Meet Mary Ellen Icaza, Director-at-Large
I am from the East Coast, but I have been living in the Midwest for the last four years. I serve as the CEO and executive director of the Stark County District Library in Canton, OH. Before my current position, I worked for Montgomery County (MD) Public Libraries and Prince George’s County (MD) Memorial Library System. Additionally, I have worked as a web communications consultant and project manager. When I am not working, I enjoy spending my time with my husband Javier, daughter Vicki, son Christian, and our dog Marcie, reading, gardening, and binge-watching TV shows on streaming services.
Why I wanted to serve on the PLA Board
I care deeply about the work we do in public libraries and what we stand for and the professionals working in this profession. Libraries are community anchors, and I wholeheartedly believe in the value that we bring to our communities, and I want to do all that I can so that public libraries will continue to stay relevant for many years to come. I have gained so much from the library profession and the sharing that happens within PLA that I want to give back through my volunteerism and activism. I strongly support the mission of PLA and the work that the organization does to support its members in the work that they do, and I want to contribute to moving the organization forward for its members and the communities that we serve.
My vision for the future of public libraries
I want public libraries to be the community anchor, the place that the community recognizes as a resource for everyone, from birth to death, even if they do not utilize our services. Public libraries are part of the solution when addressing community needs, and we grow and flourish as organizations that keep evolving to provide outstanding service to all.
My favorite book
It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but a book that I’ve recommended to others recently are: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens; The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah; and The Giver of Stars by Jojo Mayes.
Somewhere I love to frequent in my community
Stark County has some terrific trails with the Stark Parks District. The Middlebranch and Hoover trails are near my house, and I enjoy walking on the trails during the different seasons and noting the changes that come with each season. Stark County also has a lot of wonderful local bakeries and coffee houses so as a lover of sweet treats and good coffee, I like to visit them. I also spend a lot of time attending my children’s activities, whether it be volleyball games or bowling matches.
Photo: Stark Library staff attended Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine’s Luncheon to welcome Dolly Parton to the state and to celebrate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. Pictured are: Development Manager Emily Callan, Community Services Director Marianna DiGiacomo, Literacy Manager Julia Shaheen, and CEO & Executive Director Mary Ellen Icaza.