Join RSA US for an inspiring conversation between Jennie Garner, Daphna Blatt, and Ena Esco, moderated by Shamichael Hallman (author of Meet me at the Library) exploring the role of libraries in shaping our communities and fostering meaningful connections.This event invites you to share your stories and experiences of libraries while connecting with people who are trailblazers and futurists, pushing the evolution of our library systems. Together, we’ll explore how libraries foster community, connection, and opportunity.
Through thought-provoking prompts we’ll reflect on the ways libraries create opportunities, build community, and inspire connection. Together, we’ll explore how libraries act as hubs for civic infrastructure, sparking innovative ideas for what they can offer—and how we can contribute to their future.
Whether you're a library enthusiast, a community builder, a connector, or someone curious about reimagining public spaces, this event offers a platform for reflection, dialogue, and collective inspiration. Let’s explore how the library is more than a place for books—it’s a space for possibility. Come ready to share, learn, and imagine new ways we can enable connection!
Moderator
Shamichael Hallman
Author of Meet Me at the Library, Shamichael Hallman is a visionary leader in civic health and community development, currently serving as the Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council. In this role, he champions the vital role of libraries as essential city infrastructure—connecting diverse communities, enhancing public safety, and driving economic opportunities for underserved populations. His book offers a compelling exploration of how libraries can foster civic dialogue, community engagement, and bridge-building in today's society. His 2020 TEDx talk "Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community" garnered international attention among librarians and social innovators.
Speakers
Jennie Garner
Jennie Garner is currently the director of the North Liberty Library (IA) where she has worked for more than 25 years in a variety of roles. As director, she makes it her practice to involve all levels of staff in organizational planning and decision-making. She firmly believes that staff development and engagement – both in the library and in the community –are keys to a dynamic and impactful library. Jennie has presented nationally and internationally on topics including community engagement and bridging; inclusive policy development; and positive leadership. Jennie served as the 2023 President of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and is passionate about advocacy and seeking avenues to build cohesion between libraries of all sizes. She has also served two terms on the executive board of the Iowa Library Association (ILA) during her career and has additionally been involved in and chaired multiple subdivisions and committees including governmental affairs, Intellectual Freedom, Library Leadership and Management Association, Public Library Forum, Leadership Committee, Iowa Small Library Association, and Conference Planning. She currently serves on the Public Library Association Public Libraries Advisory Committee. Locally, Jennie is member of the board for Inside Out Reentry Community, an organization that supports returning citizens. She has particular interests in leadership and policy development and in justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in libraries.
Daphna Blatt
Daphna Blatt is The New York Public Library's Senior Director of Strategy & Public Impact. She and her team work with colleagues across the Library, and external stakeholders, to maximize NYPL’s public impact through strategy development and implementation, policy and program incubation, performance measurement and impact articulation, user research, decision support and thought partnership, and relationship building and culture change.
A strategy professional with management consulting and psychology expertise, Daphna guides individuals, groups, and institutions through change, working at the intersection of organizational, interpersonal, and inner development. She is also an evangelist for the magic of public libraries - particularly for their unique brand of civic infrastructure, and their role as civic assets in our communities.
Ena Esco
Ena Esco is a seasoned radio professional with over 20 years of experience, excelling in roles such as producer, voice-over talent, morning show co-host, and weekend host. She has worked with major media organizations, including Cumulus, Citadel, and iHeartMedia. Ena is a proud graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, where she earned the distinction of Dubois Scholar, and was crowned Miss LOC 2000.
In January 2018, Ena launched the Verbally Effective podcast, a platform exploring art, culture, politics, and entertainment through compelling interviews with notable individuals connected to Memphis. The podcast highlights the personal journeys of its guests and their contributions to Memphis's cultural landscape. Verbally Effective is available on all major streaming platforms and airs on WYXR 91.7FM every Tuesday from 12-1 pm CST.
As the Innovator in Residence at the historic Cossitt Library in Downtown Memphis, Ena spearheads podcast programming initiatives, including workshops on podcast development, monetization strategies, equipment tools and audience engagement. She also curates live podcast shows, expert panels, and the annual PodBox Memphis Festival, fostering collaboration and innovation within the podcasting community.
Ena’s dedication to media excellence and mentorship has earned her widespread recognition, including being selected as an honoree for the 2023 Memphis Grizzlies HBCU Empowerment Award in recognition of Ena’s impactful work with her alma mater, Verbally Effective podcast and the community. Additionally, her Innovator in Residency program received an honorable mention from the Urban Libraries Council Innovation Awards this year, highlighting her impact on advancing podcasting and storytelling in the Memphis community.
Taking part in online events
For our interactive online events, the RSA uses the platform Zoom. It may be necessary to follow a short set-up process. To understand how Zoom uses your data, please read their privacy policy.
Zoom call joining details will be sent via email in advance of the event.
If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation, please let the team know by emailing: general.us@thersa.org.
We sometimes record our online RSA Fellowship events for learning purposes, publicity and/or public viewing. By attending this event, you accept that you may appear in RSA videos or images as an attendee of this event.
