Redefining the role of libraries as hubs of inclusion, innovation, and impact
Overview
In her youth, Skye Patrick turned to her local library as a sanctuary—a judgment-free space that offered stability, resources, and a sense of belonging. It was there that her love for learning was nurtured and her vision for the transformative power of libraries took root. Determined to create such spaces for others, Patrick devoted her education and career to reimagining libraries as essential pillars of the community.
Since 2016, Patrick has transformed LA County Library into a hub of inclusion, innovation, and impact. Drawing from her own experiences of seeking stability and self-discovery in libraries, she has expanded their mission far beyond book lending. Under her leadership, the Library serves 3.4 million residents annually, offering culturally relevant programs, career development resources, mental health support, services for the unhoused, and interventions for public health crises like the opioid epidemic. Patrick’s vision ensures libraries remain welcoming spaces that bridge gaps in education, equity, and opportunity for all Angelenos.
“Libraries are not just about books. They are about people.”
SKYE PATRICK
Issue Areas
Primary Regions Served
Challenge
- Los Angeles County is the most populous and diverse county in the United States, with nearly 10 million residents—more than the population of 40 states. Over three-quarters of its residents are non-white, more than one-third were born outside the U.S., and collectively, they speak over 200 languages.[1]
- Many children and adults in the county, particularly Black and Latino individuals from households living on a low income, have low literacy levels. Additionally, 19% of adults over the age of 25 lack a high school diploma.[2]
- A significant portion of the county’s population face social and economic hardships with 28% of renters experiencing a severe housing cost burden, 30% of households experiencing food insecurity, and 10% living below the federal poverty line, a rate substantially higher than the statewide average of 8.5%. [3] [4] [5]
- Los Angeles County is one of the most at-risk U.S. counties for natural disasters and faces significant public health challenges like heat-related illnesses and mental health crises.[6] These emerging and worsening challenges increase the demand for libraries to serve as safe shelters and community support centers during emergencies.
Innovation
- Patrick’s iCount initiative ensures the library system reflects and serves its diverse communities. This program trains staff in cultural competency, develops local Library Equity Action Plans, and offers programs that are responsive to community needs. These efforts make the library an inclusive, welcoming space for all.
- Recognizing the need to improve literacy, LA County Library launched targeted programs such Summer Stars, in-person tutoring programs where elementary school students receive tutoring from credentialed professionals at 30 library locations. Offerings for adults include an online diploma completion program and Spanish-language literacy classes for non-native English speakers.
- Patrick has expanded the Library’s reach through 15 mobile service units. These include Reading Machines and MākMō makerspaces, which deliver STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programming to underserved communities.
- The Library serves as a safety net for the community, offering naloxone and fentanyl test strip distribution to combat overdoses, providing gun locks to promote safety, sharing mental health resources, and distributing free lunches for students in the summer. The Library also serves as a cooling center during heat waves and wildfires, ensuring residents—especially those who are unhoused—find help in times of need.
Impact
- LA County Library reaches over 3.4 million residents annually through 86 library locations, four cultural resource centers, and an expansive mobile service network. On average the Library welcomes 11 million visitors and generates 10 million checkouts.
- The Library has improved literacy and skill development through programs like Summer Stars, which counted 4,289 students and 13,798 tutoring sessions that resulted in a 20% improvement in reading and math skills among participants.
- Through initiatives like Work Ready, Youth@Work, and Delete the Divide, the Library collaborates with LA County departments to support workforce development. Since December 2020, the Library’s Work Ready program has offered more than 112 virtual events for over 12,000 participants and circulated roughly 3,500 laptops.
Opportunity
- Nearly 87% of librarians are white and only 7% are Black.[7] As the only Black and openly LGBTQ County Librarian & CEO among California’s ten largest library systems, Patrick strives to inspire change and pave the way for greater inclusion in the field.
- Patrick is committed to safeguarding intellectual freedom while fostering inclusivity by upholding access to diverse materials and creating forums for community dialogue.
- Faced with the reality of budget cuts, Patrick is dedicated to keeping the library a vital, accessible resource for all. Through advocacy, partnerships, and strategic resource management, the Library will continue to meet the evolving needs of Angelenos.
The written profile and video reflect the work of the leader(s) the year they received a Leadership Award. Please contact the leader(s) for current information.