Tri-County Summit 2026

Birds of a Feather

Register for the Tri-County Summit

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Monday, October 12, 2026
at the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Branch of the Washington County Free Library
100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD 21740
8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Select a session title to view more details

Session 1 Offerings (10:30 am - 11:30 am)

This session will help to equip new and aspiring managers with essential leadership skills to successfully transition from individual contributor to effective team leader. New leaders will learn how to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibility, foster accountability and ownership, motivate and coach individuals and teams, assess skills, hire and develop talent, communicate professionally, and build trust and respect—while mastering the critical shift in mindset when former peers become your subordinates.
Presented by Tif Sutherland from Calvert Library in Prince Frederick, Maryland.
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated—or limited to one department. In this practical, hands-on session, we’ll break down simple, effective strategies to help you promote library programs and services with confidence. Learn how to identify your audience, craft clear and compelling messages, and choose the right tools to reach your community. Whether you’re creating a flyer, talking with patrons, or planning an event, you’ll leave with easy-to-use tips that can make a real impact right away.
Presented by Ashley Swinford and Renee L. Mason from the Allegany County Library System.

Ashley Swinford is the Director of Advancement & Engagement for the Allegany County Library System and has worked at ACLS since 2014. She served as Online Services Specialist from 2018–2020 and as Director of Marketing & Outreach from 2020–2026, helping lead the library system’s digital presence, community engagement, branding, and strategic communications efforts. Ashley earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Management from Frostburg State University in 2013, as well as an MLIS from the University of Maryland in 2020. She is also a graduate of Leadership Allegany Class of 2024, where she was honored as class valedictorian. A Cumberland native, she lives in Cumberland with her boyfriend, Jacob, and their pets, Finn and Moose. Ashley enjoys thrillers, horror, historical fiction, and nonfiction, and loves channeling her inner rock star with Fleetwood Mac karaoke on Saturday nights.
Renee L. Mason is the Coordinator of Communications & Media for the Allegany County Library System and has worked at ACLS since 2004. She served as Communications Assistant from 2004–2016 and as Arts & Graphics Coordinator from 2016–2026, helping lead communications, branding, and community outreach to strengthen connections across the region and promote lifelong learning. Renee earned a BS in Art Education and Graphic Design from Frostburg State University in 1991 and an MS in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2024. She is also a graduate of Leadership Allegany Class of 2016.
She serves as Communications Chair for the Allegany County Commission for Women and is a founding leader of Choose Civility: Allegany County, a grassroots initiative dedicated to fostering respectful dialogue and kindness. In 2025, she was honored with Allegany County's Positive People Award in recognition of her leadership, compassion, and lasting community impact.
A LaVale resident, Renee lives with her husband, Bill, and is the proud mother of Will, Joshua, and Benjamin. Outside of work, she can usually be found at her easel painting in oil or watercolor, tending her vegetable garden, or untangling a new branch of the family tree.
Ever been asked to find “that book with the blue cover and the dragon... or maybe a dog”? Welcome to the wild world of children’s reader’s advisory! In this session, we’ll arm you with the magical powers needed to match pint-sized patrons with their next favorite read — whether they're obsessed with dinosaurs, princesses, or books that make fart noises. Expect tips, tricks, and a few booklists. Perfect for anyone who loves books, kids, and controlled chaos.
Stef Long-Murphy is a dynamic library leader and STEM advocate, serving as Manager of Children’s at the Enoch Pratt Free Library/ State Library Resource Center and President of the Maryland STEM Festival Board. She’s known for designing bold, inclusive, hands-on programs that transform libraries into vibrant hubs of learning, creativity, and community connection. A big fan of bookish matchmaking, Stef loves helping kids (and their grownups) find just right reads that spark giggles, curiosity, and lifelong reading adventures. Stef holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from PennWest University.
The essence of Verbal Judo is to influence others to come around to your way of thinking and is best defined as a gentle yet powerful way of persuasion that helps us to avoid, resolve and manage resistance by using presence and words, whether to resolve conflict or to close a deal with a customer.
Jeff Rowe has served over two decades as a public school administrator and teacher. A current PhD student, Jeff combines current research, application, and experience with a passion for enhancing the lives of course participants through Doc Thompson’s life-changing principles. Jeff has lived experience as a police officer, EMS first-responder, foster and adoptive parent, small business owner, and faith-based leader. Jeff has instructed courses in the United States and Canada. Jeff is married with four adult-children and 3 grandchildren. Jeff enjoys SCUBA diving, personal fitness, and drums.

Session 2 Offerings (1:10 pm - 2:10 pm)

Getting data from Polaris can sometimes be challenging, but it doesn't have to be! More details coming soon!
Presented by Rich Beverungen, Business Intelligence Manager from the Western Maryland Regional Library.
Straight-forward binding techniques to help libraries keep their books in sound condition. Many of the techniques are suitable for application by volunteer helpers. This is a shortened version of our day-long "Repairs for General Library Collections" workshop held each June.
Presented by Jill Deiss and Rowland Kirks from Cait Tail Run.
Jill Deiss is the proprietor of Cat Tail Run Hand Bookbinding in Winchester, Virginia. She received her training in bookbinding and book restoration first in Northampton, Massachusetts, then at Cornell University’s Department of Library Conservation, and in the Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation Laboratories. Mrs. Deiss holds a B.S. in Chemistry and received a Master of Library Science degree from Syracuse University where she specialized in the study of archives and rare books. Work of note includes conservation treatment of John Wilkes Booth’s diary for Ford’s Theater Museum, conservation of the bank account records of Abraham Lincoln for Riggs Bank, and the restoration of George and Martha Washington’s copy of Mark Catesby’s Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands for Georgetown University. She is a bookbinding instructor for The School for Bookbinding Arts in Winchester, Virginia.
Rowland Kirks studied studio art as an undergraduate and serves at Cat Tail Run as a papermaker, inventor, and bouncer.  He studied papermaking with Jacques Brejoux of Moulin du Verger in Puymoyen, France.
It is well known that, often, after Storytime is over, it must be time to do a craft. However, does it need to be? Join us for an exploration into the alternative option of free play (art still heavily encouraged) and why doing less may actually give your patrons something more.
Post-Storytime Alternative presented by Victoria Downs from the Washington County Free Library. Storytime Swap presented by Laura Gross from the Washington County Free Library.
Vicki has been with the Williamsport Branch of the Washington County Library System since Fall of 2019 as a Children's Associate and has been through branch closures more than once. Fear not though, because even without a building, Storytime goes on!
Practical strategies for designing book displays that are visually appealing, interactive, accessible and inclusive. We will also discuss tools and techniques on how to make the most of limited budgets, finding reliable sources of inspiration and ways to track and measure success.
Presented by Bonnie Ramsburg and Swaneet Mand from Washington County Free Library.
Bonnie Ramsburg has worked in the Young Adult department at the Fletcher Branch for the past three years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Hood College. During her time as a student, she served as a Gallery Assistant in the Hodson Gallery at the Tatem Arts Center. Before her career at the library, she spent a decade teaching Yoga and Mindful meditation for various non-profit groups. She is also a certified Master Naturalist in Frederick County and worked at the Catoctin Creek Nature Center as a site host and program instructor. She is a devoted mother of two and loves foraging, birdwatching and exploring the Appalachian Trail with her husband, 2-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, writing, and listening to David Bowie.
Swaneet Mand has worked in libraries since 2019, with a brief and disappointing venture into corporate fintech in 2022. While completing her Bachelor's, she interned at the Plano Interurban Railway Museum and wrote articles for Rhodes College's Communications Department as a Staff Writer. After college, she worked in Reference, Children's, Tweens, and now Teen Services. She is working on her Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) at University of Tennessee Knoxville, focused on the intersection of youth services and UX in libraries. Swaneet loves reading, writing, baking, watching tv, playing video games, and playing in the dirt in her garden. She has two cats, a mastermind tabby and a clueless calico.
How do you diffuse a group of rowdy middle schoolers who come into the library and disrupt other patrons by running, shouting, and chasing each other? “What's the Scenario” will provide an opportunity for staff to role play and experience different scenarios in a library setting where they will need to practice conflict resolution with patrons and/or staff. These scenarios will help to build confidence in staff for handling real life situations in a setting that is safe, while providing encouragement and feedback. While each county has their own set of Policies and Procedures, we’ve selected scenarios that can be applied across the counties.
Presented by Jenny Bakos from the Washington County Free Library, Thomas Vose of The Ruth Enlow Library and Garrett County, and Doug Baker of the Allegany County Library System.
Jenny Bakos is the Executive Director for the Washington County Free Library, Thomas Vose is the Director of The Ruth Enlow Library, and Doug Baker is...

Session 3 Offerings (2:20 pm - 3:20 pm)

Tour of the Western Maryland Regional Library followed by a question and answer session.
Presented by Elizabeth Hulett and Darlene Reimond
Elizabeth Hulett is the Director of the Western Maryland Regional Library, former Head of Adult Services at WCFL, and former Head of Circulation at Raleigh County Library in West Virginia.
Darlene Reimond is the Head of Collection Development at the Western Maryland Regional Library.
As libraries shift from lending more than just books, catalogers have had to find new and creative ways to add these non-traditional items into the catalog. More details coming soon!
Presented by Jennifer Martin from Salisbury University.
In this session, we'll dive into how to present engaging homeschool enrichment sessions that require low-stress planning. We'll talk about how to tailor classes to your homeschool population's needs, how to create connections with community educators, and how to use free tools to make everything run like clockwork.
Presented by Dakota Vaughn from Washington County Free Library. Dakota is the Kids and Tweens Library Associate at Fletcher Library in downtown Hagerstown. She's been a native of Hagerstown all her life, and loves that her job allows her to give back to the community she adores. When she's not at work dissecting owl pellets with homeschoolers, or playing "Poetry for Neanderthals" with tweens, she enjoys reading, writing and puzzling at home where she lives with her grandfather and four cats.
Storytime for Adults with All Abilities was organized to create a safe space for adults with all levels of abilities to come engage with their community, while also learning and enjoying their time. This space is for anyone and everyone. There have been multiple adults from all levels of abilities who attend and discover something new. Through the program, we listen to stories and create arts and crafts.
Presented by Yesenia Garcia-Navarro from Washington County Free Library. Yesenia works at the Fletcher Branch in Information Services. She has been with WCFL since April 2023. She started part-time in the Teens Department, then moved up to full-time as an Information Services (Reference) Associate. She completed Project Enable and her first adult program was Storytime for Adults with All Abilities.
How do you diffuse a group of rowdy middle schoolers who come into the library and disrupt other patrons by running, shouting, and chasing each other? “What's the Scenario” will provide an opportunity for staff to role play and experience different scenarios in a library setting where they will need to practice conflict resolution with patrons and/or staff. These scenarios will help to build confidence in staff for handling real life situations in a setting that is safe, while providing encouragement and feedback. While each county has their own set of Policies and Procedures, we’ve selected scenarios that can be applied across the counties.
Presented by Suzanne Bonser from The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, Shea Morse from the Allegany County Library System, and Tracy Carroll from the Western Maryland Regional Library.

Tracy Carroll is a Web Specialist of 19 years for the Western Maryland Regional Library. Over the years she has built numerous productivity tools across the 3 counties to help our libraries become more efficient. From websites, database tools, Timesheets, and Statistics; every day is another opportunity to build efficiency tools for the libraries. My favorite geek quotes are “you had me at SQL” and "data without insight is just a number"!

Tri-County Summit 2026

Birds of a Feather

Register for the Tri-County Summit

Session 1 Offerings (10:30 am - 11:30 am)

Session 2 Offerings (1:10 pm - 2:10 pm)

Session 3 Offerings (2:20 pm - 3:20 pm)

Summit Schedule

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