ABOUT EVENT

Communicating during times of crisis is challenging, when messaging, procedures, and policies change often. Learn from a panel of experts how library teams can work together to provide clear and consistent messaging in response to difficult situations ranging from major incidents to minor inconveniences. Bad Situation, Good Communication is a training suitable for all levels of library staff. This virtual event on June 15, 2023 presented by the PLP Staff Development Committee is free, and open to all PLP members. Recordings of the training will be made available to all who register for the event.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tX7vKxxMREe3tjzh5VaeRw#/registration

Speaker’s Biographies:

Moderator: Aimee Reeder, Communications Analyst at Berkeley Public Library

Aimee Reeder is the Communications Analyst at Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, CA. Her scope includes both external and internal communications with a fun mix of marketing and public relations. She centers racial justice initiatives in all her work and believes that because government entities had such a great part in creating our inequitable systems, they can have pivotal roles in changing inequitable outcomes. Aimee served in the City of Berkeley‘s Joint Information Center (JIC) throughout the 2019 PSPS wild fire events as well during the first year and a half of the pandemic, while concurrently being responsible for the Library’s crisis communications. As Libraries are natural hubs for trusted communications, it has been a busy few years!

Panelist: Elizabeth Castañeda, Public Information Manager at San José Public Library

Elizabeth Castañeda is the Public Information Manager for the San José Public Library (SJPL).  She oversees the Library’s Public Engagement Division, which includes the Marketing and Communications, Volunteer Services, and Web Services Units. She has led the Marcom team through several award-winning multi-lingual public relations campaigns, gaining national recognition for communicating the value of libraries to the diverse communities of San José. In 2020, Silicon Valley Business Journal recognized her as a “40 under 40” honoree. Prior to working for the library, Castaneda was a Communications Coordinator with the San José Downtown Association. Castaneda is a proud graduate of San José State University where she holds a degree in Public Relations. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys.   

Panelist: Brooke Converse, Public Information Officer/Marketing and Communications at Contra Costa County Library

Brooke Converse has served as the public information officer for the Contra Costa County Library since 2015. In her time with the Library, she has taken on such projects as helping to redesign and launch the new website, introduce five new library card designs, craft the marketing campaign to eliminate fines, and produce multiple advertising campaigns.  

Brooke has helped the library to navigate communications and media relations through two cyber-attacks, PG&E planned power outages, air quality events and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to working for the Library, Brooke was a media specialist at the University of California Office of the President, the communications officer for the alumni association at UC Davis and the media director at the California State Fair. She has a background in television news production and has worked for several stations in Northern California.  

Panelist: Ray Holley, Communications Manager and Public Information Officer at Sonoma County Library

Ray Holley is the Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the Sonoma County Library, a county wide Joint Powers Authority. Ray’s responsibilities include media relations, government affairs, marketing and communications. Prior to working for the library, Ray spent 20 years as a community newspaper editor, where he won awards for investigative journalism, commentary and photojournalism. Ray has also worked as a crisis communications consultant and freelance writer.