It really seems like yesterday when I graduated in 1984 from UC Berkeley’s SLIS program. Faculty firebrands Betty Bacon and Binnie Tate Wilkin were champions of children’s services to diverse communities and that’s where my heart lies.

Since January 2008, I have worked as County Librarian of Yolo County Library, joining an incredible team to provide free and accessible access to information, programs and technology through seven branches, a human service database, adult literacy services, and a County Archives and Records Center. The community needs are really diverse and divergent. Every day is different and new and it’s always exciting to go to work.

I have worked in cataloging, as a children’s librarian, as a youth services coordinator and as deputy director. I worked on a five-year grant that transformed my life in connecting libraries and communities – Partnerships for Change – and developed a fondness for services like the Tool Lending Library.

I believe in building community wherever I go, and I involve my family, too. I am a devout conference junkie and professional association advocate. I was introduced to the American Library Association in 1984 by my future boss and mentor, Regina Minudri, and began a love affair with this organization that has enabled me to really shape my leadership acumen and establish a different kind of family.

In my spare time I coach our high school’s Science Olympiad team.. I live with my two kids, Sarah (age 11) and Michael (age 15) and my partner of many years, John.

I probably talk way too much and don’t edit enough. I pack way too much into a day and overextend myself but somehow I manage to get it all done. Meyers-Briggs is ENTJ.

Can you tell that I am all about people? Secretly, I am more of an introvert in a crowd of people and have to build up confidence to mix. The Eureka Institute offers me an opportunity to share my experiences in a great environment and learn from all of you colleagues.

Phone: (530) 848-8768 cell
Phone: (530) 666-8002 direct work
Email: Patty.Wong@yolocounty.org