United for Libraries Staff

Beth Nawalinski is the Executive Director for United for Libraries. Although Beth completed her undergraduate studies in nuclear engineering, she has pursued her career for more than 20 years supporting libraries and literacy first as Community Relations Coordinator with Barnes & Noble, followed by Public Relations Specialist with the Norfolk (Va.) Public Library, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator with Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA), Director of Marketing & Communications for United for Libraries, and most recently Deputy Executive Director for United for Libraries. She is the co-author of 101+ Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends and Even More Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends.

As executive director, Beth works with United for Libraries leaders to increase our capacity to serve our members. She supports the efforts of members and member leaders ensuring that committees extend the board’s vision to the membership, and is responsible for the overall management of the staff and the development of member services and benefits. Beth provides operational, fiscal, strategic planning, member relations, communications, product development, and program leadership to United for Libraries, and works closely with members and non-members to provide resources, information, training, and assistance to Friends of the Library groups, library Trustees, library Foundations, and library staff.

To contact Beth Nawalinski, please email united@ala.org or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 5868.

Jillian Wentworth is the Manager of Marketing & Membership for United for Libraries. Jillian has worked for public libraries since 1994, most recently at Princeton (N.J.) Public Library and Easttown (Pa.) Library & Information Center. She earned a master's degree in library and information science from Drexel University and a bachelor's degree in English from Hollins University. Jillian has also worked as a journalist and editor, as well as in marketing and public relations for nonprofit arts organizations.

Jillian oversees publicity, communications, and marketing for the division, and promotes statewide group access and digital products. She edits the United for Libraries e-newsletter, and News & Updates, works with member-leaders and corporate sponsors, and coordinates conference programming and special events.She oversees awards, works on webinars and training, and manages programs and events at the ALA Annual Conference.

To contact Jillian Wentworth, please email united@ala.org or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2160.

Office Hours

The United for Libraries office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday. For general inquiries, please call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161 during these hours. For assistance outside of these hours, please email united@ala.org. Emails are monitored evenings, weekends, and many holidays to ensure our members receive timely responses to their requests.