2020-21 ALSC Board of Directors Candidates

In an effort to help ALSC members make an informed decision before they vote, this afternoon’s blog post consists of statements from the six candidates standing for election to the ALSC Board of Directors.

ALSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

Ariana Hussain is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.

I am honored to be nominated for ALSC Board. ALSC Board policy decisions impact our daily work but ultimately ALSC is us, the members, leading change. Having been a children’s librarian in public libraries and now as a school librarian, I constantly see librarians leading through everyday action, engaging in community advocacy, teaching, and fostering agency to help empower the communities they serve. I want to support these librarians as they support others, promoting growth through mentorship and networking and seeking improvement in retention. Equally important to me is continuing ALSC’s work fostering an inclusive and equitable organization, deliberate in building infrastructure to expand opportunities and affirm BIPOC children’s librarians. By promoting more professional development tools, seminars and workshops to help build cultural competence and facilitate difficult conversations within the organization, and in our practice, we can continue to build towards the future together, seeing and valuing fully each other and the communities we work in.

Jenna Friebel is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.

I have been a member of ALSC since graduate school and am grateful to have had the experiences of participating in the 2014 Bill Morris Seminar and serving on the 2016 Geisel Award Committee and 2020 Newbery Award Committee. I’m honored to stand for election to the ALSC board of directors as I would love to give back to this organization that has provided so much support and opportunities for my own professional growth. I currently work as a Collection Management Librarian specializing in youth and teen materials and was previously employed as a Youth Services Librarian. I would bring to the ALSC board my commitment to EDI work, strength in supporting others, and prior board experience- from 2016- 2018, I served as an associate board member of Open Books, a local non-profit in Chicago dedicated to literacy. I’m standing for election alongside incredible, dedicated colleagues (including 2 of my fellow Newbery committee members: Hi, Krishna and Soraya!) so I know the board is in capable hands no matter the outcome.

 

Krishna Grady is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.

I have worked with children for 20 years and as a children’s librarian for 8 of those twenty years. I have been a school librarian and a public librarian. I think a quote from Sara Bareillis best sums up my feelings about America’s libraries. Libraries are “the heartbeat, the center, the lifeline…” of our nation. The availability of library resources to citizens is a vital part of a thriving community. But I believe in access not only for those that we serve but for the professional community at large. How can we serve our communities with enthusiasm, intent, and meaningful compassion if we ourselves do not have access to the information, resources, and support that we need as well? When we take steps to incorporate a diverse array of professional voices, we strengthen our professional community.

If elected I will work to make sure those voices are heard and that those voices have what we as a professional community pride ourselves for, access. I would also like to state that two of my Newbery Committee members, Soraya Silverman-Montano and Jenna Friebel, are up for election and that they would make excellent board members. Thank you for your consideration.

Meredith Steiner is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.

I am deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and dismantling white supremacy and other systems of oppression. I feel it is essential that libraries are welcoming and safe for all communities we serve and all who work — or want to work — in libraries. ALSC has a strong emphasis on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in our strategic priorities, and I would like to advance that work.

I have co-presented several Talking about Race forums, including ALSC programs at ALA Annual 2018 and 2019, and an ongoing program series at San Francisco Public, where I am a Children’s Librarian. My experience on ALSC Committees, as an ALSC-sponsored Emerging Leader, and in leadership roles in professional organizations, including president of two non-profit boards, would inform my work on the ALSC Board. I find that working collaboratively and valuing each person as an important resource result in deeper discussions and better outcomes.

If entrusted by the membership to be a board member, I would bring my passion, knowledge, and experience to the table and work in partnership with my colleagues to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are considered in all areas of our work and that our efforts support and inspire ALSC members.

Sophie Kenney is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.

I’m honored to stand for election as a candidate for the ALSC Board of directors. As a division, we have led with positive change and if elected, I will continue aligning our committee work and goals with our core values. I’m also dedicated to increasing member engagement and providing more meaningful opportunities to become involved. Everyone should feel empowered and that they are receiving a return on the investment of the ALSC membership cost whether that’s through committee work, professional development, networking and mentorship or some other way. Given the proposed changes to Midwinter and committee realignment, it will be important for our board to have voices that advocate for all members as well as equitable pathways for participation. Let’s keep the forward momentum going by continuing to reduce barriers and growing our organization so that together we are building a better future for all children.

Soraya Silverman-Montano is standing for election as an ALSC Board of Directors candidate.

Libraries are an integral part of my identity as a human being. My mom was a first-generation immigrant and single mother of five, working several jobs to make ends meet. The public library was the only place we could afford as a family; it was our safe space and our haven. Now, as a librarian, I see so much of myself in the children, families, and communities we serve, knowing firsthand the impact libraries make. Because of this,  I especially strive to champion equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives to make libraries as inclusive and welcoming as possible including intentionally and purposefully serving marginalized communities and youth and families in need.

Taking the leadership skills I’ve gained and experience I have furthering EDI initiatives working for public libraries for the last 17 years, I would love the opportunity to apply these priorities in this role as an ALSC Board Director if elected. We have an incredible slate of candidates though (shout out to my friends and colleagues Ariana, Krishna, Jenna and Sophie!).   I know the Association will be in excellent hands no matter who is elected so thank you for your time and consideration regardless!”

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