The Speakers

• Amber Alvarez: Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public Library

• Angela Barratt: Independent Librarian

• Candice Cogburn: Dallas Public Library

• Jerrin Duty: University of North Texas

• Kristen Dye: Lewisville Public Library

• Jaime Eastman: Gladys Harrington Library 

• Laura Hargrove: Plano Public Library

• Daphne Lynd: University of North Texas

• Melissa Martinez: Euless Public Library

• Maggie Myers: Euless Public Library

• Beth Oliver: Lewisville Public Library

• Katelyn Patterson: Texas State Library and Archive Commission

• Sara Shepard: Baker and Taylor

• Heather Torres: Plano Public Library

• Susan Wedding: Euless Public Library

Jerrin Duty

Jerrin Duty (she/they) is a library science graduate student at the University of North Texas. She has worked in academic libraries for 3 years and has previously presented at the annual Texas Library Association conference and at the Cross Timbers Library Collaborative conference. She values the experience of assisting patrons with research questions and introducing them to new library resources. In her free time, Jerrin enjoys reading, playing board games with friends, and being outside. 

 Jaimie Eastman

Jaime Eastman is a Senior Public Services Librarian at Plano Public Library. She serves as an Early Literacy Coordinator and focus area librarian for Early Learning, developing, evaluating, and scheduling early learning programs and storytimes across the system. She is also active involved with the Association for Library Service to Children and blogs regularly. Jaime prepares and presents a variety of programming and training for patrons and staff and enjoys connecting others with the resources they need for success.

 Daphne Lynd

Daphne Lynd (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Library Science. With a background in early education, accessible higher education, and literacy, she is passionate about children's books, community, accessibility, and speaking on difficult subjects. Daphne currently works in public libraries. When not working, she can be found playing board games, cooking, or forcing her friends to play Mario Party with her.  

 Maggie Myers

Hi! My name is Maggie Myers, and I have been a Library Assistant for the Euless Library for three years! In 2019, I graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Communication. I lead multiple preschool classes and elementary programs every week, and I love finding out-of-the-box programming ideas to help our students and community at large feel seen. When I’m not at the library, I love baking, playing sports, and fawning over my two orange cats. 

 Katelyn Patterson

Katelyn Patterson, the Youth Services Consultant for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, assists library staff serving youth through consulting and continuing education, acts as the Texas Representative in the Collaborative Summer Library Program, and administers the Texas Family Place Libraries Program. 

 Heather Torres

Heather Torres is a Senior Collection Development Librarian at Plano Public Library. During her time at PPL, Heather has been involved with developing and delivering programs with a specific focus on business and career topics. She has managed and mentored staff content creators as well as volunteers for both adult and youth programs. Since 2015, Heather has been an advisor for Plano Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board. She has worked to evolve the program over the years to meet the teens where they are and help them develop skills to aid them in their futures. Heather actively strives to enhance teen-related services to foster engagement.