Meet the PLA Board

Dr. Patrick was appointed to lead LA County Library on February 1, 2016. With a career that spans leadership roles at Broward County Library, Queens Public Library in New York, and San Francisco Public Library, she oversees LA County Library’s $230 million annual budget and 87 libraries serving over 10 million residents.

From the beginning of her tenure, Dr. Patrick has centered community voice through inclusive processes ensuring residents and staff help shape library services and priorities. Her mission has been to break down barriers and expand access by developing programs that meet the needs of LA County’s diverse communities. Dr. Patrick has focused on expanding access through fine-free policies, extended hours, in-person tutoring, modernized programs and marketing, facility and IT improvements, and cross-sector partnerships, while leading through fiscal challenges. She has led over 30 library renovations, new builds, and refurbishments. Under her leadership, the library amassed more than $50 million in grant funds and collaborations with other service entities.

A strong advocate for library services beyond traditional walls, Dr. Patrick spearheaded the launch of a mobile fleet featuring Bookmobiles, MākMō maker mobiles, early literacy vehicles, and mobile outreach units. She also introduced initiatives to eliminate financial barriers, including Fine Forgiveness Month and The Great Read Away, allowing young customers to reduce fees by reading. In 2021, she led the Library’s transition to a fine-free model, ensuring equitable access for all residents. Dr. Patrick has focused on strengthening the Library’s digital infrastructure through a strategic partnership with Microsoft and securing federal funding to expand internet bandwidth across all locations.

When LA County Library was forced to close its doors in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Patrick swiftly guided staff in adapting to a new reality by launching innovative digital services to maintain engagement with customers. Under her leadership, the Library introduced a Laptop & Hotspot Loan program, expanded Wi-Fi access to parking lots through its Park & Connect program, and developed a robust range of virtual programs for all ages via YouTube, Webex, and Zoom.

During the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires, Dr. Patrick rapidly aligned Library operations to support LA County’s emergency response, hosting FEMA sites at select locations and distributing essential supplies, including emergency kits, masks, diapers, and school materials.

As a 2020 Stanton Fellow, she explored ways for libraries to evolve as centers for education, culture, and community impact. Dr. Patrick serves on the Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council and the Board of Directors for California Humanities.

Her contributions have earned national recognition, including the Library Journal’s Marketer of the Year Award in 2018, Librarian of the Year award in 2019, 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and 2025 James Irvine Leadership Award. Dr. Patrick is the 2027–2028 President of the Public Library Association, the largest professional organization for public library systems and librarians in the nation. Dr. Patrick remains dedicated to reinforcing the Library’s role as a hub for information, literacy, civic engagement, learning, and belonging.

Why I wanted to serve on the PLA Board

It is my time to give back to the profession that has given me so much.

My vision for the future of public libraries

Libraries continue to remain a safe, trusted and well-appointed institution for families, for seekers, for the curious. My hope for the future of libraries is that we are non-negotiable, well-funded public treasure for decades to come.

My favorite book

I genuinely don’t have a favorite. Some recent books I can’t not forget?
Warmth of Other Suns and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Dark Money by Jane Mayer
Sapien by Yuval Noah Jarari
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet

Somewhere I love to frequent in my community

Lake Cachuma.