WEBINAR

Library Programs that Help Build Economic Mobility for Youth

This webinar originally took place on June 18, 2025. 

Libraries across the country are developing innovative programs to support opportunity youth, or young people ages 16-24 who are not in school or employed. In this webinar, member libraries from ULC’s Creating Youth Opportunities cohort will share their experiences designing and implementing library services that meet the needs of this often overlooked population.

Through real-world examples, speakers highlight successful strategies, key challenges, and lessons learned in building meaningful partnerships and sustainable programs in libraries. Attendees will gain practical insights into how libraries can play a vital role in expanding educational and economic opportunities for opportunity youth. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion and Q&A.

Moderator: Katie Sullivan

Senior Program Manager, Urban Libraries Council

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Katie Sullivan joined the Urban Libraries Council in 2022, where she manages a number of programs and initiatives for public libraries focused on food justice, education, entrepreneurship, and race and social equity. She came to ULC with experience in project management, event planning and content development from several Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Katie served as a program manager for the National Association of Counties, providing local government leaders with programming related to economic mobility, arts and culture and equitable economic recovery. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Hispanic studies from the College of William & Mary and is working on her Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jamie Griffin

Assistant Director for Creative Outreach & Special Projects, Memphis Public Libraries

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The best way to summarize my role at Memphis Public Libraries is to say the team and I do what is necessary to help meet the needs and challenges of our community. The longer version consist of operating outside library walls, both literally and figuratively, to serve people of all ages by providing literacy support, skill building, and unique social experiences.

Megan Sutherland

Chief Operating Officer, Prince George's County Memorial Library System

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Megan Sutherland is the Chief Operating Officer for the Prince George's County Memorial Library System. She provides operational and strategic leadership for the programs, services, and collections at the system's nineteen branch libraries and the County Correctional Center's law library. Megan is passionate about developing and supporting library workers at all levels to provide community-focused, equity-driven library services. Before becoming a librarian, Megan worked in non-profit management and as a field organizer for political campaigns.

Kelsey See

Branch Manager, Norman Public Library East

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Kelsey See started her work in public libraries in 2012 in Central Oklahoma as a Children's Library Assistant at the Moore Public Library of the Pioneer Library System and eventually the Children's Services Manager after obtaining a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma. She earned her MLIS in 2023 and currently serves as the Branch Manager at Norman Public Library East. Kelsey also leads the system's Youth Opportunities Critical Mission Team, a cross-functional team of staff devoted providing upward mobility for at-risk teens.