Tomorrow! September 2022 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Webinar
AzLA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Please join the AzLA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee for the September webinar.
This webinar is free to all librarians and library workers. Feel free to share it with your library colleagues.
Can't attend the live webinar? Register and you'll be sent a follow-up email with a link to the recorded webinar to watch at your convenience.
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LsYnCrm6TdSeQUy2j0EJXg
Program Description:
Library workers face many challenges in all facets of the workplace. With book challenges and protestors at programs, it can be difficult to serve our community’s needs. Join two experienced Idaho librarians as they share how to navigate challenges to inclusive programming and collection development while maintaining mental health. Denise Neujhar, District Young Adult Librarian at the Community Library Network in Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Idaho and Mandi Harris (Cherokee Nation), an Information Science doctoral student at the University of Washington and former children’s librarian will share their experiences and thoughts, as well as their own individual survival strategies. We will share resources for programming, collection development, dealing with book challenges, personal protection, and mental health. Together, we can all help our communities and library workers thrive.
Presenters:
Denise Neujahr received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies in 2001. She received her Master of Library and Information Science degree in 2005 from San Jose State University. Denise has been working in the Youth Services departments of libraries since 1998. She has worked at the Whittier Public Library, the Monrovia Public Library, and at a branch in the County of Los Angeles District. She currently is the District Young Adult Librarian for the Community Library Network in Idaho. Responsibilities include planning and implementing programs for 6th through 12th graders, providing outreach to schools, and partnering with other organizations in the community, such as the Kootenai Juvenile Detention Center and the North Idaho Pride Alliance. Denise appreciates working for a library organization that celebrates diversity and is an inclusive and welcoming place for all people in the community. She resides in North Idaho with her husband, two children, and two black cats.
Mandi Harris (Cherokee Nation) is a Ph. D. student at the University of Washington Information School, where she focuses on Digital Age Youth and Indigenous Systems of Knowledge. She has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Washington. Mandi has nearly a decade of experience working in youth services at public libraries. Most recently, she was the Children’s Librarian, where she oversaw collection development and programming for children ages birth-12. Storytime is her favorite place to be, and she loves seeing children and families learn and grow. She believes in the power of libraries to connect communities.