Wanda Kay Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wanda Kay Brown
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| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office 2019–2020 |
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| Preceded by | Loida Garcia-Febo |
| Succeeded by | Julius C. Jefferson Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Education |
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| Occupation | Librarian |
Wanda Kay Brown is an American librarian. She was the president of the American Library Association from 2019 to 2020. She leads the C. G. O'Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University. She is also a leader in library groups across the country.
Brown made history as the first president of the American Library Association. She was a library director from a historically black college or university (HBCU). She has been president of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association twice. Her terms were from 2006 to 2008 and from 2024 to 2026.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wanda Kay Brown grew up in North Carolina. She earned her first degree in English from Winston-Salem State University in 1977. Later, in 1983, she received a master's degree in Library Science. This was from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Career as a Librarian
Brown started her library career at Wake Forest University in 1977. She began as a library technician. Over time, she advanced to become the associate director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library in 2007. Since 2016, she has been the Director of Library Services. She works at the C. G. O'Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University.
Brown has been a member of the American Library Association for over 30 years. She has held many roles within the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). These roles include treasurer and executive board member. She also served as president from 2006 to 2008. From 2011 to 2013, she was the president of the North Carolina Library Association.
Leading the American Library Association
Becoming President
In early 2018, Wanda Kay Brown decided to run for president. The Black Caucus of the American Library Association supported her. Many members signed a petition to show their support. Brown was elected president of the American Library Association for 2019–2020. She received 6,066 votes. Her opponent, Peter Hepburn, received 4,066 votes. Brown was the first librarian from an HBCU to become ALA president.
Presidential Focus and Actions
As president, Brown wrote articles for American Libraries magazine. She talked about how librarians can support the values of the Association. She also discussed how libraries can help immigrants and refugees. Libraries can do this with welcoming programs and services.
In 2020, Brown wrote a report called "Forward Together." It suggested ways to make the American Library Association stronger. On February 14, 2020, Brown and the Executive Board shared news. They announced that the Association had a financial shortage.
On January 15, 2020, Brown announced an important new hire. Tracie D. Hall was appointed as the Executive Director of the American Library Association.
Brown also wrote about how librarians helped with the 2020 census. She said it was important for libraries to help everyone be counted. This included new immigrants and people of color.
Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a big challenge during Brown's presidency. In May 2020, she wrote about how libraries adapted. She shared inspiring stories from libraries across the country. For example, some libraries offered homework help online. Others helped people apply for small business loans. Some even provided shelter for homeless people. Brown encouraged everyone to work together. She wanted libraries, communities, and families to thrive.
In her final essay as president, Brown looked back at her year. She described it as a time of change, loss, and hope. On June 1, 2020, Brown announced something important. The American Library Association Executive Board supported a statement. This statement condemned violence and racism against Black Americans.
#eBooksForAll Campaign
Under Brown's leadership, the American Library Association started a campaign. It was called #eBooksForAll. This campaign spoke out against Macmillan Publishers. Macmillan had planned to limit how libraries could buy eBooks. Jessamyn West explained this issue in a CNN article. She wrote about libraries fighting to keep your right to borrow eBooks.
2020 Annual Conference
Wanda Kay Brown was the first ALA president in 75 years to see the Annual Conference canceled. The conference was planned for Chicago in June 2020. It was canceled because of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Brown stated that the health of the library community was the top priority. The conference was changed to a virtual event. It was called "Community Through Connection." It took place online on June 24–25, 2020. Famous people like Misty Copeland and Natalie Portman spoke at the event.
An interview with Information Today described Brown's presidency. It said her term would be remembered as one of the most challenging in ALA's 144-year history.
Black Caucus of the American Library Association Leadership
Wanda Kay Brown was elected president of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) for 2024–2026. She had previously served as president from 2006 to 2008. She also held other roles, like treasurer and executive board member.
Awards and Recognition
- 2015. BCALA DEMCO/ALA Black Caucus Award for Excellence
- 2013. University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Education Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
- 2013. BCALA Leadership Award
- 2012. BCALA Distinguished Service Award.
- 2009. University of North Carolina at Greensboro. UNCG Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement
