Peninsula Friends of the Library

In November, at the annual meeting of the California Library Association (CLA), Palos Verdes Library Director Kathy Gould was awarded the CLA’s Member of the Year Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and achievements in service to California Libraries.The Palos Verdes Library District Board of Trustees nominated Director Gould for the award. The nomination stated that Director Gould’s “strategic leadership has led to expanded library outreach and to organizational improvements at the community, regional and state levels.”

Working with the Library staff, Director Gould has expanded programs and services at the three Peninsula libraries. She has overseen renovations at Malaga Cove and Miraleste Libraries, and technology has been updated at all three facilities.

Director Gould has spearheaded collaborations with the school district and the Art Center, and worked with Freedom4U to create and operate the Annex, a youth-centered library extension.

Extending her community outreach, Director Gould has worked with the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce and is currently president of the Chamber board.

This is how the CLA described Director Gould in their newsletter.

Kathy Gould is dedicated to the California library community and she promotes libraries and librarianship by action and example. Her strategic leadership has led to expanded library outreach and to organizational improvements at the community, regional and state levels.

As director of the Palos Verdes Library District, Kathy empowers staff and provides opportunities for leadership, training and staff involvement in decision-making. She has positioned the library as a key community resource and partner: art shows, a business center, ethnic celebrations, a foreign film series, a teen press club – all have been accomplished though collaboration with local community groups. Extending her community outreach, Kathy has served on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for five years and is currently its president.

Kathy is a tireless advocate for the library community. She has served on the CLA Advocacy and Legislation Committee, she participates in annual CLA Legislative Day activities, and advocates for California libraries at ALA’s National Library Legislative Day in Washington D.C.

Kathy is also dedicated to growing future generations of California library leaders. She has served as mentor for the Eureka! Leadership Institute for three difference cohorts, 2008, 2009, and 2010, and she provides one on one mentoring to individuals in the library community.

Congratulations, Kathy. We are so fortunate to have you as our Library Director.