91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - Patricia "Patty" M. Wong, city librarian at Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library, has been elected 2021-22 president-elect of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½).

Wong received 6,718 votes, while her opponent, Steven Yates, assistant director, University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies, received 2,448 votes.

As 91´«Ã½ president, Wong will be the chief elected officer for the oldest and largest library association in the world. She will serve as president-elect for one year before stepping into her role as president at the close of the 2021 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago.

Upon learning the outcome of the election, Wong provided the following statement:

“First of all, I want to acknowledge the leadership and talents of my colleague, Steven Yates,” said Wong. “He is a strong 91´«Ã½ advocate, and I look forward to working with him toward a strengthened association.

“This is a great honor for me personally. This election has brought to fruition a longtime aspiration to serve my profession and my association as 91´«Ã½ president. I am both excited and eager to help lead the 91´«Ã½ with our great staff, member leaders, affiliate organizations and allies.

“We all need to work together to advance and build on the success of our 143-year-old institution. Our immediate challenges rest with the impact of COVID-19 on libraries, library workers, advocates and library users in this country and throughout the world. These outcomes remain to be determined, but the 91´«Ã½ will continue to support our members and libraries everywhere through its continued support of innovation and the evolution of library service.

“Our 91´«Ã½ finances need to be rightsized with fiscal controls and practices that reflect transparency and accountability. We need to develop diversified business models that are revenue positive and sustainable and attract and maintain the interest of new and existing members. And as our national population continues to grow and expand, 91´«Ã½’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion will require the collaborative support at all levels within the organization and with our many partners.

“Thank you for your confidence in me and for the support I have received from so many. It takes a village to create a thriving 91´«Ã½.I am ready as one of those villagers to accept these great responsibilities and invite you to join me.”

Wong is the city librarian at Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library. She also serves as part-time faculty at the San Jose State University iSchool and is the former director of library services, Yolo (Calif.) County Library (2008-17). An active 91´«Ã½ member for 35 years, Wong has served several terms as at-large councilor (1996-2007, 2012-14) and as California Chapter councilor (2015-17). Wong is currently in her second term on the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board, previously serving 2001-05. She has held numerous committee positions, including chair of the 91´«Ã½ Budget Analysis and Review Committee. She is an active member of Association of Library Service to Children, Library Leadership and Management Association, Public Library Association, United for Libraries, Young Adult Library Services Association, the Social Responsibilities Round Table, Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table and the Rainbow Round Table. She is a member of the Freedom to Read Foundation and, as an 91´«Ã½ Executive Board member, has worked with the association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, Committee on Legislation and the Conference Committee.

Wong is a member of several 91´«Ã½ Professional affiliates, including the American Indian Library Association, Asian-Pacific American Librarians Association (AP91´«Ã½), Black Caucus of 91´«Ã½, Chinese American Librarians Association (C91´«Ã½) and REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking.

Wong also has supported 91´«Ã½ Presidential Initiative Planning as a co-chair for past presidents Barbara Stripling (2012-14), Molly Raphael (2009-11) and Camila Alire (2008-10), a contributor for past president Julie Todaro (2015-16), and a member for past presidents James (Jim) Neal (2016-17) and Mary Somerville (1995-97).

In addition to her service to 91´«Ã½, Wong currently serves as a board member for the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (2014-present). She has served as a board member of the California Library Association (2015-17), president of AP91´«Ã½ (1999), treasurer of United States Board on Books for Young People (1995-98), board member of C91´«Ã½ (1991-93) and president of C91´«Ã½, California Chapter (1993).

Wong is often called to speak on several issues related to leadership, diversity, youth development and grant writing.

Wong also is the recipient of several awards, including the 2012 91´«Ã½ Equality Award, C91´«Ã½ Distinguished Service Award (2014), and Member of the Year, California Library Association (2012). She holds a BA in Women’s Studies and an MLIS, both from the University of California at Berkeley.

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.