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, Development Director

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.

Ainsley Nobara, Communications Director

Ainsley's education in Government & World Affairs, as well as Communications, fueled her passion for information seeking and advocacy, with a focus on libraries. Early in her career, she worked in immigration law and later became an outreach librarian, focusing on welcoming patrons from all backgrounds and helping them feel a sense of agency in their relationship with the library. By listening to and reflecting the needs of the community, she ensured the library remained a relevant and responsive public resource. Later, she served as Executive Director of the Washington Library Association, focusing on legislative advocacy, partnership development, and leading the organization through a period of ongoing change across the state's libraries. As Communications Director at ARSL, Ainsley focuses on supporting rural and small libraries through strategic communications and outreach. Ainsley is passionate about helping libraries connect with their communities and raise awareness of the essential role they play in providing the resources and information all communities need, regardless of size or location. When not working, Ainsley enjoys researching, exploring the outdoors, visiting local libraries, and discovering new food trucks with her family.

Lucy Pekovich, Programs & Events Coordinator

Lucy has been working in and with libraries since 2017 and brings professional experience in customer service, event planning, and program management to her role at ARSL. She holds a degree in English from Boise State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from PennWest. When she's not in library world, she's usually working on one of (too) many crochet projects or exploring the PNW with her partner and dog.

Shamim Rupani, Development Coordinator

Although Shamim did not start out her career in libraries, she found herself drawn to this world simply due to her love of literature. Originally from Texas, Shamim graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she double majored in Psychology and Child Learning and Development. With experience in teaching, customer service, and administrative work, she’s always been passionate about fostering inclusive spaces and helping people connect with the resources they need. She’s now excited to continue her journey in the library world, deepening her advocacy work and strengthening her commitment to supporting small and rural library communities across the nation and beyond.

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.

Rhys Day, Executive 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!

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.