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Meet Erica Freudenberger, Director-at-Large

Librarianship is at least my fourth career. After a bumpy start as several years as the world’s worst waitress, I’ve followed a meandering path through community organizing, independent bookselling, and journalism before landing in public libraries.

I’m currently the outreach, engagement, and marketing consultant at the Southern Adirondack Library System in Saratoga Springs, NY. I work with thirty-four autonomous member libraries to provide exceptional services to communities in four counties. Before heading to the Adirondacks, I was the Red Hook Public Library director in New York’s Hudson Valley, named one of the country’s best small libraries by Library Journal.

My passion for community building was recognized in 2016 when I was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker.

When not making trouble, I like to spend time in my garden, either playing in the dirt or staring at trees, clouds, and all the critters who pass through.

Why I wanted to serve on the PLA Board

My interest in serving on the PLA Board is rooted in my passion for public libraries' role in encouraging people to become active citizens in our democracy and supporting sustainable, resilient communities. During my career, I've had the opportunity to support community-led change and create boundary-spanning initiatives reflecting my commitment to social justice, collective liberation, and community engagement. My ongoing work as an innovative community builder will support PLA's strategic goals, specifically: transformation; leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice; advocacy and awareness. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my perspective, talents, and commitment to excellence to PLA.

My vision for the future of public libraries

Bold, joyful, and community-centric, public libraries will continue to play a vital role in building sustainable, resilient communities. To do this work effectively, we must invest in our people by recalibrating compensation and benefits and providing ample professional development opportunities so that library staff can continue to learn and grow. By leveraging our expertise, public libraries can work with our communities to create connections, develop meaningful collaborations, and help people find common ground. Public libraries can provide space to imagine a better world, help people live their best lives, realize their aspirations, and ensure our communities thrive.

My favorite book

Just one? Here are my top three:

• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
• Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Somewhere I love to frequent in my community

Beattie-Powers Place, a public park steps away from my home that features a historic 1830s Greek Revival house and sweeping views of the Hudson River, Rip Van Winkle Bridge, and Olana, Frederic Church’s home across the river. It’s a place where people congregate to play with dogs, meditate, do yoga, eat lunch, and host live performances. It also has one of the most kick-ass sledding hills around. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather, and a reminder of why the Hudson Valley School of Art originated here.

Photo: Erica Freudenberger, Outreach, Engagement & Marketing Consultant, Southern Adirondack Library System, Saratoga Springs, NY.