About Us
History of ATLAS
ATLAS (Area Training for Library Administrators and Staff) was officially inaugurated in September, 2011, by adopting a set of bylaws. It grew out of Project Phoenix, a task force for succession of continuing education for library staff when Metropolitan Library System ran out of funding in 2008. Its predecessor, Zones 8 & 9, had a long history of joint programming and training.
ATLAS provides continuing education opportunities for all staff levels, from front line through administration as well as annual library trustee training. ATLAS also facilitates special projects such as geocaching in the summer and a directors’ discussion group on a monthly basis. ATLAS applied for and received an FEIN in the fall of 2013. ATLAS continues to develop with a growing membership.
Board Members
Sarah Cottonaro, President
Director, Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District
(708) 371-5666 | scottonaro@alsiplibrary.info
Jennifer Cutshall, Vice-President
Director, Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library District
(708) 755-5040 | jenny@sschlibrary.org
Jamie Paicely, Treasurer
Director, Flossmoor Public Library
(708) 798-3600 | paicelyj@flossmoorlibrary.org
Susan Dienes, Secretary
Director, Crete Public Public Library District
(708) 672-8017 | sdienes@cretelibrary.org
Mary Adamowski, Board Member
Assistant Director, Orland Park Public Library
(708) 428-5202 | madamowski@orlandparklibrary.org
Amanda Kowalcze, Board Member
Head of Youth Services, Green Hills Public Library District
(708) 598-8446 | akowalcze@greenhillslibrary.org
Megan Millen, Board Member
Director, Joliet Public Library
(815) 740-2660 | mmillen@jolietlibrary.org