Member News Roundup | January 3, 2024
Jan 03, 2024
Enoch Pratt Free Library's Heidi Daniel Named New King County Library System Director
Board Member Spotlight
Join us in congratulating Enoch Pratt Free Library President and CEO and ULC Board Member Heidi Daniel on her selection as King County Library System's new Executive Director! Following a nationwide search after Lisa Rosenblum’s announcement to retire, the Board of Trustees voted to extend an offer of employment to Daniel at the board meeting on December 13. Daniel accepted the offer, and she will begin her leadership role on March 11, 2024.
“I am deeply honored to take the helm of the King County Library System,” said Daniel. “KCLS is nationally known for its excellence, commitment to community and welcoming atmosphere, and I am thrilled to build upon its foundation while moving KCLS into the future.”
Daniel joins KCLS from the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland where she has served as president and CEO since July 2017. Under Daniel’s leadership, the Pratt became one of the first fine-free public libraries on the East Coast. Daniel also oversaw the completion of the Central Library renovation, and helped spearhead plans for a new Park Heights Library, the Pratt’s first new building in more than 15 years. She helped launch the library’s Office of Equity and Fair Practices, steered the organization through the start of the unionization process, led new and innovative public service strategies through the historic COVID-19 pandemic, and kickstarted a new Master Facilities Plan to help ensure the Pratt’s ability to serve generations to come.
Prior to working at the Pratt, Daniel served as executive director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Youngstown, Ohio for nearly five years. Daniel, the 2015 recipient of the Ohio Librarian of the Year award, oversaw 15 library branches throughout Mahoning County, worked on several major building projects and spearheaded innovative new services, including a Pop-Up Library and the circulation of mobile Wi-Fi hot spots.
Read the full press release from King County Library System.
Looking at the Top Checkouts of 2023!
ULC Libraries
It's the most wonderful time of the year — reading wrap-up time! Across North America, public libraries are sharing their most checked-out titles of 2023. A recent piece from NPR's All Things Considered gives a roundup of some of readers' favorites from nearly ten ULC member libraries.
"Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus graced the top lists from Boston Public Library, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Cleveland Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Hennepin County Library, The New York Public Library and The Seattle Public Library.
But it was not even on the top 10 at the public library at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. There, readers preferred mysteries and thrillers by C.J. Box, John Grisham and David Baldacci. On Libby, the number one most borrowed e-book nationally in 2023 was the memoir "Spare," by Prince Harry Duke of Sussex — which was also the number one e-book at The Indianapolis Public Library.
ULC Members Among ALA's 2024 I Love My Librarian Award Honorees
Queens Public Library, Allen County Public Library
Congratulations to ULC members Queens Public Library and Allen County Public Library for having two of their incredible library leaders named American Library Association's 2024 I Love My Librarian Award honorees!
At Queens Public Library (QPL), located in the nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse county, honoree Fred Gitner — Assistant Director of New Initiatives and Partnership Liaison, New Americans Program— has been driving positive social change for new Americans seeking support for nearly three decades.
Honoree Curt Witcher’s expertise in genealogy as the Genealogy Center Manager and Director of Special Collections has become a claim to fame for Fort Wayne, Indiana, directly contributing to thousands of visits to the community annually. His decades of work in African American and Jewish genealogy, Native American research, and more have led to the development of one of the largest genealogy collections in the country, positioning the Allen County Public Library as an international destination for researchers.
This year, ALA received nearly 1,400 nominations from library users nationwide, which demonstrates the breadth of impact of librarians across the country. Nominations focused on librarians’ outstanding service, including expanding access to literacy and library services, outreach within their communities, and supporting mental health needs.