91´«Ã½

Dr. Brandy McNeil focuses on community needs through game-changing innovations to build successful adult education programs in the 89 branches under her stewardship across NYC. Building the highly successful TechConnect program, Dr. McNeil has established partnerships with Apple, Spotify, Google, and Microsoft to name a few. Through her inspirational leadership, she has made it her mission to help underserved communities to ensure equitable access to technology, knowledge, and opportunity. Dr. McNeil is also a contributing writer of the book titled Libraryland; It's All About The Story published in 2020 and has appeared in various publications. Dr. McNeil holds a Doctorate in Business and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship. Previously, she worked for several Fortune 500 companies and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Library Association and was on the Black Caucus of 91´«Ã½ Executive Board. In her spare time, she is an entrepreneur, consultant, and motivational speaker.

Why I wanted to serve on the PLA Board

It is my desire to advocate and bring awareness of the impact of public libraries as well as bring my rich and collaborative leadership background on issues such as tech education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I want to ensure that the mission of serving members of PLA is always at the forefront of every issue addressed. In addition, my ability to think with vision and innovation can help bring about new solutions for PLA and its members.

My vision for the future of public libraries

With COVID-19 affecting individuals and small businesses in an astounding way, I believe the future of public libraries will be to help facilitate the learning and resource needs of people trying to get back on their feet. I believe the libraries will play a huge role in becoming virtual hubs for people who need locations to attend virtual meetings and virtual classes whilst still getting out of the house to do so—especially for those who need the technology and environment more conducive to a professional setting. To this end, tech education is going to play a huge role for libraries in the near future. Additionally, with the tension of racial inequities in the U.S., libraries will need to become hubs for people to address these issues through conversations, providing tools for creatives to express their thoughts and advocate for change as well as providing resources to researchers who will no doubt need to review the history of these issues in America and beyond.

My favorite book

Women & Money by Suze Orman.

Somewhere I love to frequent in my community

Although I am unable to now due to COVID, I love to frequent homeless shelters and donate clothing and beauty needs to women in need.

Photo: Dr. Brandy A. McNeil, Deputy Director of Branch Programs & Services, New York Public Library.