About LA County Library

Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It provides culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services to meet the literacy, information, personal enrichment, and entertainment needs of all residents across Los Angeles County.
Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing equitable access for all, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries, 4 Cultural Resource Centers, and mobile fleet of 15 vehicles, including 4 Bookmobiles, 6 MākMō (maker mobiles), 3 Reading Machines (early literacy vehicles), and 2 mobile outreach vehicles.

About Library Director Skye Patrick

Skye Patrick was appointed LA County Library Director on February 1, 2016. She was previously Broward County Library’s Director and held leadership roles at Queens Public Library in New York and San Francisco Public Library. Patrick manages the Library’s $201 million annual budget and is responsible for the operation of its 85 community libraries, 1 institutional library, and 15-vehicle mobile fleet, serving 3.4 million residents in a 3,000-square-mile area.

As Library Director, Patrick brings a fresh enthusiasm and attitude to her position. From the start of her tenure, she engaged the community with a series of Visioning Sessions—a concept first conceived at Broward—which invited the public to meet with her to discuss what they envisioned their local library could offer.

Patrick is committed to breaking down barriers and increasing access for all. She introduced the iCount equity initiative, which ensures that library services and programs address the needs of the diverse communities served throughout Los Angeles County. When COVID-19 forced the Library to close in March 2020, Patrick led staff to establish new services to reach beyond Library walls, including Laptop & Hotspot Loans, Park & Connect outdoor Wi-Fi service, and virtual programs for all ages and interests. In 2021, Skye helped LA County Library go fine free, eliminating fines for overdue books and materials.

In 2019, Patrick was named Librarian of the Year by Library Journal, one of the most established industry publications. Under her leadership, the Library also won Library Journal’s 2018 Marketer of the Year and 2019 Library of the Year awards. Under Skye’s leadership, LA County Library was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in 2023.

Patrick was appointed to the Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), the premier membership association of North America’s leading public library systems, in 2017. As a 2020 Stanton Fellow with the Durfee Foundation, Patrick explored how libraries in the 21st century can transform to address the social, educational, creative, and cultural needs of Los Angeles County residents. In 2021,

Patrick was appointed to the Board of Directors of California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities that promotes ideas, conversation, and learning as relevant and meaningful ways to understand the human condition and build community to strengthen the state of California.

As the Library Director, Patrick continues to reinforce the Library’s role in the community as a civic and cultural center, a hub for public information and services, and an institution of literacy, innovation, and lifelong learning.