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Programs & Events

Annual Pop Culture Con

Hales Corners Library

When I stepped into the role of Director at Hales Corners Library in February 2022, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were still evident—patron visits and program attendance remained low, and staff turnover had left many of our offerings on repeat. It was clear we needed a creative spark to re-engage our community and prove that even a small library could deliver big, exciting experiences. That spark came in May 2022 with our first-ever Pop Culture Con. Timed near Star Wars Day, the event embraced a “May the 4th Be With You” theme and drew over 125 attendees—our first sign that we were onto something special.

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2023 we chose a Superhero theme with 115 attendees. The following year, we leaned into whimsy with a Willy Wonka theme, partnering with Whitnall High School Theatre during their production of Wonka! We recreated the magical factory experience and welcomed 235 guests! In 2025, we returned to the Star Wars universe, this time with an immersive storyline, and attendance remained strong at 230. Pop Culture Con has become an annual signature event, thriving thanks to the full collaboration of our dedicated library team. With a flexible budget that never exceeds $400, we prioritize sustainability and creative reuse, proving that innovation, teamwork, and a little imagination can stretch a dollar (and a Jedi robe) a long way.

Haunted Historical Tour  & Paranormal Investigation

Kenosha Public Library

In October 2021, I coordinated and updated an annual series of free tours that featured the haunted history of 121-year-old Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library. Saturday night also offered a Paranormal Investigation with the South East WI Paranormal Team, which offered a live viewing at the site, as well as live streaming.

 

Group sizes were limited due to COVID considerations and small spaces in the building. This was a highly collaborative event with several library depts. and the Kenosha Media Group. Total attendees were 116 people.

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Highlights:

Simmons Library History and Catherine Durkee Ghost Bio videos 

Interactive participant passport

Green screen photos

Staff stories of ghostly interactions & Pop-up Poe reading

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Kenosha News Article

Mingling Thru the Decades

Kenosha Public Library

In the Fall of 2019, I designed and led a series of three events that offered a two-hour, immersive experience that examined how people socialized during different time periods:

1880s-1920s: Tea Service with Erika Perona of Traveller's Tearoom

1930s-1940s: Pop-up Museum exhibit with WWII USO Preservation Association

1950s-1960s: Table settings, "Mock"tails, and Weird foods in Jello molds

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Each session includes photo opportunities and the chance to sample foods specific to each theme, such as scones with curdled cream, ration recipe cookies, and a lime tuna jello concoction called "Ring-Around-the-Tuna." (It wasn't as bad as you'd think it might be!) Total attendees were 56 people.

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Kenosha News Articles 1 and 2

ARTISTS' HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENT

University of Houston

In October 2015, I led a collaborative team consisting of Performing Arts, Fine Arts, and Health librarians to offer an Artists' Health and Wellness Event. The free, day-long event was open to students, faculty and staff, and the general public. It was designed to increase access to information and resources on safe and healthy practices for artists and performers through a unique learning experience, by bringing together community artists, health professionals, and arts organizations. 94 people registered for the event and 80 attended.

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View the article written about the event.

View the Performing Arts Health & Wellness Guide created for the event

Additional Examples

  • Sweets & Serenades Fundraiser

    • Fundraiser for the Friends of the Hales Corners Library​

  • Taste of the Chamber

    • Social event for the Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce​

  • Workshop for Job Seekers

    • Collaboration with Kenosha Job Center​

  • Living History Exhibit: 100 Years of Votes for Women

    • Immersive passive program with costumed staff​

  • Crafty Coogs: Recycled Plastic Book Bags

    • Collaboration with UH Sustainability Dept.​

  • Wellness Wednesday: Stress Reduction Techniques

    • Collaboration with UH Wellness Mindfulness Meditation Team​

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