Meet the PLA Board
Meet Larry Neal, Fiscal Officer
I’m the director of the Clinton-Macomb Public Library, a district library serving over 185,000 residents of Clinton Township and Macomb Township in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. I have forty-three years of public library experience, hold a BA in Spanish and German and an MBA from Oakland University as well as an MSI-LIS from the University of Michigan School of Information. I’m a past president of the Michigan Library Association, a past president of the Public Library Association, and a Library Journal Mover & Shaker. I recently served on the Executive Board of the American Library Association (2020–23) and am a Policy Corps Fellow for the ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office.
Why I wanted to serve on the PLA Board
My motto is always, “when PLA asks, say YES!” It was an honor to be asked to complete the term of the Fiscal Officer marking my third round of service on the PLA Board. PLA is an amazing organization comprising an incredibly talented staff and member volunteers. I am always inspired by the work and am happy to give back to an association that has greatly enriched my career and network of friends and colleagues.
My vision for the future of public libraries
Libraries have been the cornerstones of community life in the United States for centuries. While the services offered have continued to evolve and respond to the changing needs of the communities they serve, the fundamental notion of a community space that enriches the lives of every citizen who chooses to enter their doors or connect virtually has not. Until the day that babies are born with literacy chips in their brains and AI and virtual reality replace the joy of sharing a physical space (a.k.a. loss of humanity) there will always be a place in the heart of every thriving community for a public library.
My favorite book
Rick Steves’ travel guides for Europe and then any travel guide even if I don’t end up going there.
Somewhere I love to frequent in my community
My church, a locally owned gourmet market (winter), a local farmer’s market (summer), and my local garden center.
Photo: Larry Neal in Auckland, NZ.
