iREAD 2025 Showcase
Monday, December 9, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Online (Zoom)
Learn all about the 2025 iREAD theme: Level Up at Your Library. Get inspired with ideas for decorations, programs, and get a sneak peek at the theme for 2026.
Watch the webinar
Jessica Banko has worked in public libraries since 2013 and is currently the Adult Services Librarian at the Plainfield Area Public Library. She has created and developed summer reading programs for teens and adults for the last five years and enjoys it immensely. Jessica believes that libraries are for everyone and leads with empathy in her role. Outside of the library she enjoys a good London Fog, reading, journaling, cooking, and spending time with her kids.
Becca Boland is the iREAD Content and Development Manager for the Illinois Library Association. Prior to joining ILA, Becca worked in a variety of libraries in the Chicagoland area and during that time spent many years as a member of iREAD committee including chairing the program in 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path. She has created and developed summer reading programs for the entirety of her time in libraries and has worked with patrons from birth to adulthood.
Nikki Camp has been in libraries since 2017 and is currently the Programs and Exhibits Coordinator at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. She has been on iREAD almost the entire time she’s been in libraries. Nikki believes in the power of a good book or tv show to bring people together. When not hosting programs Nikki enjoys cuddling with her cats, crafting, and considers herself a TV connoisseur.
Kara DeCarlo has been in libraries for 9 years and is currently the School Liaison for Orland Park Public Library.
Outside of work, she is a parent to two teenagers, a Girl Scout Leader with 11 years' experience, and a volunteer with South Suburban Humane Society.
Born in Washington, D.C., she developed a love of reading at her local public library branch, and an appreciation for the diversity of American experiences from her high school classmates who represented 81 different countries. With an undergraduate degree in art, Kara has a deep love of the picture book as an art form and believes that there is a reader for every book.
Ellen Fitzgerald is a Children’s Services Supervisor at the Naperville Public Library. She has worked in libraries since 2007, and has held Leadership positions for the past 12 years. As a Libraria, Ellen’s mission is to ensure that every patron has a positive library experience, and is supported in their information needs. As a manger, Ellen strives to ensure that her staff enjoy coming to work every day and are connected with the mission of the library.
In her free time, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and interacting with nature. When not in her garden, Ellen can be found hiking, biking or kayaking while listening to a great audiobook.
Maisie Iven is a Teen Librarian for the Naperville Public Library and has been working in libraries since they were a teen. Maisie is the 2025 Chair for iREAD and is always hyped to talk to people about summer reading. When not at work, Maisie is usually trying to convince other people to go birdwatching.
Kaitlin Mathers has worked in libraries since 2016. She spent 4 years in youth and teen services planning summer and winter reading for the Palatine Library. After obtaining her degree and rejoining the Palatine Library as an Adult Services Librarian she discovered she greatly missed planning reading programs and promptly joined the iREAD committee. Kaitlin strongly believes in the power of libraries and their ability to inspire all and bring communities together. When she is not reading she is probably still reading, but listening to an audiobook.
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