built an impressive 27-year career in libraries, embracing the changes that come with the times, including YouTube. Now she considers herself a professional YouTuber! Shiela discusses the process of producing videos on YouTube to bring storytime and literacy to a broader audience.

Meet Victor Flores, Outreach Specialist with Elisha D. Smith Public Library in Menasha, Wisconsin. Victor uses his bilingualism to inform families about literacy, media, and libraries as an institution. He reminds us of the importance of having proximate leaders to create solutions that bring real change and move communities toward antiracism.

Meet Emely Villanueva, Teen Services and Engagement Librarian with the Appleton Public Library in Wisconsin. Applying her professional background in higher education, she launched the College and Career Pathway Series in early 2020. The series collaborates with colleges and professionals to provide assistance and resources that educate teens and families on college processes and career options.

Meet Yer Vang, Hmong American Library Assistant for the Fresno County Public Library System in California. Yer discusses a service she developed for Hmong families, Family Literacy Storytelling Project, that reflects Hmong values and strives to improve literacy through storytelling. Families engage in activities and receive free books to build their own library collections at home.

Meet Norma Oliveras, born and raised in Puerto Rico and the Hispanic Family Outreach Specialist with the Appleton Public Library in Wisconsin. Norma relates to the barriers and struggles of immigrants and refugees resettling in a new community. She discusses her role along with outreach strategies, programming ideas, political challenges, and more!