Our libraries are the hearts, hubs, and learning places of our communities. They are the places where ideas are hatched, knowledge is created, and dreams are realized. Through literature, storytimes, and special collections, libraries offer patrons opportunities to increase their understanding and open portals to other worlds and new knowledge landscapes.
We are living in a time of uncertainty: We have seen significant censorship attempts, librarians targeted, and adverse library legislation, while social and economic inequities persist. We have also seen remarkable services and programs created, curated, and offered by gifted library workers and partners across the US and internationally.
We are community connectors, teachers, guides, reading amplifiers, knowledge creators, history revealers, and dream makers. We have so many good stories to tell. I am excited for the opportunity to work with members to lead ALA in this challenging time, to share our stories and to build a skilled, connected, and supported network of library people, resilient libraries, and communities.
My priorities include:
- Increasing equity and access, removing systematic barriers that inhibit library staffers and the public, and improving services for everyone
- Advocating for libraries and intellectual freedom, building coalitions and strategic partnerships, and raising awareness on key issues—including the right to read
- Deepening the membership experience through learning, support, and connection
- Promoting sustainability by investing in inclusive leadership; financially and ecologically sound practices; and a resilient, sustainable, and supported workforce
My background includes directing libraries in California and Massachusetts for 13 years; working in academic libraries for 10 years; and serving as Public Library Association (PLA) president (2022–2023), an ALA Executive Board member (2018–2021), and an ALA councilor for two terms. I am a Spectrum Scholar and member of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association. Both experiences have been pivotal and have allowed me to grow in connection with other diverse library professionals and served as touchstones for future Association engagement.
I am a Korean American who was raised in Connecticut and frequented the Simsbury (Conn.) Public Library. I went to Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, and attended graduate school at University of Pittsburgh, where I was a government documents intern at Hillman Library.
My first trip back to South Korea was when I attended IFLA Congress in 2006. It was there that I developed a great appreciation for international librarians. My respect for small and rural librarians—central figures in community life—deepened when visiting family in Ocracoke, North Carolina, and Mineral, Illinois, and during my PLA presidency. I pursued my PhD at Simmons University in Boston while I worked full time and started a family, which now includes my 7- and 9-year-olds, who are filled with library joy!
I am excited to get to work and respectfully ask for your vote!
Thank you!
