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I started my journey in the world of public libraries as a library volunteer when I arrived as an immigrant from India to the United States, thirty-five years ago.

I have thirty years of cumulative experience working in public libraries in various roles. I’m passionate about addressing access barriers to library services and resources, deeply committed to serving underserved and marginalized community groups, and empowering staff from underrepresented groups in their professional growth in public libraries.

In my current position as assistant director of public services, community outreach at Jefferson County Public Library, Colorado, I am responsible for strategies for services, operational details, direct implementation of strategic initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion, services geared towards serving children and families, teens, adults, seniors, library offsite services, which includes the bookmobile, home services, holds lockers, the lending machine, mail delivery, operations of services at physical library locations.

I have a doctorate degree in Library and Information Science from Emporia State University and my dissertation is on library hesitancy and information seeking behavior of English-speaking African immigrants using public libraries.

Why I wanted to serve on the PLA Board

My experience of volunteering with the amazing group of people in the PLA Conference committee for the PLA 2022 and PLA 2024 conferences motivated me to continue to contribute to the impactful work done by PLA. As an aspiring library professional, I learned so much through PLA conferences and want to participate in PLA’s vision to strengthen public libraries.

My vision for the future of public libraries

To be that community gathering hub for everyone to experience a sense of belonging, to connect, discover, learn, and be empowered.

My favorite book

Calvin and Hobbes series, as my son and I would enjoy reading those when he was in elementary school.

Somewhere I love to frequent in my community

My favorite place is walking in a beautiful park in Denver.

Photo: Padma Polepeddi browsing books on the Jefferson County Public Library's bookmobile.