***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***
A PLA 2026 Virtual Conference On-Demand Webinar
While we can’t always prevent crises, we can control how we communicate during them. What you say—or don’t say—can turn a challenge into a disaster. Discover how ending Joliet’s beloved Star Wars Day became a political and media storm that jeopardized the library. Hear from a seasoned Library Director and a communications strategist as they share how effective messaging helped avert catastrophe. A strong strategy can protect trust, reputation, and stakeholders—and maybe even save the Galaxy.
Recorded live during the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference, April 1–3, 2026.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understanding basic crisis communications tools to develop the right communications strategy in the moment, considering all stakeholders, internal and external;
- Deploying your strategy effectively and knowing when to pivot; and
- Identifying key partners internally and externally—“Who’s in your inner circle?”
Who Should Attend
This on-demand webinar is intended for any public library worker wishing to sample the educational offerings of the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference.
If you were registered for the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference, or were an in-person full-conference registrant who purchased the Virtual Conference add-on, then you already have access to this recording in the online Conference console until July 3, 2026.
Panelists
Megan Millen has been the Executive Director of Joliet Public Library, serving a City of 150,000 people, since November 2016. Prior to that she was Director of the Flossmoor Public Library for 15 years. In her 31 years as a public library librarian, Megan has made relevancy and forward thinking top priorities. Megan served for five years on the Executive Board of the Illinois Library Association. She serves on the Executive Board of the Joliet City Center Partnership and is the current Past Chair. She is a member of the Joliet Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and is Current President of the Joliet Rotary Club #78. She believes that public libraries need a seat at every table. In 2008, she co-founded ATLAS, Area Training for Librarians and Staff, a continuing education organization centered in the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago, which continues strongly to this day.
Kelly Rohder-Tonelli is a seasoned higher education leader with a strong background in strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement. Since 2007, she has held various roles at Joliet Junior College (JJC), where she now serves as Executive Director of Strategic Engagement on the President’s Cabinet. Deeply committed to service and leadership, Kelly co-founded the Community Foundation of Will County Women’s Leadership Fund, helping establish the MorningStar Mission’s first Women’s Resource Room. As a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentor 2.0, she has supported two young women from high school through adulthood. In 2023, she was keynote speaker for the National Society of Leadership and Success JJC Chapter, sharing insights on strengths-based leadership. Kelly also holds key roles in the community, including Board President of the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet, Trustee for the Joliet Public Library, and Board Member of the Joliet Area Chamber of Commerce. Her strategic leadership has enhanced diversity in board appointments and strengthened community resources. Her contributions have been recognized with the Reverend James E. Allen Award and Illinois State Senate Recognition in 2021. An advocate for equity in higher education, Kelly presents nationally on inclusive marketing and leadership, including at the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. Her work reflects a deep commitment to education, community growth, and women’s empowerment. In 2024, she was awarded the international Athena Award by Joliet Area Chamber of Commerce for supporting women in leadership roles.
Important Registration Information
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Accommodations
This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).
If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.
Tech Requirements
To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.
Contact
This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).
