Dear Baltimore Community,
After 7 wonderful years at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, I will be stepping down at the end of February to become CEO of the King County Public Library in Washington state, one of the largest circulating libraries in the country. Leading the Pratt Library has been one of the most humbling, fulfilling, and joyful experiences of my life. Each one of you made me feel at home in Baltimore and I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished.
Darcell Graham, the Pratt’s Vice President of Public Services, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer and I will work with her over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. Darcell has been with the Pratt for more than 25 years and I know she will be a strong and visionary leader as the Pratt undertakes a nationwide search for a permanent CEO in the new year.
During my tenure at the Pratt, we’ve achieved many important milestones together. The Central Library reopened after an historic renovation. We will break ground this year on the Pratt’s first new library building in 15 years in Park Heights. The Pratt created new, innovative services through the COVID-19 pandemic that enabled ongoing access for our community. A new Master Facilities Plan is in its final stages to ensure the Pratt’s ability to serve generations to come. With so much to celebrate, last year, the Pratt had the highest circulation in 12 years, a record number of active cardholders, and the highest number of new cardholders in 7 years. I want to thank you for all you’ve done to help the Pratt reach new heights and be a leader for libraries nationwide.
I’m confident that the Pratt will continue to reach new goals with the leadership of Interim CEO Darcell Graham. She has worked across nearly all of the public service divisions at the Pratt and has a keen understanding of our shared vision and commitments. She and the experienced Pratt team will continue to move the library forward in 2024. That work includes an historic American Rescue Plan investment in many Pratt buildings, productive collective bargaining negotiations with Pratt staff, and a new 5-year strategic plan that will be rolled out in the new year.
The Pratt Library is a national jewel and it’s been an honor and privilege to serve you. I will be here until the end of February and actively helping with this transition to ensure we continue to offer exceptional service for all our customers. Thank you, again, for all that you’ve done to support the Pratt and our community.
Heidi Daniel
Pratt Library President & CEO
