Books are magical because they are like doors that open on exciting new worlds – and libraries are where those magical worlds are preserved, says DD Everest. Let’s explore why the magic is important and the many ways libraries help us expand and grow. Stephanie currently serves as the director of the Summit County Library. She is the recipient of the Special District Association of Colorado: 2018 James T. Walker Leadership Award. 2018 and is currently participating in the NACo High Performance Academy. During her time as Director, Stephanie has seen libraries respond to reductions in funding, and the changing needs of their communities. She believes that through the numerous and evolving demands, libraries have shown themselves to be flexible, creative and adaptive. They remain as essential to healthy communities as ever. In fact, libraries are expanding their role as a vital part of the social infrastructure and community space - open to all. This talk was given at a local TEDx event at TEDxBreckenridge in Breckenridge, CO, and was produced independently of the TED Conferences. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx Stephanie Ralph started working in libraries in 2003. She has held positions at every layer of the organization including serving as the Library Director in Grand County and as the current Director of the Summit County Library. She is the recipient of the Special District Association of Colorado: 2018 James T. Walker Leadership Award. 2018 and is currently participating in the NACo High Performance Academy. During her time as Director, Stephanie has seen libraries respond to reductions in funding, and the changing needs of their communities. She believes that through the numerous and evolving demands, libraries have shown themselves to be flexible, creative and adaptive. They remain as essential to healthy communities as ever. In fact, libraries are expanding their role as a vital part of the social infrastructure and community space - open to all. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx