Los Angeles County Library Director Skye Patrick, who oversaw significant improvements in two branches in the Santa Clarita Valley, was recently named librarian of the year.

Patrick was named 2019 Librarian of the Year by Library Journal for her notable achievements in Santa Clarita and across the county.

In her role, Patrick oversees library branches in Castaic, Stevenson Ranch and Acton-Agua Dulce, as part of the 3.4 million residents served in what is the second largest public library system in the United States.

Previously, the branches in Canyon Country, Newhall and Valencia operated within the LA County Library system, but in 2010, the Santa Clarita City Council opted to form its own Santa Clarita Public Library.

The award is presented to a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishment reflecting service goals of the library profession that include free access to information for all, encouragement of reading, creation of incentives to greater use of books, enhancement and expansion of library service to all residents and strengthening of the role of the library within the community, according to Library Journal.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by Library Journal, one of the industry’s most reputable publications,” said Patrick. “This is not only a recognition for me but also a recognition for the entire LA County Library team. They work so hard and are committed to providing the best service to our customers; without the support of our staff, I would not be able to achieve what I have set out to do.”

Under her leadership since Feb. 2016, the library expanded service hours by over 15,000 hours across 75 locations without incurring additional costs.

She also introduced many award-winning programs, established a marketing team, brought in over $30 million in grant funding for partnerships and improved information technology infrastructure, according to officials.

To improve the library’s ability to reach its diverse community, Patrick launched the iCount equity initiative, which seeks to ensure the library makes an effort to provide programs designed to meet the needs of their individual communities.

“The library of the 21st century must build a high level of engagement with the community and all the people, and be a constant learning environment both formally and informally,” said Patrick.

Among the award-winning programs introduced under Patrick were The Great Read Away, Turns the Tables DJ workshops and MākMō maker mobiles.

The marketing team Patrick established was previously awarded the 2018 Marketer of the Year award by Library Journal.

While Patrick has already accomplished much, officials noted she continues to push the library forward, such as through its digital alliance with Microsoft, which will allow the library to begin updating the operating systems of over 2,200 public computers in 2019.

“There is a strong, important future for libraries,” said Patrick. “Libraries are not about books; they are about people. We have to change how we serve and engage people.”

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