A Conversation with Our New President:
Welcoming Owen Brittan, Ph.D.
to AWE Learning
As we celebrate World Read Aloud Day and National Library Lover’s Month, we’re excited to introduce AWE Learning’s new President, Owen Brittan, Ph.D. We sat down with Owen to discuss libraries, learning, and what’s ahead for AWE Learning.
Q: Owen, welcome to AWE Learning! What drew you to this role?
Owen: Thank you, I’m really excited to be here. What drew me to AWE Learning is how deeply rooted the company is in libraries and communities. Libraries have always been a meaningful part of my life. My parents used to take us to the local library all the time, and I would go straight for the computers to play Oregon Trail or the history section to look at books about WWII. I’ve also interned at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and the Newcastle University Robinson Library. AWE has spent decades supporting that mission, especially with children and families.
“Libraries are one of the few places left where everyone is welcome and learning is free.”
Owen Brittan, Ph.D.
Q: February is National Library Lover’s Month. What do libraries mean to you?
Owen: Libraries are one of our most important community anchors, as one of the few free public spaces left. They support learning far beyond books, from early literacy and after-school programs to workforce development to family services.
“I love that AWE Learning fits naturally into library programming by providing safe, engaging learning opportunities for kids while families use other resources.”
Owen Brittan, Ph.D.
Q: World Read Aloud Day has just passed. How does that connect to AWE Learning’s work?
Owen: Reading aloud is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support early learning. It builds vocabulary, comprehension, confidence, and connection. AWE’s content is designed to complement those moments by helping children explore letters, words, stories, and ideas independently, while reinforcing the literacy experiences they have with caregivers, educators, and librarians.
Q: How do you think about technology and children’s learning?
Owen: Screen time is part of modern childhood, but not all screen time is created equal. When used correctly, it can reinforce literacy, problem-solving, and curiosity. AWE Learning strikes that balance by offering structured, age-appropriate experiences that are safe and engaging, while still encouraging exploration and creativity. That distinction really matters to families and educators. Growing up, I had an IEP due to my struggles learning to read in early elementary school. I was lucky enough to have constant encouragement and access to some resources on our home computer. AWE workstations provide similar support to what I had at home, but in a public space available to everyone.
Q: What role do families play in AWE Learning’s mission?
Owen: Families are central. Libraries are often places where parents and caregivers juggle many needs, whether that’s job searching, classes, or using community services. Because our workstations are offline, AWE provides a safe, trusted space where children can learn independently without staff or parental supervision, which gives families flexibility. They can take advantage of the community programming libraries have to offer while knowing their kids are engaged in meaningful learning.
Q: What’s your vision for AWE Learning moving forward?
Owen: My focus is on stewardship and stability. Libraries rely on solutions that are stable, safe, and easy to manage. AWE Learning is in nearly 50% of public libraries across the country. We have built that trust by supporting our partners for decades. My goal is to strengthen that foundation by continuing to support our partners in a meaningful way as they plan confidently for the future.
We’re thrilled to welcome Owen to AWE Learning and look forward to continuing our work alongside libraries, educators, and families everywhere.
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