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UPCOMING ULC EVENT

Reading Railroad: Reimagining Storytime to Center Representation 

Reading Railroad: Reimagining Storytime to Center Representation 
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Location:
Virtual - Zoom
Webinar

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Join Dayton Metro Library for an in-depth look at Reading Railroad, a 2025 ULC Top Innovator that is redefining what’s possible in library programming by centering Black boys, their families, and their communities. This session will explore the urgent challenges that sparked the initiative—including persistent literacy disparities, the underrepresentation of Black men in the library profession (who hold just 1% of MLIS degrees), and the limited presence of stories that reflect Black boys’ joy, imagination, and potential. 
 
Participants will learn how Reading Railroad transforms a familiar program model—storytime—into a culturally affirming, community-driven ecosystem that integrates literacy with mentorship, identity development, and leadership. We will also explore the growth of the initial Black Men Read Challenge into additional programming like Hometown Heroes, Fatherhood Academy, Flowers for Fathers, and more. The session will highlight key program elements, partnerships, and outcomes, while offering practical insights for libraries seeking to build more inclusive, representative, and impactful services.

QUESTIONS? Contact [email protected] for help with this event.

Presented By

Dr. Karlos L. Marshall, Director of Community Impact and Engagement, Dayton Metro Library

Dr. Karlos L. Marshall is an internationally recognized social entrepreneur at the intersections of literacy advocacy, neighborhood revitalization, and community development. He has been named to Forbes ‘30 Under 30’, U.S. Library of Congress Literacy Award Best Practice Honoree, International Literacy Association ‘30 Under 30’, and Next City Vanguard. He currently serves as the Director of Community Impact and Engagement at the Dayton Metro Library. In this role, he oversees strategic community partnerships and specialized services for workforce development, small businesses, nonprofits, peer recovery support, food pantry, and public advocacy. 

  

 

 

 

Robert Owens, Community Impact and Innovation Manager, Dayton Metro Library

Robert Owens is an innovative, creative, and highly insightful professional. Currently, he serves as the Community Impact and Innovation Manager here at the Dayton Metro Library. Before this role, he served as the Assistant Branch Manager at DML's Southeast Branch. Robert obtained his B.S. degree in special education from Central State University. He has taught for 15 years and worked with at-risk youth in education, corrections, treatment, and chemical dependency for 20 years. He also holds an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Wright State University and has over 25 years of experience as a trained facilitator. Robert brings more than two decades of experience in the areas of innovation, transformational leadership, achievement, and professional development.

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