Welcome!
I’m Audrey Barbakoff, an enthusiastic and dedicated public library leader and librarian. I’m passionate about public service! I believe that a public library is the heart of its community, a space where engaged learning becomes the foundation for shared creativity and resilience. Libraries are essential, inspirational, and fun. Tell me what inspires you!
I’m currently the Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager at King County Library System in Washington, where I lead a cross-functional team of six in providing visionary, responsive service across 49 branches and a service area of 1.3 million. My leadership style is based in both positive and servant leadership; I work to empower and amplify the diverse voices in my staff and community.
I am a frequent and enthusiastic public speaker who has presented nationally, both in person and online. My book (Adults Just Wanna Have Fun: Programs for Emerging Adults), chapters, and articles both contribute to the profession and raise awareness of the library in my community. I love giving back to my profession and inspiring my community!
My leadership is rooted in my broad and robust experience as a librarian. I've been lucky to serve patrons from infants to seniors, in bustling urban libraries and cozy neighborhood branches, in English and Spanish. I received my MLIS from the University of Washington in 2010.
When I’m not reading anything I can get my hands on, you can find me renovating my fixer-upper farmhouse, playing guitar, or making a giant mess in the kitchen. (Skills I want to learn next: ASL and quilting.) I’m not saying you should like me because I take requests for your favorite type of cookie and occasionally give out homemade jam, but you know …. it can’t hurt. In possibly more relevant skills, I have experience in strategic planning, change management, website design, and interdepartmental team building. I celebrate diversity and enjoy working with a wide variety of people.
I hope you’ll take a moment to get to know me better by perusing my portfolio or contacting me directly. Thanks for your interest, and I’m looking forward to learning more about your library!
I’m currently the Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager at King County Library System in Washington, where I lead a cross-functional team of six in providing visionary, responsive service across 49 branches and a service area of 1.3 million. My leadership style is based in both positive and servant leadership; I work to empower and amplify the diverse voices in my staff and community.
I am a frequent and enthusiastic public speaker who has presented nationally, both in person and online. My book (Adults Just Wanna Have Fun: Programs for Emerging Adults), chapters, and articles both contribute to the profession and raise awareness of the library in my community. I love giving back to my profession and inspiring my community!
My leadership is rooted in my broad and robust experience as a librarian. I've been lucky to serve patrons from infants to seniors, in bustling urban libraries and cozy neighborhood branches, in English and Spanish. I received my MLIS from the University of Washington in 2010.
When I’m not reading anything I can get my hands on, you can find me renovating my fixer-upper farmhouse, playing guitar, or making a giant mess in the kitchen. (Skills I want to learn next: ASL and quilting.) I’m not saying you should like me because I take requests for your favorite type of cookie and occasionally give out homemade jam, but you know …. it can’t hurt. In possibly more relevant skills, I have experience in strategic planning, change management, website design, and interdepartmental team building. I celebrate diversity and enjoy working with a wide variety of people.
I hope you’ll take a moment to get to know me better by perusing my portfolio or contacting me directly. Thanks for your interest, and I’m looking forward to learning more about your library!
Named one of the "10 of the Coolest Librarians Alive" by Flavorwire
