The future of libraries is determined by the communities they serve. As the way in which patrons access books and information evolves, so too does their expectation of what a library service should provide. So how do you make sure that your library continues to grow with the ever changing needs of your community? Featuring a panel of experts, this session will discuss the key obstacles facing the progression of libraries and the techniques that can be applied to pre-empt patron trends and prepare your library for the future. Lunch and refreshments will be served on arrival.

Speakers:

	John Chrastka is founder and executive director of EveryLibrary, the first national political action committee for libraries. Since 2012, EveryLibrary has provided pro-bono support to 73 library communities with ballot measures and tax referendum, helping win well over $250 million in stable tax funding. He is a former Board president of the Berwyn (IL) Public Library and RAILS, the Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System. Prior to EveryLibrary, he was a partner in AssociaDirect, an association consultancy, and was Director for Membership Development at ALA. He is a 2014 LJ Mover & Shaker. He tweets at @mrchrastka
	Dr Gabriel Morley is a writer, a librarian and a hippy. He is a high school dropout who spent the next 20 years in college before earning a doctorate in adult education from The University of Southern Mississippi. His research interests include informal education and emancipatory learning, especially among marginalized groups. His book Building Workforce Literacy in Libraries: Connecting Communities with Opportunities will be published in 2018. He is currently director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.
	Kelvin Watson was named Broward County Libraries Director in February 2017. Prior to coming to Broward, Kelvin was the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President for Queens Library in New York City, which serves 2.3 million people and circulates among the highest numbers of books and other library materials in the country. Watson is credited with innovative community outreach to establishments whose clientele have not been active patrons of the library such as community centers, hospitals and jails. Kelvin’s background in addressing the digital divide helped library customers understand how to use technology and realize how these tools can impact their lives.

More speakers to be announced…