April 7, 2026
Dr. Skye Patrick Named PLA 2027-2028 President
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has announced the results of its 2026 election. Members elected Dr. Skye Patrick, County Librarian and Director of LA County Library, to the office of 2027–2028 PLA president. Dr. Patrick will serve a three-year term beginning this July, including one-year stints as president-elect (2026–2027), president (2027–2028), and immediate past-president (2028–2029).
“I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve as president of the Public Library Association,” Dr. Patrick said. “I want to thank Aimee Fifarek for agreeing to stand with me in partnership for our profession and the work we do. I am committed to ensuring PLA and its members are equipped with the practical tools needed to navigate rapid societal and technological change.
“Together, we will work alongside one another to stand tall for public libraries, their users and their workers. Together we will strengthen our collective impact and advance our shared mission,” she added.
Dr. Patrick oversees LA County Library’s $230 million annual budget and eighty-seven libraries serving Los Angeles County’s more than 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 diverse communities.
Dr. Patrick has focused on expanding access through fine-free policies, extended hours, in-person tutoring, modernized programs and forward-thinking marketing, facility and IT improvements, and cross-sector partnerships, while leading through fiscal challenges. She has led more than 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. Her contributions have earned national recognition, including 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, and 2025 James Irvine Leadership Award.
The following candidates also were elected to the PLA Board of Directors:
ALA Division Councilor
- Crystal R. Gates, CEO, North Little Rock Public Library System, Ark.
Director-at-Large Seat A
- Chris Brown, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library, Ill.
Director-at-Large Seat B
- Lola DeWitt, Executive Director, Live Oak Public Libraries, Ga.
Each will serve a three-year term beginning in July 2026.
PLA thanks all the candidates who stood for election, as well as all the members who voted. Their efforts to impact and enhance PLA are deeply valuable to the future of the organization and for public libraries nationwide.
Special thanks to the 2026 Nominating Committee, chaired by Sonia Alcantara-Antoine, PLA Past President (2023–2024), for its outstanding work.
About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.
CONTACT: lclark@ala.org
About LA County Library
LA County Library belongs to our communities and serves as a portal to learn, grow, and succeed. Founded in 1912, it is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US, and was awarded the nation’s highest honor—the National Medal for Museum and Library Service—in 2023. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing access for all through culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries and 15-vehicle mobile fleet, including Bookmobiles, MākMō maker mobiles, and outreach vehicles. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
CONTACT: pio@library.lacounty.gov
