2025 Program Handouts
All the Feels: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
Build a Departmental Bridge: Strategies for Enhanced Collaboration Between Adult and Youth Services
Keynote Presentation by Tracie D. Hall
Lessons Learned from One-on-One Genealogy Research (Handout)
Lessons Learned from One-on-One Genealogy Research (Presentation)
School Outreach: Enhancing Library Services and Increasing Patronage
Sharing Your Town’s Story
Speed Dating with Children’s Librarians
Programs at a Glance
SESSION I: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Meeting Patrons Where They Are: How Social Work Helps Libraries Address Social Needs
SPEAKER(S): Pamela Pagones, LMSW, SIFI, MLS, Farmingdale Public Library
SPONSORED BY: NCLA PR and Programming Division
ARRANGED BY: Molly Kate Miskiewicz, LMSW PMH-C SIFI
LOCATION: Salons 1,2,3
An increasing number of public libraries are offering social work services to better support the diverse needs of community members. Library social work represents a transformative approach to public service that combines the traditional role of libraries with the more contemporary needs of social care. This presentation will provide an overview of social workers’ role within public libraries, the services offered, and the benefits to the library users and community. Attendees will gain insight into how social work can complement and enhance the work of libraries to create more inclusive and resourceful spaces that address social challenges and promote well-being.
Lessons Learned from One-on-One Genealogy Research
SPEAKER(S): Jessica Brown, Patchogue-Medford Library
April Lynne Earle, SUNY Farmingdale
SPONSORED BY: NCLA & SCLA RASD
ARRANGED BY: Patricia Cruz and Martha DiVittorio
LOCATION: Salons 4,5,6
Public libraries provide a wealth of resources for patrons researching their family history, but often there is a lack of understanding about the available information and the librarian’s role in supporting this research. This presentation will offer valuable insights and practical advice on how to educate yourself and your patrons as to what is available, how to access it, why it exists, and how to use the information in the exploration of family history.
A Conversation with author Tracey Baptiste
SPEAKER: Tracey Baptiste
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Children’s Services Division
ARRANGED BY: Michelle Samuel and Tamelee Young
LOCATION: Salons 7,8,9,10
New York Times bestselling author, Tracey Baptiste, will discuss her journey to becoming an author. She will also talk about the inspiration behind some of her well known titles such as Boy 2.0.
Intellectual Freedom in the Age of AI
SPEAKER: Nick Tanzi, South Huntington Public Library
SPONSORED BY: Intellectual Freedom Committee of NCLA
ARRANGED BY: Lois Young
LOCATION: Salons 11,12
As with past technological change, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our information environment. With AI comes algorithmic bias, hallucinations, and the capacity for censorship. We’ll explore the risks AI poses to intellectual freedom and identify how libraries can continue to champion this critical value. Attendees will understand the basic terminology of AI, identify the threats AI poses to intellectual freedom, and devise strategies for promoting intellectual freedom in the age of AI.
All the Feels: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
SPEAKER: AnnaLee Dragon, Executive Director, New York Library Association
SPONSORED: NCLA RASD
ARRANGED BY: Martha DiVittorio
LOCATION: Nassau/Suffolk
Despite historic precedent and the negative connotations of feelings in a workplace setting, being a leader does not have to mean checking your feelings at the door. We all come to work as whole human beings, and developing your emotional intelligence is vital to strong leadership. Empathetic leaders are often the most successful and attract and retain happy staff…but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Learn about the benefits and challenges of the emotional leadership style, take a quiz to assess your emotional intelligence, and discover how bringing all the feelings to work can benefit you, your library workers, your board, and your organization.
Roll for Initiative: Initiating Lifelong Patron Relationships with the Library through Tabletop-Roleplaying Games
SPEAKER: Summer Buffin, New York Institute of Technology
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Academic and Special Libraries Division
ARRANGED BY: James Mantegna
LOCATION: Roosevelt
Take the initiative in the growing world of tabletop-roleplaying games (TTRPG) by hosting a TTRPG program at your library! Learn the basics of hosting the most popular TTRPG, Dungeons & Dragons 5e, and how to include library and information literacy modules in your daring campaign adventures that will have students returning to the library again and again. Recognize the connection between TTRPG gameplay and information literacy as participants use library resources as tools for character creation, world-building, and storytelling.
Closing the Digital Literacy Divide: Services for Seniors
SPEAKER(S): Melanie Davidoff, Port Washington Public Library
Meaghan Barbari, Port Washington Public Library
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Technology Committee
ARRANGED BY: James Hutter
LOCATION: Vanderbilt
Closing the digital divide is more than just providing connection to the online world. Seniors often feel left behind by the changing technological landscape. In this talk, we’ll discuss our model of closing this digital literacy divide, which includes a mix of one-on-one assistance, group instruction, and homebound visits. We’ll cover resources libraries can use to assist in creating digital literacy programs.
Libraries as Allies: Strengthening LGBTQIA+ Connections
SPEAKER(S): Alexandra Giresi, Hampton Bays Library
Shannon Galasso, Hampton Library
Micah Schneider, LGBT Network
SPONSORED BY: Long Island Library Pride Alliance of NCLA and SCLA
ARRANGED BY: Alexandra Giresi
LOCATION: Whitman
Learn how libraries can build lasting relationships with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, advocacy groups, and schools through joint programs, resource-sharing, and outreach events.
SESSION II: 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Clued in With Jessica Goodman
SPEAKER: Jessica Goodman
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Young Adult Services Division
ARRANGED BY: Shannon Dalrymple, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library
LOCATION: Salons 1,2,3
Join New York Times best-selling author Jessica Goodman in discussing her work, including her latest novel The Meadowbrook Murders.
Sharing Your Town’s Story
SPEAKER(S): Natalie Korsavidis, Farmingdale Public Library
Georgiana O’Neill, Longwood Public Library
Regina Feeney, Freeport Memorial Library
Carol Clarke, The Bryant Library
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Archives Committee
ARRANGED BY: Natalie Korsavidis
LOCATION: Salons 4,5,6
A panel of local history librarians will discuss how they share the history of their towns with their communities.
A.I. Meets C.S.I. – Two Thought-Provoking Topics in the Fields of A.I. and Forensics.
SPEAKER(S): Bruce Seger, Suffolk Community College
Danielle Gruttadaurio, Suffolk County Police Department Forensic Artist
SPONSORED BY: SCLA Division of Academic and Special Libraries
ARRANGED BY: Bruce Seger
LOCATION: Salons 7,8,9,10
This program will be presented in two parts, both focusing on forensics. The first segment will cover A.I. and facial recognition, starting with a brief history and then exploring how these technologies impact you and your library. In the second part, a Suffolk County Police Department Forensic Artist will discuss her role, how her work has helped identify victims and suspects, and how she has contributed to solving crimes. The latest techniques and technologies in the field will also be revealed. You won’t want to miss this!
Reading Clubs for English Learners
SPEAKER: Anastasia Bazilevskaya, Brentwood Public Library
SPONSORED BY: SCLA RASD
ARRANGED BY: Patricia Cruz
LOCATION: Salons 11,12
Book clubs organized by public libraries are often inaccessible to English language learners. Reading clubs for English learners provide library services for an underserved population, help to unite the community, improve reading and speaking skills of English learners, and ignite their interest in reading and literature. Librarian Bazilevskaya will share tips on how to organize similar reading clubs in your library.
Developing Your Manga Collection – Featuring Manga Tablets!
SPEAKER: Dan McCoy, Longwood Public Library
SPONSORED BY: SCLA Young Adult Services Division
ARRANGED BY: Ashley Sabatino
LOCATION: Nassau/ Suffolk
Discover how libraries develop and expand their manga collections. Our speaker will explore various resources to help identify new manga titles, purchasing methods, and how light novels fit into collections. We’ll also discuss manga and anime-related programs that engage patrons, as well as innovative approaches like Manga Tablets—devices that allow readers to check out entire manga series digitally.
Women and Technology in Libraries – Ask Me Anything
SPEAKER(S): Sara Bedell – Hampton Bays Free Library
Jessica Park – Smithtown Public Library
Jen Conlon – South Huntington Public Library
Julia Sukhu – Deer Park Public Library
Rebecca Goldstein – Sachem Library (Moderator)
SPONSORED BY: SCLA Computer and Technical Services Division
ARRANGED BY: Anthony Giansante
LOCATION: Roosevelt
Join us for Women and Technology, Ask Me Anything edition! Ask panelists of the popular Woman and Technology in Libraries program questions about their work experiences with technology.
Boosting Library Efficiency: Streamlining Workflows, Time Management, and Automation
SPEAKER: Josh Varon
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Support Staff Division
ARRANGED BY: Roseanne Dorfman
LOCATION: Vanderbilt
Enhance your library’s operations with practical strategies for maximizing efficiency. This session will explore how to streamline workflows, implement effective time-management techniques, and leverage automation to reduce repetitive tasks. Gain actionable insights to save time, reduce stress, and improve service delivery, all tailored for library professionals on Long Island.
Build a Departmental Bridge: Strategies for Enhanced Collaboration Between Adult and Youth Services.
SPEAKER(S): Kimberly Manise, Port Jefferson Free Library
Erin Schaarschmidt, Port Jefferson Free Library
Justine Rivera, Lindenhurst Memorial Library
Kara Thomas, Lindenhurst Memorial Library
SPONSORED BY: Children’s Librarians Association of Suffolk County
ARRANGED BY: Kimberly Manise
LOCATION: Whitman
Enhanced communication is essential for providing excellent services to library patrons and maintaining a cooperative, supportive work culture. Colleagues from Adult and Children’s Services will share real-world examples, proven strategies, and the tools they use to create a welcoming, efficient, and harmonious library environment for both patrons and staff. Whether you’re a part of the Adult or Children’s team, the strategies shared will help ensure the library remains a positive space for all who enter.
LUNCH AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 12:15 pm to 2:15 pm
Tracie D. Hall
Tracie D. Hall, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the University of Washington, is the former Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA) and the first Black woman to lead the organization. She has held leadership roles in arts and library sectors nationwide, including Deputy Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Hall’s work focuses on early and adult literacy, broadband access, and incarcerated populations. She holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara, Yale, and the University of Washington. Hall was named to TIME100 in 2023 and received several honors, including the National Book Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.
SESSION III: 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm
Succession Planning to Build Future Leaders
SPEAKER(S): Edwin Maxwell, Brooklyn Public Library
LaMeane Isaac, Brooklyn Public Library
Taina Evans, Brooklyn Public Library
Nicole Bryan, Brooklyn Public Library
SPONSORED BY: Library Staff of Color Committee of NCLA
ARRANGED BY: Michelle Samuel, Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel and Egita Johnson-Guillaume
LOCATION: Salons 1,2,3
This session is designed to equip library leaders, managers, and staff with the tools and strategies to create equitable succession planning that fosters diversity and inclusion. Participants will learn how to identify, mentor, and promote emerging talent while fostering an organizational culture that values and supports equity in leadership roles.
How Librarians Helped Win WWII
SPEAKER: Elyse Graham, Stony Brook University
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
ARRANGED BY: Frank McKenna
LOCATION: Salons 4,5,6
At the start of WWII, the US, in desperate need of an intelligence agency, formed the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Seeking to fill its ranks with experts, the agency turned to professors and librarians for recruits. These surprising spies, whose missions required their knowledge and love of books, helped shape the course of the war and invented modern intelligence. This presentation will share their true stories — and make the case that protecting our libraries is a national security issue.
Marketing & Advertising: Tips and Tricks for Libraries: From Basics to Brilliance
SPEAKER(S): Lisa Becker, Student at SUNY Buffalo
Liz Hughes, Elwood Public Library
Sharron McDevitt, Half Hollow Hills Community Library
SPONSORED BY: SCLA Long Range Planning and Marketing committee
ARRANGED BY: Anthony Giansante
LOCATION: Salons 7,8,9,10
Discover practical marketing strategies to elevate your library’s outreach, whether you’re just starting or refining your efforts. Our expert panel includes:
● Lisa Becker, librarian trainee with an advertising background, sharing budget-friendly marketing strategies.
● Sharron McDevitt, Community Engagement Supervisor, exploring marketing and engagement for libraries of all sizes.
● Liz Hughes, Head of Reference, discussing innovative, audience-focused marketing for teens and young adults.
Learn to create compelling campaigns, leverage digital tools, and tailor strategies to your library’s unique needs. Join us for actionable tips to boost your library’s visibility and strengthen community connections!
“Speed Dating” with Children’s Librarians: Quick Connections to Programming Ideas
SPEAKER(S): Amanda Costello, Sachem Public Library
Laura Giuliani, Huntington Public Library
Laura Markowitz, Huntington Public Library
Diane Darcy, Islip Public Library
SPONSORED BY: Children’s Librarians Association of Suffolk County
ARRANGED BY: Kimberly Manise
LOCATION: Salons 11, 12
Join us for a fast-paced, interactive session where children’s librarians showcase their innovative programs. In this “speed dating”-style format, each librarian will have just minutes to share a unique program that has had a big impact on their community. From story times and literacy-building activities to STEM workshops, you’ll discover fresh ideas, new practices, and creative ways to engage young readers and to celebrate the joys of Children’s Programming.
School Outreach: Enhancing Library Services and Increasing Patronage
SPEAKER: Kelly Furnari Sachem Public Library
SPONSORED BY: SCLA Young Adult Services Division
ARRANGED BY: Ashley Sabatino
LOCATION: Nassau/Suffolk
Take your school outreach initiatives from Library Card Drives and Summer Reading Club visits to STEAM weeks, Breakout Boxes, and beyond by meeting students and educators where they are. Learn about the steps taken to secure an impactful and meaningful partnership with the local school district, what kinds of programs and activities have been successful, and what we have learned over the years.
Nassau Library System – 66 years of commitment
SPEAKER(S): Patricia Yannuzzi, Nassau Library System
Lori Summerhayes, Nassau Library System
Pascale Laforest, Nassau Library System
SPONSORED BY: Nassau Library System
ARRANGED BY: Patricia Yannuzzi
LOCATION: Roosevelt
The Nassau Library System was established in 1959 as a cooperative library system to foster quality public library services to the residents of Nassau County. Find out how a system works from the inside out, why they are vital to supporting the fundamental principle that libraries can accomplish more together than alone and how everyone can benefit from them. Learn how, since its inception, the NLS service center with its team of dedicated professionals, has continually sought growth opportunities to meet the needs of its member libraries as they serve their communities.
Demystifying Mentoring: Mentees and Mentors on Participating in a Professional Mentoring Program
SPEAKER(S): Danielle S. Apfelbaum, Farmingdale State College
Samuel Horstmann, Farmingdale State College
Derek Stadler, LaGuardia Community College
SPONSORED BY: NCLA Academic and Special Libraries Division
ARRANGED BY: James Mantegna
LOCATION: Vanderbilt
Two mentors and a mentee participating in a professional program will discuss the value of mentoring for both mentors and mentees, how to get involved in a mentoring program, and how to navigate the mentoring relationship. Panelists will also discuss how these strategies might be applied to informal mentoring experiences and areas of librarianship outside of academia.
Navigating the Future: Teaching Emerging Tech in Libraries
SPEAKER(S): Anthony Giansante, John Jermain Memorial Library
Steve Alcalde, Rogers Memorial Library
Sara Fade, Middle Country Public Library
SPONSORED BY: SCLA Computers and Technical Services Division
ARRANGED BY: Anthony Giansante
LOCATION: Whitman
This presentation is designed to help library professionals teach emerging technologies and promote digital literacy. Examples of practical strategies like hands-on workshops, makerspaces, and digital literacy programs, along with the tools and partnerships needed to support them will be covered. Successful library initiatives will be showcased and participants will leave with concrete steps and best practices to create or improve technology-focused programs. This seminar aims to position libraries as essential centers for innovation and learning in their communities.
Long Island Library Conference 