1888: The How, The Why

Resa Mai is a hands-on public library Director in Illinois. She facilitates partnerships within her community and across the state to create engaging exciting programs.  Currently while negotiating a large library addition she is a Lions Club International Vice President and Management Mentor. She has been an active Library advocate since early elementary school when she fell in love with the Velveteen Rabbit and with the idea that the entire world was accessible to her just inside the doors of her library.She has worked in libraries for over 15 years, has been a public speaker and presenter for 20 years. As a lifelong learner she understands that education is varied and personal; that it is a passage as well as a destination.  Her presentation style is relaxed, inviting, engaging and ultimately open-ended.Without Libraries was created to provide librarians a platform to share stories about education, discuss current programs, and consider life without libraries. Libraries provide access to information and ed