Meet The ARSL Team

Kate Laughlin, Executive Director

Kate has worked in or with libraries for over 25 years on the front lines, in circulation and reference provision, branch management, continuing education, strategic planning, and association management. Earlier in her career, Kate was the staff Training Coordinator for the Seattle Public Library. Later, she trained and consulted with dozens of libraries while serving as the Executive Director of the Washington Library Association. In January 2020, Kate became the first Executive Director of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries. In the five years since, she has developed and expanded a dedicated team of professionals to support the needs of rural library professionals located throughout the United States and Canada.

Megan Fontaine, Assistant Director

Megan started her library career in Destin, Florida, where she worked for six years in library administration and programming. While there, she saw firsthand the difference a small library can make to its community. Megan joined the ARSL team as an Administrative Assistant in 2020 while pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington, which she obtained in June 2022. In October 2022, she became ARSL's first Assistant Director. She has a passion for advocacy and a deep commitment to giving back to the small library community that has given her so much throughout her life.

Brooke Van Eyk, Fund Development Coordinator

Brooke's career began in the banking and finance sector, where she developed extensive expertise in technical writing, budget management, project management, and business operations. Drawn to the library profession through years of volunteer work, she earned her Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University. After completing her degree, she joined the ARSL team in July 2024, focusing on fundraising to support workforce development and community programming. She is deeply committed to promoting the values that make libraries dynamic and inclusive community spaces.

Rhys Day, Administrative Assistant

Originally from New York City, Rhys Day graduated from the University of St. Andrews with a double major in Art History and Mathematics. His professional background is in customer service and administrative work, but he also has experience in advocacy, event management, and community work from various volunteer positions. He is passionate about libraries, museums, and how public access to cultural resources can be furthered in the modern world. Rhys enjoys a good mystery or romance novel, baking, and learning new languages and skills. He is new to the PNW and excited to explore Seattle and the nature around it!

Hannah Streetman, Programs & Events Coordinator

Hannah is a dedicated library advocate, program coordinator, and editor with expertise in project management, event planning, and consulting for clients across public, school, academic, private, and government libraries. Based in Seattle, WA, she brings a strong background in book publishing, where she honed her skills in coordinating with authors, refining language, and ensuring projects run smoothly. Originally from Denver, Hannah studied English at Western Washington University, earning certificates in editing and content development, as well as minors in technical writing and web development. She furthered her education at the Columbia Publishing Course and completed a digital design certificate from The New School. Now living in the Pacific Northwest, she enjoys its natural beauty, her library card, and the company of her three-legged cat.

Rhea Allen, Programs & Events Assistant

Rhea recently earned a Master of Science in Information from Florida State University, where they began their library career as a reference associate. With a professional background in customer service and event planning, Rhea is passionate about activism, communication, creative writing, and design, and seeks to merge these varied interests while advancing their library career. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, Rhea enjoys spending time with their partner and two cats, reading, gaming, and nurturing a houseplant collection. They love nature walks, baking, camping, great thrift finds, and exploring fresh fantasy or occult media.

Emma Beckley, Community Relations Coordinator

Drawing from her substantial social work and advocacy background, Emma leverages her experience at Cocoon House—where she assisted at-risk and unhoused youth—to foster meaningful connections and provide vital resources to libraries across her local area. Emma holds a degree in Art History from the University of Washington. Joining the team in December 2024, she brings extensive graphic design, event planning, and resource development expertise to her role. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between rural libraries and essential services while honoring the rich histories and vibrant cultures of the communities they serve.