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17
Posted by aprilwright on September 17th, 2026
Posted in: Uncategorized
Disaster. Crisis. Emergency. Where there is a critical and immediate community need, there is a crisis, an emergency, or a disaster. Libraries show up in moments of crisis because they have spent years earning the trust of the people they serve. When disaster hits, when a pandemic reshapes daily life, or when the quieter crisis of mental health need settles into a community, people find their way to the library. The question is whether staff will have what they need to respond in ways that meet people where they are.
Join NNLM Region 1 for Ready Now: A Framework for Disaster Response in Libraries on September 23rd, 11:00am-12pm ET. Learn about the Ready Now Toolkit, which guides organizations and staff in shifting mindsets and strategizing effective ways to navigate response, and learn how it is being used in libraries.
Our Presenters
Dr. Mega Subramaniam is a Professor at the College of Information at the University of Maryland and lead Principal Investigator of the Ready NOW project. Her research focuses on strengthening the role of libraries in advancing digital literacies among marginalized populations through community-centered approaches. Her work bridges research and practice to enhance the skills of library staff. Dr. Subramaniam’s contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally, including the Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers Award, Young Adult Library Services Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and both Fulbright Specialist and Fulbright Scholar Awards.
Tyler Hahn is the Director of the Cherokee Public Library in Cherokee, Iowa, where he leads initiatives focused on digital equity, inclusive engagement, and future-ready workforce development. A 2024 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award winner from the Iowa Library Association. He advocates for rural libraries as essential civic infrastructure—empowering communities through innovation, education, and connection.
Register here to reserve your spot! If you can’t make it, register anyway. The webinar will be recorded.
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