Libraries play a vital role in rural communities, but sustaining a high level of meaningful engagement requires creativity and collaboration. Using budget-conscious strategies, West Plains Public Library in Missouri has fostered connections through programs, outreach, and partnerships that reach underserved populations, address community needs, and create sustainable impact. This information-filled session will share real-world success stories, ready-to-use templates, and actionable tools to help any library expand services, strengthen collaborations, and enhance community engagement.
Scheduled Dates
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April 22, 2026, 1:00pm -
2:00pm CDT
Registration closes
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Register |
Instructor(s)
Dr. Greg Carter is currently serving as the library director of the West Plains Public Library. Before serving as the library director, Carter spent fifteen years in public education at West Plains R-7 School District as a classroom teacher, elementary librarian and central office administrator. Carter holds academic degrees from Missouri State University, William Woods University, University of Missouri, and a Doctorate in Education from Saint Louis University.
Carter believes in the transformative power of libraries to educate, empower and enrich the lives of citizens. Through innovative collaborations like Missouri Evergreen, access to knowledge is expanded, creating lifelong learners and stronger communities.
Dianna Locke is currently serving as the Collections Development Specialist at West Plains Public Library. She is also the programming librarian and oversees all social media. Prior to this position, Dianna spent 32 years in public education at West Plains R-7 School District as a high school English teacher, secondary librarian, and online learning coordinator. Locke holds multiple academic degrees from Missouri State University and Grand Canyon University, including a reading specialization.
She values libraries as inclusive community hubs that provide free programs, technology assistance, and opportunities for lifelong learning. A lifelong reader, she has always aspired to be a librarian and enjoys sharing book recommendations with others.