2025 ARSL Candidate Statements

Vice President/President Elect - Secretary

Regional Board Representative, Northeast - Regional Board Representative, South - Regional Board Representative, West

Vice President/President Elect

April Hernandez

Director, Latah County Library District, Moscow, ID

Contact via email at april [dot] oharah [at] gmail [dot] com

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
ARSL's focus on and support of small and rural libraries to elevate their impacts is what draws me to the Association. Growing up in a rural area and spending many hours in my local library, as well as working in small and rural libraries, has shown me how important those libraries are to their communities. In many, the library is the ONLY place for children and families to access social services or to participate in no-cost children and family-oriented programs. While all libraries are important, small and rural libraries are truly the heart of their communities, and many struggle to survive because of small budgets.Advocacy is also very important in today's climate of book challenges and legislator's determination to pass laws with unexpected consequences. For example, the recently passed Idaho law that is impossible for some very small libraries to follow, leaving them with no other option but to become adults-only facilities. Providing the tools and training for these libraries to advocate for themselves and their fellow libraries is exceedingly important, as is keeping access to them open.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
Yes. I am presenting at the ARSL conference in September. I also have been a member for the last couple of years and enjoy the emails that are sent out to membership.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Directing small and rural libraries in Kansas and now moving to Idaho to direct a county-wide district that includes very small and rural libraries assures that I have faced many of the unique issues these libraries encounter. As a consultant in Southeast Kansas I have worked with all of our small and rural libraries to help increase budgets, train staff and boards, and advocate for our libraries at the state legislature. I have worked with budgetary, staffing needs, low wages, city/library relations, cultural shifts, community engagement, outreach services, and partnership issues.One of my libraries was located in a suburb of a large metropolitan area. Working with larger libraries in the area in consortium helped me realize the huge difference between urban and rural issues in libraries and how important ease of access to services and programs is to community members.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
As an organizational leader, I feel that cultural humility is important. Equitable access issues are extremely important when it comes to internet service in rural areas, but equitable access to all library services and programs is imperative. Evening the playing field by understanding and empathizing with communities, whether they are organizational, collegial, or individual, has to be a priority.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have been a member of the ALA Council for a year, which contributes to my knowledge of associational work.I have served on many boards, including community and organizational.I have had leadership positions in organizations and libraries.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am currently pursuing my PhD and teach in an MLIS program.I have a large family I enjoy spending time with, and I love hiking in the mountains.

Sherry Scheline

Director, Donnelly Public Library, Donnelly, ID

Contact via email at director [at] donnellylibrary [dot] org 

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
I firmly believe that libraries are the great equalizers. They are the one resource in a community that provides equal and essential resources to all. Public libraries are unique institutions, providing opportunities for lifelong learning and open discourse. Banning, removing, or censoring materials, speakers, or displays without due process violates people's constitutional rights. I have spent the last few years helping people understand that this wave of library legislation disproportionately impacts small and rural libraries. The time is now for rural libraries across the United States to come together and fight censorship.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
I first attended ARSL in Burlington. I found "my people" in Vermont. Libraries that have small budgets constantly feel as though they have to beg, borrow and steal to stay afloat. Libraries often are a one-man show and "solo-library" was really a title. Libraries were pioneers in offering a "library of things," telehealth, STEM programming, and so much more. My connection with ARSL members has been unbelievable. I have served on the Marketing Committee and most recently on the Conference Committee. I was ARSL Innovator of the Year in 2023. I love ARSL and what it represents for librarians. I believe the small and rural voice is essential.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Typically at my Library, I consider myself WonderWoman. Attending ARSL, I always feel more like a Robin though. I'm still on the team of heroes, but maybe not the most important. Recently, I have been recognizing the need to have my small, rural voice become a little louder. All heroes are important, but right now I feel the lasso of truth is needed to help amplify the voice of small libraries across America. Today, I recorded a podcast for NPR called Code Switch and was so happy when they brought up ARSL. I love that ARSL's voice is growing and small and rural libraries are being invited to the table. We are part of the conversations.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I hate that this is a question we have to ask. As the parent of a black child, I understand the continued need to continue this as part of our dialogue. Representation is important. We need to continue to fight for representation of marginalized groups in all that we do. I also feel having a woman in leadership of ARSL is important. Librarianship is an industry primarily dominated by women, yet the leaders continue to be men. I feel female leadership for ARSL is important. As a leader, I will encourage inclusion, diversity, equity, an accessibility (IDEA) from the leadership to the committees. Our practices always need to be inclusive, diverse, equitable, an accessible. (IDEA)

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I'm pretty rad. Oh, and I love to travel and I make of point of visiting libraries wherever I am. I would be the President that shows up at your library and listens to your concerns. As Vice President I would be the one to start the conversations about what small and rural libraries need. I would like to effect change for small libraries. I believe librarians are an essential part of our lives. As librarians we have a really difficult job and that is protecting the freedom to read. Right now rural communities are being torn apart by politics and libraries are in the crossfire. We as librarians need to continue to fight for our freedoms and defend the freedom to read, I am a great cheerleader. I will be a leader that stands behind you in your fights for intellectual freedom. I will be the leader that supports you and promotes you and your library. I will lead by always having your back. I believe in solidarity and collective power. I believe in lifting each other up and praising each other as librarians. My library is small 1024 sq. feet. I have learned to do a lot with a little. I can share that inspiration with libraries around the United States.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am a travel enthusiast, and I love sharing my passion for travel. I have three wonderful children. I love children and love to read. I asked the kids at the library to write this section: John says you're nice. Alice says you have some kids and some animals and treat them very well. You love social media. Clyde says you live on a ranch and are next to my ranch. Christine: You are a librarian and always smile. Gigi: You love animals. You have a peacock, turkeys and lots of chickens. Aiyanna: You are very loving and the best mom ever. Marshall: You like to read books and you are really smart.

Secretary

Amanda Doherty

Library Director, Mt. Pulaski Public Library District, Mt. Pulaski, IL

Contact via email at mtpulaskipubliclibrary [at] gmail [dot] com

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
As a director in a very small, rural library, ARSL has served a huge role in my development as a leader. ARSL advocates for libraries all across the country in a multitude of ways. Advocacy for small and rural libraries is extremely important because we are typically the ones at the front lines when dealing with intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. ARSL has done a wonderful job in this area and continues to help educate library leaders in this continued fight. I also love that ARSL is accessible to everyone. The leadership within ARSL wants everyone to have a place at the table and to know that they are a valuable asset to librarianship.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
My first experiences with ARSL was my acceptance into the first Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is where my love of ARSL began. While I was involved in the Institute I decided I wanted to give back to the organization, so I got involved in the Membership Committee. Upon graduating from the Leadership Institute, I threw my name out to become Secretary for the ARSL Board. I was elected to the board and I have absolutely loved every minute of my involvement within ARSL. I will also be presenting at my third ARSL Conference in September. I encourage everyone to get involved with ARSL in some way.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
As the director of our small and rural library, I have learned how to collaborate with many groups and individuals in our community. Collaboration is imperative as a leader within ARSL because the board is made up of librarians from all across the country with various thoughts, passions, and backgrounds. Through my experience in our library, I have also learned how to multi-task, there are so few of us who work in the library, that I have had to learn to wear a variety of hats in any given day. This has allowed me to become a better leader because I can fit in with many different kinds of librarians.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
There are few things dearer to my heart than inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Making sure absolutely everyone feels welcome and an important part of ARSL is a huge goal of mine. I never want someone to get involved in the organization or attend the conference and be made to feel like they do not belong. It makes my heart happy to attend the conference and see people from every walk of life. As someone who wears hearing aids and has chronic pain, I know first hand how it can feel to look "normal," but not be. As always, I think we can all do better in this area and I look forward to continuing advocacy in this area.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I absolutely love to write, so being the secretary for the past two years has been amazing. I enjoy listening to everyone's thoughts and feelings and putting it down on paper for others. I am thorough and always want to do the best job I can. I take my role as Secretary seriously and would love to be able to continue down that path.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I have been married to my college sweetheart for the past 20 years. We live in rural Illinois with our two high schoolers, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. My degree is in Political Science and Classics. I have been involved in a variety of community organizations, but most recently I took on coaching our high school Scholastic Bowl team. I LOVE lifting heavy weights and enjoy being in the gym. For 4 years, I was a St. Jude Runner. I have been dealing with chronic pain since 2018, but I don't let it hold me back from too much. I absolutely love New York Jets Football and I am trying to get to Met Life Stadium to see them play on their home field.

Meredith Fletcher

Customer Service Manager, Pickerington Public Library, Pickerington, OH

Contact via email at mfletcher [at] pickeringtonlibrary [dot] org

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
ARSL's mission, vision and organizational values seek to foster a wholistic and personal approach to library service. I am pursuing the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors in order to further my library service and the goals of this organization in connecting diverse communities, library, and staff.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
I first spoke at the 2017 ARSL conference in St. George, Utah on Connecting Schools and Local Libraries. Later, when I worked in a small library, I pursued the Outstanding in Their Field Leadership Institute and spent 18 months making life-long friendships and growing exponentially as a leader. After the Institute I continued working with the Partnership Committee and recently helped staff the booth at the PLA Convention in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. I was also accepted to speak at the 2024 ARSL Conference on issuing "U.S. Passports at Your Library" with a speaker from the U.S. Department of State.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I moved from medium to small libraries to better understand the larger library landscape and better serve others. I have since enjoyed 6 years serving small and rural libraries at home and across the country. ARSL has expanded my understanding of serving disparate and diverse communities and in doing so, further ignited my passion for impactful service and connecting every library, no matter how small.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I actively seek to improve the experience and accessibility of the library for both patrons and staff, this was the reason I was initially drawn to library service. Serving my community and working with others to create impactful service and support each other has been both healing and has served as an opportunity for growth time and again. As an organizational leader, I hope to increase opportunities and support for library staff and the communities they serve.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have extensive experience speaking to school students, teachers, parents and administration highlighting library services and increasing visibility of services. I fostered partnerships to underserved communities in a wealthy district and won the GEM award for my summer neighborhood outreach program where I worked with local educators to support educational initiatives. I speak regularly at State library conferences in support of support staff, food literacy, and outreach efforts. I also serve as Past Coordinator for the Customer Services & Support Staff division of the Ohio Library Council. I have coordinated author visits and worked across all levels of each organization and community I have served.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
Outside of work I enjoy kayaking, hiking, listening to lots of music and sharing good food with good friends.

Regional Representative, Northeast

Amy Stone

Library Director, Bridgton Public Library, Bridgton, ME

Contact via email at bridgtonlibrary [at] gmail [dot] com

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
As someone who has been serving small and rural communities for many years, in different places, one of the many things I value about ARSL's mission and vision is the recognition that each community is unique, each library director has their own experience, and that by connecting these, ARSL is building a strong and resilient sector.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
I am an active and motivated member of the ARSL Advocacy Committee for the past two years. I am also currently serving as the board-appointed Interim Northeast Regional Representative.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
In my current position as Library Director of the Bridgton Public Library here in Maine I have been encouraged to work as an advocate for the small and rural public libraries here by my board. I have served on the Maine Library Association Legislative Committee for 4 years, and am entering my second full year of being the chair of that committee. I truly understand the important role that small and rural libraries play in the everyday lives of residents and communities, and the many many challenges we face. I have volunteered, been a board member, or been employed by a library for over 40 years. I have lived in rural places and in cities. I have held several professional positions in different settings since earning my degree in 1999, and the place that I treasure is the place I have as a public library director in a small and connected community.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
Getting back to the core mission, vision, and values for ARSL, accessibility is really at the center of IDEA and of the role that ARSL should play. As a board member, I would want to make sure we are reaching out to people with barriers in ways that are respectful and meaningful. We need to be willing to listen to what our members need, what they will find most helpful, and we need to be willing to think about change. This is about members talking to each other and board members actively listening. Leading is mostly about listening, thinking about things that should evolve in an organization, and then making decisions to move change forward.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I think knowing who you are is pretty important. I know that I am a good listener because I care about people. I know that I think about things, sometimes for what may seem like a long time, but that is because I am usually putting several things together into something that works for more people. But I guess those are more qualities...I led a part-time staff to be fully empowered professionals because I understand that being a professional is not about a degree, but about how you view your work and your workplace. I helped build a local library consortium because I understand that working together for a common thing makes you all stronger and more resilient. Building a stronger profession and a stronger sector is something I would like to carry forward to ARSL.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I grew up in Maine, and then went away to college. I have lived in Massachusetts, Arizona, and California, and each place was beautiful and different. My family and I live in Maine to be near my parents and a pretty extensive family, which keeps me grounded and busy.

Regional Representative, South

Elizabeth Anderson

Director, Burnsville Public Library, Burnsville, WV

Contact via email at beth.anderson [at] clark [dot] lib [dot] wv [dot]us

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
Out of all the professional organizations I have worked with and been members of, ARSL gives the most to my small and rural library. I get so much out of ARSL that is applicable at my library.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
I have been the co-chair of the Advocacy Committee since 2021. I also helped man the ARSL booth at PLA 2024 in Columbus.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
In my 9 years in a small and rural library, I have a wealth of knowledge of what small and rural libraries face. We are a very small library, but I have been able to do some pretty amazing things and I am willing to share that knowledge with others.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
As a soloish librarian, I am responsible for collection development and all programming aspects. I am dedicated to making sure that we offer materials and programs for everyone.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I am an accomplished grant writer, have a track record of innovative programs, and can present or talk to a group of people. I am involved in our state library association (including serving as Exhibitor Coordinator for our conferences).

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am married to Darren and am the mother of 3 boys (Doug is 25, Aaron is 16 and Josh is 14), a daughter-in-law (Angela), and the grammy to 2 boys (Skyler is 13 and Landry is 12). My boys are very involved with sports: soccer, basketball, and track to name a few. I have coached baseball, teeball, soccer, and bowling. We love to camp or just be outdoors. I enjoy volunteering for organizations that help youth in our community.

Janine Miller

Coordinator of Training & Development, Arkansas State Library, Little Rock, AR

Contact via email at jdjmiller311[at] gmail [dot] com

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
What is appealing to me about ARSL’s mission, vision, and organizational values that make me want to run for the board position of South Regional Board Representative is that ARSL is an organization designed to be of service to those who serve in small and rural libraries. I feel that ARSL provides support to library staff at all levels. I feel that ARSL is an organization where there is something for everyone. As the organization has continued to grow, the opportunities for those who work in small and rural areas continue to grow. I deeply appreciate the partnerships that have grown through the years, as those partnerships further support the mission and vision.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
Prior to running for the board position of South Regional Board Representative, I have been involved and engaged with ARSL as a volunteer conference photographer, on the conference committee as both a Programs Co-Coordinator and Co-Chair. I have also been involved and engaged with ARSL as a Co-Facilitator for the Library Workers of Color Affinity Networking Group, and a peer grant reviewer for the Libraries Transforming Communities grant offered for small and rural library applicants. I am also currently a part of the Advisory Team for the next cohort of ARSL’s Leadership Institute.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Growing up in a small and rural community, I learned firsthand as a child the barriers rural and small libraries face. I grew up frequently volunteering in both my public library and school library. I remember volunteering one day at a library branch in a neighboring community that was only opened at the time once a month in that community. The branch was in an old one room schoolhouse, which later burned. Although I enjoyed being there that day, what stuck with me was that the branch didn’t have indoor plumbing and that children in that community had limited access to resources in their own community. That experience as a child resonated with me, inspired me to be a librarian, has helped keep me grounded throughout my work in libraries. I have always strived to be a champion of equitable resources for libraries and encouraging those in the field to remember that great things can come from small places. I believe that this will help me serve as a leader in ARSL, because I am, have, and always will be a champion for rural and small libraries. The impact that they have in the community can’t be beat.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
If elected to the board position of South Regional Board Representative, I will continue to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the profession as an organizational leader by continuing to support those in the affinity group that I co-facilitate to be involved deeper in ARSL. I will encourage the pursuit of professional development opportunities, networking, being involved in a variety of affinity groups, and more. I attempt to encourage those involved in ARSL to continue the good work that they do, be involved in a variety of ways with ARSL.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
Additional beneficial skills and experience that I have is a Public Library Administrator endorsement. I also have skills in presentations, analyzing budgets, creating infographics for stakeholders using data, non-profit compliance, and working with Friends of the Library groups.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
Outside of work, I like to spend quality time with my family, travel, pursue learning opportunities, visit museums, volunteer in my community, I love a good food truck, and of course.....read.

LaShunda Williams

Branch Manager, East Gadsden Branch Library, Gadsden, AL

Contact via email at lashunda [at] gadsdenlibrary [dot] org

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
ARSL accepts everyone, I respect that ARSL treats each segment of the community with dignity and grace. It does not matter the sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation or cultural affiliation, ARSL is diverse and strives for that in each and everything that is offered. You all are aware of the social injustices in the US and Ukraine and support those who are being unjustly persecuted. Being inclusive and an ally to all, sold me. I have never felt more included than I have, until ARSL. I feel safe and valued.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
I was selected as a cohort for the Outstanding in Their Field Leadership Institute in 2021 and that was an amazing learning experience. As cohorts, we had discussions by Discord and email. I joined the ARSL Library Workers of Color Networking Group and I, also follow ARSL on Facebook and I am constantly checking out the ARSL website for library information.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I started out solo and it was somewhat challenging, being on your own and having to do everything by yourself. But, in that space, I learned that I was now in charge of my own branch and I could make things happen, that I thought would benefit the community. Some days where challenging, because my previous branch was located in a community center, when the guys would come in the library to "cool off" after playing basketball and curse the entire time and not check out anything, I started talking to them and learned about their families and they soon started bringing their children with them to the gym. The children would come in the library and read and want to use the computer, that is when I started doing children's programming. When the kids(now adults)see me and bring their own children to the library, I am known as the "nice library lady", who has helped them in ways that I did not even know about.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I have seen the best and the worst in IDEA as an employee of the library and of our city. I see where there can be markedly different ways to improve upon these goals, but when it comes to inclusion, I am one of four employees that are of color in our library of 25 or more employees and we come to discuss some inequities, it falls upon deaf ears which is disheartening and tiresome. I have to BELIEVE that I can bring something great to our community, not just those of color, but the homeless, children, teens, young adults, seniors, those with sensory issues and those lost in the cracks who NEED our knowledge and expertise. I must find a way to help those, who need me regardless, if I cannot receive the help needed from the higher ups.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I am a hard worker and I try to see both sides of the coin. I come from a retail background with customer service experience and managerial experience, which was one of the reasons I was hired and the other was that I loved the library. You have to want to service your customers, the best way you can, with empathy and great customer service. I think I have those qualities and I am endeavoring to improve on those daily. The older I get, I see programming in a different light, what can benefit our library patrons, what can I do to excite the youth and what will effectively grow our patronage? The key is to listen to our patrons and look at the community and see how can we service, teach, and entertain, while bringing about PURPOSE. My "purpose" is to boost, encourage, and highlight the benefits of having a library, where you can read any genre of book you like, make a painting, learn how to use a computer, meet and make friends, watch a documentary or movie, engage in critical thinking and keep minds sharp while joining a book club, register people for health insurance and participate in STEAM activities, just to name a few awesome things we offer.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am working on a bucket list of sorts, I have started riding a bicycle to calm my mind and get needed exercise, I take an online drawing class once a week with illustrators, artists and students and I cannot draw that well, but it is fun. I am reading a biography once a month and try to journal at least twice a week. I, also take an online exercise class three times a week. I am a Mary Kay consultant and I am a caregiver to my mother who is battling dementia, it is disheartening, but I am blessed she is still here. I have a 32 year old daughter, Shundrell and an 11 year old Swiftie, named Karsyn those two are my blessings.

Lisa Thompson

Assistant Branch Manger, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library System, Floyd, VA

Contact via email at lthompson [at] mfrl [dot] org

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
Strong, unique, equitable, creativity, unhindered. These are just a few of the words that jump out of my monitor to me as I read the ARSL mission, vision, and values. The current times need an all hands-on deck mindset to set these words and values in motion. I see rural and small libraries on the front lines of the attacks on libraries and intellectual freedoms. We are small but mighty and when we learn from each other we continue to become stronger. ARSL has been a key part of my becoming stronger in my job and my community. I would like to be part of the board to bring my unique experiences working with patrons, boards, and marginalized communities to help ensure that members of ARSL know that they too can do the work that needs to be done. It truly does take a village. I feel that ARSL is that village.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
In 2021 I was chosen to be part of the first cohort for the Outstanding in Their Field Leadership Institute. To say that this experience was lifechanging is an understatement. As someone who has always been passionate about libraries and the written word, but who lacked the standard education of an MLIS, this program boosted my confidence considerably. Since graduating from the program, I have gone on to attend the last three conferences and presented the last two years. This year I was asked to take part in two committees, leading one of them, and to also be part of the Southern Regional Focus Group.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Working in rural and small libraries has allowed me to see first hand what my community needs. My position has allowed me access to be part of our Recovery Court, fight food insecurity, and join our local Social Services board. I take all my experiences with different populations, bring them with me to work, and then put the puzzle pieces together to see how the library can best serve everyone. Through my everyday interactions I continue to learn new ideas and concepts about how we can serve our patrons both in and outside of the library. I want to take part as a leader with ARSL so that someone who is new to the field, or an accidental librarian like myself knows that they can and will make a difference.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
The goals that ARSL has set up concerning IDEA as an organization parallel the values I have set for myself, both personally and professionally. I continue to read information, speak to people in different organizations, and create new partnerships as a way to further IDEA in my community. I want to be out in front of people, speaking clearly, respectfully, and intentionally about IDEA and the fact that everyone counts. Everyone has a seat at the table within ARSL and it’s incredibly important to me that people from every walk of life feel welcome.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I’m a people person and I love what I do. I am driven by a passion for kindness and understanding but also with a sense of strength and resiliency. I have lived through breast cancer and grew stronger by my community’s care for me. I started playing roller derby at 39 when I didn’t know what offense or defense was. New experiences do not scare me. Being on this board would give me the chance to bring a bit of that strength to our members and hold all of us during these odd times we live in.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
People often ask me how I do all the things I do. I sit on three boards and teach stained glass at a local art center twice a month. My answer is that I only do things that I love. Also, the things I do allow me to continue to meet new folks in my community and figure out how the library can support them. I know, all work and no play…I guess my answer would be that when you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work. I also have a historic home in the heart of my small town, two adult daughters, a husband, and two small dogs. Life is beautiful!

Regional Representative, West

Jeanne Williams

Public and Tribal Library Consultant, Washington State Library, Tumwater, WA

Contact via email at jeanne.williams [at] sos [dot] wa [dot] gov

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
I am interested in this position because I seek to give back to the ARSL community and serve the membership. ARSL has been a major source of support and development for me for over a decade in my public librarianship journey. I strongly believe that the best way we can support small and rural libraries is through professional development opportunities and providing a space for networking and building meaningful connections. I would like to lend my servant leadership style to the ARSL Board to support the overall mission, vision and values.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
For over a decade I have been attending ARSL conferences and staying abreast of library issues and trends through ARSL correspondence and the website. I have relied on ARSL's statements on ethics, intellectual freedom, and other advocacy priorities to help strengthen the public libraries I have directed. I have also encouraged librarians and library staff to join ARSL, attend conferences and explore the ways that ARSL can support libraries. Up to this point in my career, my positions have not had the administrative support to allow me to serve. My new role in the state library affords me this opportunity.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I have worked in small and rural libraries for over 20 years. I started my career at Lamar County Library System in south Mississippi, a library system with branches in very small, rural communities. I then moved to Skagit County in Washington to build a rural partial county library district from the ground up, which culminated in a new facility. My experience in rural and small libraries is extremely varied, including front-line reference and circulation; youth services; IT administration; library leadership; strategic planning; and facility planning and construction. I believe my rich and varied experience could add a robust perspective to the already strong ARSL leadership.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I see myself contributing to these goals by sharing my current knowledge and experience in IDEA work as a veteran library director and in my current role as a Public and Tribal Library Consultant at the Washington State Library. In my current role I have many opportunities for training and development in IDEA and I will share the benefits of my participation in those opportunities with the ARSL Board. The library profession must embrace and provide leadership in diversity, inclusion and accessibility to thrive. This includes finding creative ways to attract students and emerging leaders to the field and I am interested in pursuing this in my role.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I believe that my experience in the many related fields involved with library leadership will bring a depth of knowledge to the role. In particular, I feel that my experiences and training in human resources management, public finance, open government, facility planning, and construction could be a wonderful asset to the Board. Many great librarians struggle with the non-librarianship parts of their roles in libraries and I seek to be a voice to the importance of those aspects of library work and provide support in those areas.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
Outside of work I enjoy adventure and exploration and appreciate the opportunity to travel and see new places. I enjoy hiking and doing photography/video both in nature and in cityscapes. I love to cook and experiment with new cuisine. I spend most of my time outside of work with my husband and teen daughter and our German Shepherd. No matter what I am doing, I am always viewing activities through the lens of how that insight could benefit libraries.

Phyllis Goodeill

Director, Del Norte County Library, Crescent City, CA

Contact via email at pgoodeill [at] delnortecountylibrary [at] org

What is it about ARSL's mission, vision, and/or organizational values that makes you want to run for a Board position?
ARSL's mission and vision make me want to run for a Board position. ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. This mission statement motivates me to provide professional development to my staff. I am passionate about elevating the impact a rural or small library can have on their community. I have been attending community outreach events in my community and I have discovered many residents were not aware our community has a library. I want to run for a board position so that I may be of service to the rural or small libraries in my region.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL?
I have not had much engagement with ARSL. I am active in my consortium in Northern California. I want to bring the experience of a rural librarian to the larger western region. I have visited many rural libraries in Southern Oregon and Southern Washington. We all have similar issues. I want to bring my experience with my rural community of Northern California located on the coast 20 miles from the Oregon border to ARSL.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I am the only full time staff member in my library. I am responsible for all of the day to day operations. I am responsible for building maintenance, human resources, public relations, collection development, security, grant administration, literacy coordination, board responsibilities because my library is a special district. I attend community outreach functions. I advocate for grant funds to the state library and I provide information to the public on a variety of subjects. I work with the tribes in our area to bring quality culturally relevant materials to their members. My passion is providing books to the children and families in our underserved, underrepresented, low income community.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I see myself contributing to the goals of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility by always being aware of the needs of all people. Everyone needs access to quality information. My goal as a leader is to ensure that all people in our community have access to quality information.

Aside from what you've listed above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have not been a director for very long. It will be 3 years in October. Prior to starting in the library as a book keeper I had no experience working in a library. Working in rural environments provides unique opportunities for individuals that have skills but not experience. I feel all of my work experience has shaped who I am and made me a stronger leader because I have worked in a variety of situations in my lifetime.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am have been married for 9 years. I married late in life I was nearly 50. My only child is 30 this year! When I am not at the library you can find me in my garden, enjoying concerts with my husband and spending time in the Portland OR area with my daughter and her husband.