Library staff from throughout northern B.C. will have the opportunity to hear from Library Journal’s 2019 Librarian of the Year at the Beyond Hope Conference in Prince George next week.
Skye Patrick has been the LA County Library Director since 2016 and is responsible for the operation of the library’s 87 libraries and a 15-vehicle mobile fleet, serving 3.4 million residents.
Patrick will speak on the first day of the conference, which brings together library staff and trustees from across British Columbia for practical, hands-on conference sessions. Beyond Hope is a biennial library conference organized by Prince George Public Library staff and runs June 3-4. Nearly 160 delegates are expected to attend.
In January 2019, Patrick was recognized for her significant contributions by Library Journal, one of the most established industry publications. Specifically, Library Journal acknowledged Patrick’s commitment to break down barriers and increase access for all.
She introduced the iCount equity initiative, which ensures that library services and programs address the needs of the diverse community it serves. In continued efforts to eliminate barriers to library use, Patrick implemented a Fine Forgiveness Month in May 2017. With a direct focus on bringing youth back to the library, The Great Read Away program allows card holders with fines to read down fines at their library. Patrick focused on improving the information technology infrastructure by forming a new digital alliance with Microsoft, which allows the Library to update operating systems, and secured funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s Schools and Libraries program to increase bandwidth for a faster internet connection.
Patrick was appointed to the executive board of the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), in July 2017. She continues to reinforce the Library’s role in the community as a civic and cultural centre, a hub for public information and services, and an institution of literacy, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Patrick’s visit to Prince George was made possible with financial support from the College of New Caledonia, University of Northern British Columbia, and OverDrive for Libraries.