8:45–9:00 AM | Welcome

WLA's Board President Rickey Barnett will welcome you to the Summit and share tips for making the most of your participation.

 Rickey Barnett (he/him), Circulation Supervisor, Sno-Isle Libraries, WLA 2025 Board President

9:00–10:00 AM | Keynote with Kelly Jensen | “Pizza Parties Don’t Fix Burnout”: The State of Mental Health in the Library

This presentation will give an overview of contemporary adult mental health challenges, including insight into what trauma is and where/how it impacts the mind and body. It will then dive into the specific mental health challenges that come with working in the library. Attendees will hear never-before-shared results from a survey of library workers on what they see as the biggest hurdles in libraries for mental wellness. The conversation concludes with solutions that library workers and managers can implement short- and long- term for addressing the array of realities faced in libraries right now and prepare for a healthier, better supported future ahead. 

 Kelly Jensen

10:30–11:30 AM | Beyond the Books: PTSD in Library Staff and Paths to Trauma-Informed Care

Library staff are often on the front lines of community need, navigating stressful situations that can take a real toll on their well-being. Jenny Meslener, George Mason University, highlights recent data showing that PTSD and trauma-related stress are more common among library workers than many might realize. This session will open up space to talk about these realities, share research, and highlight practical steps toward creating trauma-informed workplaces. Together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and approaches that support healing, resilience, and a culture of care for staff as well as the communities they serve.

 Jenny Meslener (she/her)

11:30 AM–1:00 PM | Lunch

 1:00–2:00 PM | Track A - From Principle to Practice: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care

Knowing the principles of trauma-informed care is one thing—putting them into everyday practice is another. This session will explore practical ways library staff can bring trauma-informed approaches to life, from interactions with colleagues to services for the community. Participants will hear their real world study, strategies that work, and tools to create safer, more supportive environments. 

 Leah Dudak

1:00–2:00 PM | Track B - Supporting Library Staff: Resources and Rights

Library staff face unique challenges that call for a broad spectrum of support. Diana Castillo, OSU, explores the resources available to employees and unionization.

 Diana Castillo

2:30–3:30 PM | Track A - Trauma of Book Banning & Challenges 

Book challenges and bans don’t just impact shelves—they impact people. For library staff, these moments can bring stress, fear, and even trauma as they work under public pressure and scrutiny. This conversation between Gavin Downing and Kim Cassetto, with Authors Against Book Ban member Kelly Jones as moderator, will create space to talk openly about the emotional toll of book banning, share real experiences from the field, and explore strategies for coping, healing, and standing resilient in the face of challenges.

 Gavin Downing 

  Kim Cassetto

 Kelly Jones

2:30–3:30 PM | Track B - Checking In and Showing Up: Building Connection within the Workplace

Strong interpersonal skills are at the heart of healthy library teams. Wil'Lani Turner, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, and Loida Garcia-Febo, SJSU, will explore the simple but powerful practices, like regular check-ins, open communication, and morale-boosting strategies, that help staff feel seen, supported, and valued.

 Wil'Lani Turner

 Loida Garcia-Febo

4:00–5:00 PM | Closing Session with Karen Fisher

 Karen Fisher