2024 ARSL Candidate Statements

Vice President/President Elect - Treasurer

Regional Board Representative, Midwest - Regional Board Representative, West

Vice President/President Elect

John Clexton

Library Director, Gladwin County District Library, Gladwin, MI

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
In my many years of experience, the greatest pluses of our profession are the camaraderie and the resource sharing. However, in my experience representing a small and rural library, we are often overlooked regarding realistic budget, staffing, and political restraints. This is where ARSL speaks directly to me and our library. The unique perspective, forums, community, and interactions of small and rural libraries are highly represented here and nowhere else.The mission of building strong communities and representation brings out ARSL’s values and speaks to the core of my beliefs and I want to continue that in the future.At the risk of seeming dramatic, the library world and more importantly, small and rural libraries, have been under attack for their stance for Intellectual Freedom. This is a time, like never before, where we need to be responsive and collaborate all at a professional level.ARSL is an excellent organization that can help us achieve this and I believe it is my calling and duty to help fight these battles. I believe that with hard work, time, and resilience we can help overcome this plague that currently looms over all libraries, but in particular, small and rural libraries.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
Joining ARSL was one of my first priorities upon becoming Director of our County library. This was important to me, not only to establish our library as represented by ARSL but myself as a Director of a small and rural library.ARSL to me is my direct source of daily library activity most pertinent to my library. From webinars to online training, ARSL is as essential to me as our own state organization. I am five years strong with consistent involvement, from special task force committees to participating on the Governance Committee from 21-22 and now serving as a co-chair of the committee through 2024. I find myself regularly inspired by so many of our small and rural libraries here in the United States. In addition to that, when attending PLA and ALA, the ability to legitimately represent our small and rural libraries in “the big kids” programs has been refreshing, as we are often overshadowed when it comes to some of these larger programs. ARSL really creates that framework of importance and gives us a true voice.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Working in small libraries has been a revolutionary experience, after so many years in urban and suburban libraries (and even a brief stint in an island library system).We face challenges that are unlike any other large library system and has shown me the value and the heart of what small libraries can do.Our current political forces want to ban books or defund the libraries and have put a bullseye target on the little libraries. It is important to stand up to the loud crowd, and remain cool-headed and composed in fighting these challenges.We must also contend with lesser funding but need to do more. The libraries of our small and rural libraries have alternative ways of solving problems with alternative solutions. This also takes leadership and stepping out of the comfort zone.Rural communities depend on us for so many things. We are not just about books. We are about telecommunication, health resources, food distribution, community gatherings, and so much more.To be a leader it’s critical to be comfortable with speaking up, reaching out, and delivering promises. I can confidently say I am strong in this area and will continue to be while serving ARSL. You must be part of the solution to bring change and defend what is most dear to us.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
My pre-library undergraduate degree is in Geography. In that capacity, I studied global and human geography. While attending, I served on a field research project for ethnic cultures. I also served as an exchange student in high school in Europe.I grew up in a major university town, where different ethnicities, different races, and diverse populations were the norm. Also, I served as a librarian in the Caribbean. The system I managed included a library for physical and special needs. I was involved in programming, services, and acquisitions for this library. Further, I was instrumental in serving the needs of this community after hurricanes that rendered facilities inaccessible.In my current and past libraries, I have also adopted new work programs and involvement in our neurodivergent communities. Currently, we are building an outdoor sensory library garden with a trail and program space for all of the community, but with neurodivergent patrons foremost in mind.My work with EDI is and will be at the forefront of our work as libraries united through ARSL. Again, the goal is that libraries serve everyone, and I’m aware it takes persistent hard work with EDI as a mainstream intention and conviction in serving as an ARSL representative.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have served in public libraries for over 20 years. Before that, I served as a Firefighter/EMT. Although these are very different professions, they have taught me leadership, the innate ability to ”size up” a situation, make the appropriate responses, and, sometimes most importantly, how to prioritize battles.In any profession, it is critical to be able to take any situation in front of you and be able to effectively handle it. Although now my profession is Library Science, my experiences span from everyday bathroom malfunctions to policy writing.Last year I earned my Graduate Certification in Library Fiscal Management from the University of Georgia, which already has proven effective and beneficial as some of those challenges were never taught in library school.I also serve on several committees locally, including the Michigan Library Association Legislative and Advocacy Committee, and with American Library Association International Relations, Governance, and Library Director education review committee.I love to network and communicate. I do believe these are essential functions to better myself and certainly better my library and all libraries.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
Between taking on this Director role, dealing with a pandemic in the midst of my early years here, to restructuring many neglected areas here, “outside of work life”, to be honest, is very rare. But when that time comes, I find solace in being with my family and grown children.One of the biggest benefits to a rural library, particularly in Michigan, is that I live in a wonderful setting. I am often found walking in the woods or fishing off the dock on the lake where I live. Being part of the outdoors and nature is where I find peace and comfort.In those days not outside, my attention turns to my collection of vinyl records and searching the internet for hard-to-find albums. None of this would be nearly as fun without my two furry dogs to venture with in all those activities (even the albums – they are very tolerant). I like to socialize and am always willing to take part in group activities from helping someone with a garage to be built or serving as crew to my boat friends to enjoy a sail on the Great Lakes.

Treasurer

Kevin Bourque

Library Director, Boxford Town Library, Boxford, MA

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
I am most moved by the emphasis ARSL places on elevating the impact of small and rural libraries. Throughout my career in libraries as a front-line librarian and now as an administrator, I have worked to provide what patrons and staff need through the decisions I make and the resources I advocate for. It is my hope that through my work as treasurer, I will enable the organization to manage and allocate the funding to provide resources, training, and opportunities for small and rural library professionals to grow in the profession. The more we grow as a profession increases our ability to make an even greater positive impact on the communities we serve.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
In 2019 I was awarded a grant offered by my state’s Library Commission to small library leaders that enabled me to join ARSL and attend the annual conference in Burlington, Vermont. Since joining ARSL, I have participated in the e-list both offering suggestions and at times seeking advice. In January 2022, I accepted the position of Interim Northeast Regional Board Representative on ARSL’s Board of Directors. During my tenure on the board, I was an active participant, engaging in the work of the board at the Board Retreat and at bi-monthly Board Meetings. I was part of the team of board members that drafted ARSL Statement of Support for Libraries in Ukraine. I served as the board liaison to the Conference Committee helping to plan the 2022 conference in Chattanooga TN. As the Northeast Region Board Representative, I facilitated the Northeast Region Focus Group meetings gathering valuable feedback from library professionals throughout the region. At the annual Conference in Chattanooga, a colleague and I presented a session on crafting community feedback surveys for strategic planning. Currently, I am an active member of the Continuing Education Committee and Northeast Region Focus Group.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Over the past decade working in small libraries, I have experienced the positive impact small libraries make on their community. I know firsthand the ingenuity of library professionals often doing more with less in our striving to meet the needs of our community, most acutely as we did during the pandemic. As a Library Director, I also know how the right support at the right time, whether it be the knowledge that comes from a shared experience from a colleague on the e-list or the awareness of a grant program or even just knowing that you are not alone, can make all the difference. That and the experience of celebrating the small pleasure of giving books to an excited child or working through the inherent challenges of being a small library leader will inform the input and feedback I will give as I engage in the work of the board.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
In working to provide programming and materials that are relevant to all members of the community, I have had to managing the sometimes-hostile backlash and challenges from members of the community that do not see the importance of allowing everyone’s voice to be heard, respected, and understood. This firsthand experience has given me a well-rounded perspective on how important it is to support small and rural libraries with advocacy resources, support of shared experience from colleagues, and opportunities to grow in our ability to meet all our community’s needs. Having this greater understanding will inform the input I give and the decision I will make.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
For the past eight years as a Library Director, I have been responsible for the creation and the proper expending of the library’s half million-dollar budget. I also manage the use of the library’s four donation and trust fund accounts approving expenditures according to each accounts spending requirements. As Treasurer, I hope to use the financial management experience I have acquired as a library director to assist the organization in managing its finances, so ARSL is able to continue growing in its ability to meet member needs. As a board member I will draw upon my 20 years of experience in the library profession, 11 of them in working small libraries, to inform the input I give and the decisions I make to help ARSL continue to move forward in a positive direction.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
Outside of the library, my live revolves around my family. My amazing wife (who is also a librarian) and our two awesome and very normal teens keep life from ever having a dull moment. My favorite gift from my family is a t-shirt with a Dad Joke meter on the front indicating FULL. Two years ago, we welcomed into our home our ever loveable and loyal Miniature Schnauzer Hazel who keeps us on our toes with her larger-than-life personality. I engage my creative side by writing fiction and sketching anything from nature scenes to still-life objects. My favorite authors are David Baldacci, Daniel Silva, and Steve Berry. My book club keeps my reading very diverse with our most thought provoking read in the past few months being, Poverty, by America, written by Matthew Desmond.

Erin Busbea

Director, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, Columbus, MS

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
I have had the honor serving as the ARSL Treasurer for just 6 short months now after being elected to fill a vacancy on the board during the middle of a term. In those 6 months, I have seen the mission, vision, and organizational values put into play over and over again within the work that the Board does on behalf of ARSL. At the core, the work of the board always puts small libraries and in turn, small communities at the forefront of every decision made. I want to continue on with ARSL as the board Treasurer and serve a full two year term so I can really help be a part of this organization and see the improvements and positive change that the Board work will bring in the years to come. The mission, vision, and organizational values of ARSL each have something within them that called to me when considering reapplying for the position of Treasurer.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
I have been an active member of ARSL for 11 years. I have attended every conference since Omaha in 2013. I have also served on the Marketing and Social Media committees in the past and been a part of conference planning and promotion. I have also presented at two ARSL conferences – Little Rock (2015) and Fargo (2016).

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
Currently, I am the Director of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System in Columbus, Mississippi. We are a single county library system that is funded through the City of Columbus and Lowndes County. Within our system we have four library locations. One is located in the City of Columbus and the other three locations are in very rural communities – Artesia, Caledonia, and Crawford. Within my position, I have first hand experience with all of the financial aspects of the library system. I work closely with both city and county funding authorities to maintain and grow our budget each year. I also work very closely with my ten-member Library Board of Trustees in making sure that we are being good stewards of the money we are given to maintain daily operations. All of this has not been without issues along the way, including a lot of hard fights and tough conversations with those funders and board members. We always seem to prevail, even if we do not get a funding increase. We have learned to work within the confines of a budget that often is not large enough for all of the services and resources that we provide all of our communities. I believe these experiences have shaped me and will help me with being more aware of the budget for ARSL and how funds are spent and also ask the tough questions should they ever arise.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I strive each day to make sure my libraries present and provide a welcoming atmosphere to all people. Public Libraries are unique in that we see people through all walks of life. We love to see the good, but we often see the bad. I always remind my staff that we do not know what’s going on in someone’s life. Our libraries are the last institutions where a person can just be. They can exist with no fear or judgement. No pressure to buy something. Just come in and be their true self. We are here to help people regardless of who they are, what they look like, and how they might differ from me or you. The same goes for my staff, we are a very diverse group of strong women and one man!

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I am very optimistic about things. I try to always be the positive person in any situation and often say "well it could be worse"! I have worked in almost every single department that a library has to offer - I started as a library page at 15 and now I am 40 and have served as a library director for 15 years. While my lived experience in libraries is likely very different from most people, I think I have a good understanding of the profession and the struggles over time and I think I can help mentor and advocate for our profession and bring a lot of different insight to the board.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I use to love running but my 40 year old knees don't love it as much as me so I have recently gotten into weight lifting more. I have a nearly 11 year old dog, Bizzy, who is the best girl. I love to go on golfing adventures with my boyfriend. I am terrible at it but it gets me outdoors. I love the outdoors and all things that include outdoor adventures because I think our world is so beautiful and amazing and I want to see and experience every little thing about it.

Regional Representative, Midwest

Lucretia Calonder

Director, Altoona Public Library, Altoona, KS

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
The ARSL mission is similar to how I run my library. Coming from an area where "I don't read, therefore, we don't need a library", has made me a stronger leader as I try to advocate and rebuild our community from what feels like the ground up. Most of what I know for my job is because of ARSL. Being thrown into my position, i would have never made it without them. From the conference sessions to the great people I have met has helped my growth and knowledge in leading a community and their youth.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
I have attended the conference the last 2 years and was very engaged at them. I served 2 years on the Governance Committee and now am a program director on the conference committee.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
It has made me a stronger leader and a smarter fighter to get things done in my community. It has helped me build my library patronage and offer new programming that the patrons benefit from.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have served as the secretary of the usd 387 school foundation for the last 5 years. Serving on a committee called "Family Strong" on the preventative legal system team and have been on City and school boards, so i have knowledge in many different categories.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am a christian wife and a foster parent in the process of adopting. I am a couple months away from graduating with my bachelor's in education. I also have multiple Sclerosis and have had many surgeries that have left me paralyzed, however, the fighter that I am; I taught myself to walk, read and write again. Which is my best accomplishment.

Tyler Hahn

Director, Cherokee Public Library, Cherokee, IA

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
The values of equity, collaboration, advocacy, professional development, innovation, and community engagement upheld by ARSL deeply resonate with my professional aspirations as a librarian and inspire me to pursue a board position within the organization. I am passionate about ensuring equal access to information and library services for all, regardless of location or community size. Through collaboration, I believe we can create a network that fosters the exchange of ideas and resources among rural and small libraries and beyond. I am committed to promoting professional development opportunities and steering ARSL towards practices that empower library staff to serve their communities effectively. Furthermore, I will help ARSL embrace innovation, which allows us to adapt and meet the evolving needs of rural and small communities. I am excited to contribute my skills and dedication to advancing ARSL's mission, making a positive difference in the lives of individuals in these communities.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
Previously, I have served on ARSL's advocacy committee for the last two years as co-chair with Beth Anderson, and I had served on the advocacy committee previously as a member. I have also presented at the ARSL conference virtually in 2020 on the topic of digital programming within library spaces.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I feel like I can touch on this topic from both a small public and a small community college librarian. In the public library, I honed my community engagement skills, tailoring services to meet diverse needs and collaborating closely with community partners in order to effectively serve my community. This experience highlighted the essential role libraries play as community anchors and catalysts for effectiveness. In the college library, I gained proficiency in administrative processes, teamwork, and strategic planning—skills vital for board-level contributions. Both experiences exposed me to the challenges faced by rural and small libraries, fostering a practical understanding of resource constraints and the need for innovative solutions. Armed with this comprehensive skill set, I feel like I have a wide breathe of perspectives to inform ARSL's leadership.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
To contribute to these goals, I would prioritize creating an inclusive culture within ARSL, ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented at all levels. As a whole, ARSL does an amazing job continuing with this sort of work, but there is always room for improvement. From my own perspective, I continually endeavor to learn and grow by creating purposeful partnerships with everyone from within my community for a goal of common good and growth for all. In a similar vein, I could see myself advocating for the same in ARSL.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
For the last five years, I have actively championed better digital equity. By leveraging my expertise, I have worked to bridge the digital divide by promoting digital literacy, advocating for affordable access, and ensuring the underserved communities have equal opportunities. I have also made many connections in the small library space, the research space, and within the tech industry.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I like to tell people if I had a dating profile my headline would be that I am all about Bowser (from Mario fame), bees, and unapologetically being yourself. As for Bowser, I have been a Nintendo fan for my entire life. Over the last few years (it was actually a library bee invasion) I became a beekeeping hobbyist and have a hive a relative's farm. Right now I am working on my master beekeeper certification through the University of Montana.

Ali Iserman

Director, Mediapolis Public Library, Mediapolis, IA

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
During my experience with the ARSL Outfielders I discovered my passion for small libraries, library workers and the positive impact that they have on their communities. ARSL’s values and dedication to accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion align perfectly with my own philosophy. I am passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the library for my community and supporting other libraries that are attempting to do the same. Being a librarian in Iowa is not only difficult in this political climate, it is also quite scary. I am passionate about supporting librarians that face mistreatment during these volatile times. The work that ARSL does in educating, supporting and connecting librarians is not only admirable, it is essential. I am dedicated to supporting that mission in any way that I can. That is why I am running for Midwest Regional Representative.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
My journey with ARSL began in March 2021 when I was accepted into the ARSL Outstanding in Their Field Leadership Institute and continues with my role as App Co-Coordinator on the conference committee. During my time with the leadership institute, I was able to attend two ARSL conferences and present at one of them.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
My role as director of a small, rural library in Iowa has prepared me to serve by allowing me to experience a variety of different situations and people. During my time as a director, I have learned to navigate the unsteady waters that is human interaction. I have learned when to let things go, when to stand up and speak up and when to just watch and listen. I have also learned to stay organized, prioritize my time and to delegate what I can to others so that I can accomplish what I need to while guiding others on their library journey. These skills make me a steady leader that thinks through all situations with calm consideration with a goal of working toward contributing to the greater good.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
A large part of the reason that I love ARSL so much is because of their dedication to promoting IDEA. As a neurodivergent queer woman, I have seen first-hand how difficult it can be to navigate a world that is tailored to people who think and act differently than I do. I believe that it is especially important today for small and rural libraries to create a culture of inclusivity for the underrepresented citizens that they serve and to provide representation in the materials that they provide. I am dedicated to championing diversity, building an inclusive culture, and to do my part to create a more equitable world. As an ARSL leader, I see myself creating or supporting neurodivergent & LBGTQIA+ librarian educational opportunities and discussion groups.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have been told that I bring a sense of calm to every role that I take on. I also try bring a sense of humor and fun to everything that I do.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
Outside of my work life I like to spend time with my family and that includes my husband, daughter, four dogs and two cats. I have many hobbies that include but are not limited to hiking, kayaking, drawing, painting, cooking, baking, writing poetry, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery and reading, obviously. ADHD is my super-power and makes me want to do all the things and do them well.

Sara Koehn

Director, Haskell Township Library, Sublette, KS

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
ARSL's Mission, Vision, and Values encourages small and rural libraries to strengthen their communities by the environment that the libraries create. I see this as ARSL's encouragement for small and rural libraries to be unique and create opportunities to their communities where everyone can get involved whether it is to participate in the programs or to be a sponsor of them. ARSL works hard to be sure the small and rural libraries feel supported and that librarians aren't alone whether it is working through professional development or facing a book challenge. I appreciate ARSL wants small and rural librarians to be seen and heard and provides a platform for that.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
Currently, I am in my second year of being a member of ARSL's Advocacy Committee and I am in my third year of being an ARSL member.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I have worked in my current library for almost three years as a Director. I have a two full time staff and four part-time staff. Our service population is a little over 1,900. My library has helped me realize how important consistent marketing is, getting information out there about our library on a regular basis, keeping out library out there in front of our patrons, making our patrons aware of what is going on in the library world, among other things. These things easily translate over to being a leader within ARSL as you can do the same with ARSL and membership.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
As I mentioned earlier, I am a member of the ARSL Advocacy Committee and I am currently a member of my library system's DEI Taskforce. It is important for me that libraries are the forefront of the IDEA promotion within our communities and will assist our member libraries however I can. Even in small, rural libraries, IDEA must always be thought about and considered when looking at policies and collections and ARSL is very supportive when helping our libraries with their own IDEA goals.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
Prior to my library career, I spent 21 years in Corporate Human Resources. That career is still ongoing as I am still doing that work currently as a Library Director. I have been and am currently a member of several local and state boards for the past several years , most important I am a current local School Board member and I also sit on our state HR Board representing HR chapters for the Western half of Kansas. I am familiar with how boards work, the work and time they require, and the importance of the work they do.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I am a single mom of two boys, 10 and 8. They love to play sports and I love going to watch their events. I also have a side business that is going on its second year where I make handmade and custom jewelry. I live in the town I grew up in which has a population of 300. It is 12 miles from the town where the library is located where I work, which has a population of 1,300. I love to go camping, be with friends and family, hang out around the firepit, and go for walks.

Regional Representative, West

Krist Obrist

Library Director, Monmouth Public Library, Monmouth, OR

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
ARSL is all about the community of small and rural libraries. We share, we create, we support, we advocate. We are, in a bigger sense, a supportive family with shared experiences. The ARSL Mission is all about building and supporting and elevating small rural and small libraries. My values align with the organization's values: Accessibility, Responsive Service, Intellectual Freedom, Professionalism, Collaboration and Accountability.I am proud to be a member of ARSL and I support this organization and all its members.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
I was the Secretary of the ARSL Board for the 2021-2022 term, was appointed as the Interim Western Regional Representative to complete the term for 2023, and I am the Board liaison to the Partnerships Committee. I would love to continue my role as Western Regional Representative to learn more about and from the people and libraries in my region.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I actually have experience working in a variety of types and sizes of libraries including academic, school, corporate, and public. I’ve worked in public services, technical services, I’ve been a youth services librarian and library director. The most gratifying work has been at my current small public library. I am the director but I still get to do a variety of things and I think my overall experience has given me a broader perspective of the profession.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
I support and promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and I am hopeful for the day when these goals/ideals don’t have to be called out, that it will be just how things are. I encourage conversations, learning, acceptance, and forgiveness as this is a journey we are all on. I have often said, one of the great things about a library is that the whole of humanity, the whole range good to bad, crosses our thresholds every day – even in small, rural libraries.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
As I stated, I have a very broad perspective of libraries. I can understand and empathize on different levels. I can support, cheer and advocate for everyone with at least some sense of what they are dealing with. I am a good listener. I am responsive to issues as opposed to being reactive. Also, as I stated earlier, I am proud to be a member of ARSL and I support this organization and all its members.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I enjoy going to estate sales, putting jigsaw puzzles together, spending time on the Oregon coast and traveling around this beautiful state I live in.

C. L. Quillen

Library Director, Churchill County Library, Fallon, NV

What is it about ARSL's mission that makes you want to run for a Board position?
I've been a member of ARSL for several years now and I think that organization's commitment to offering support and a forum for members to discuss issues of interest to small and rural libraries is incredibly important. In most other library associations, small and rural libraries are underrepresented and having a voice at the table is so important, especially since small and rural libraries are the majority.

Prior to running for this election, how have you engaged with ARSL in the past?
I was actively involved with the newsletter, am a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee, and am a co-facilitator of the Reader's Advisory Networking Group.

How has your experience working in rural or small libraries prepared you to serve as a leader of ARSL?
I have 10 years of experience in rural and small libraries and have experienced many challenges and successes in that time. I also have many years of leadership experience, including serving as chair of the New Jersey Library Association's Small Libraries Committee.

ARSL is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession and our communities. How do you see yourself contributing to those goals as an organizational leader?
This is an area that is still developing and I want to learn more than I have so far. As an organizational leader, I would promote programming and discussion about inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. I want libraries to have something for everyone and make everyone feel welcome and included and we all need to do more to promote that.

Aside from what you've mentioned above, are there any beneficial skills or experience that you would bring to the position?
I have 25 years of experience in libraries, including academic, science, and public libraries. Most of the work that I have done has been in small public libraries. I have finance/budgeting experience, conference planning experience, and have served in many different leadership roles.

Can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of your work life?
I'm an avid reader, love to travel, cook, and hunt down bargains in thrift stores. I co-authored a book on romance readers' advisory (Read On...Romance, 2014). One of the best experience of my life thus far, was driving cross country this spring from Florida to my new position in Fallon, Nevada and stopping to visit with or stay with several members of ARSL and seeing their libraries.