
Our Without… program provides an opportunity for community leaders to share stories about today, with context from our past, and learn moving forward. Our first two series consider life without books and life without libraries. Each guest has three minutes to record their Microcast episode.
Listen to episodes on our website, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you podcast.
John Fischer
John Fischer has served as director of the Normal Public Library since 2023. In this role, Fischer leads teams responsible for the educational, cultural, informational and recreational resources provided by the library to enrich the quality of life for Normal citizens. Fischer has worked in public libraries for more than 20 years, including time at Bloomington Public Library and St. Louis County Library.
Selicia Applegate
Selicia Applegate is the Workshop Manager at Palatine Public Library. With over 10 years at the library, Selicia helped grow the department from a traditional tech support desk into a bustling makerspace that can run over 20 pieces of equipment at once—especially during the holidays.
Amy Vidlak Girmscheid
Amy Vidlak Girmscheid is a professional librarian with over 30 years of experience in public and special libraries. She has served the Library community as an archivist, Collection Development Librarian, reference librarian, library director and overall change agent.
Alea Perez
Alea Perez is a Youth Services Manager in the Chicago suburbs and she has worked in libraries for 16 years (10 in management). Alea grew up in libraries while her mother served as a Youth Services librarian for 30 years, starting when she was in elementary school.
Kate Buckson
Kate Buckson serves as the library director of St. Charles Public Library in Illinois. She has worked in public libraries for over twenty years.
Resa Mai
Resa Mai is a hands-on public library Director in Illinois. She facilitates partnerships within her community and across the state to create engaging exciting programs. Currently while negotiating a large library addition she is a Lions Club International Vice President and Management Mentor.

Join the conversation
Mission
Past Forward is a public service dedicated to educational accessibility.
Books
Search millions of discounted books with next business day shipping in the US.
Information
To learn more, please visit the following pages for Context, Disclaimers, Policies, and Terms.