Laura McGrath
Biography
Laura McGrath is a lifelong library user whose interest in a public library career was sparked during a college internship at the Minneapolis Public Library. While attending the University of Michigan School of Information, she served as a residence hall head librarian, managing the operations and personnel of what essentially was a small branch library. After graduation she went to work at Skokie Public Library as an adult services librarian and, quickly realizing it was an incredible library in an amazing community, never left. In her twenty-plus years at Skokie, she’s served in a number of roles, including assistant head of information services, special projects coordinator, and manager of access services. She currently serves as the library’s deputy director, with experience overseeing public services, operations, technical services, and collections, as well as coordinating a $17 million building renovation in the middle of the pandemic.
From the beginning of her career, Laura was fortunate to work in an organization that valued and supported professional development. The library encouraged her to become involved in state and national organizations and take part in numerous training opportunities. Completing the PLA Leadership Academy was the catalyst for even greater involvement with PLA, including terms as chair of the PLA 2022 Conference Program Subcommittee and, most recently, chair of the Annual Conference 2024 Program Subcommittee. With PLA playing such an important role in her career, she’s passionate about giving back to the profession, especially promoting ways to support the growth and development of library staff. When not working, Laura coordinates a busy household and occasionally finds time to read and do gymnastics at the local rec center.
Personal Statement
“I deeply value PLA’s commitment to supporting library staff with opportunities for professional development and growth, championing the vital work public libraries do for their communities, and advocating for public libraries as well as providing resources for grassroots advocacy efforts. Libraries and the communities they serve have evolved over the years, and I appreciate how PLA has evolved alongside them, continuing to support public libraries and library staff with an emphasis on being inclusive and ensuring that a variety of voices and perspectives are heard and valued. If elected to the PLA Board, I would focus on promoting libraries as third places, ensuring libraries are accessible and inclusive spaces, and supporting public library staff development at all levels.”