Once a year, public library directors from across the state convene for three days of networking, training, decision-making, and the presentation of the Utah Quality Library Awards. The Fall Directors Summit is Utah State Library’s biggest annual event.
Planning for the Fall Directors Summit happens all year. Every library, whether it’s a small rural library, or a large library with many branches, is considered when picking out a keynote speaker, training sessions, and activities.
“The Fall Directors Summit is one of my favorite annual projects,” explains Rachel Lenahan, Utah State Library’s training coordinator. “Because library directors face unique opportunities and challenges in their roles, the Summit offers an environment for them to gather, network, and connect with peers who share their experiences.”
At this year's summit, keynote speaker Dr. Stevie M. Munz — an acclaimed communication researcher and educator — delivered an address centered on courage, community, and communication. The event's breakout sessions spanned a wide range of essential subjects, including E-Rate funding, consortium successes, data usage, leadership strategies, and literacy initiatives.
“A unique element of this year's summit was the opportunity to hear from so many directors,” says Merrily Cannon, Utah State Library’s library development program manager. “ I admire the way this group creates a safe place to be open, creative, and solution-oriented. When people feel safe to speak and share, we discover that we can achieve so much more together.”
“At the end of each summit, we hope that directors leave the event feeling renewed, energized, and aware of the support systems available to them from their peers and the State Library Division.” says Rachel.
View this year’s photo gallery here.
