I’m Audrey Barbakoff, a passionate public library leader, consultant, speaker, and author. I believe that a public library is the heart of its community, and that community is at the heart of the library. I help libraries and other social good organizations facilitate engaged learning that becomes the foundation for shared creativity and resilience. I apply an equity lens, human-centered design, and community-led practices to help libraries develop locally relevant, sustainable innovations that lead to more equitable, diverse, and inclusive services. 

I can work with you to solve problems and maximize opportunities because I've been where you are. I have over a decade of experience as a librarian and manager in public libraries, ranging from a tiny rural library in Connecticut to a 50-branch system in Washington state. My innovative library work has been recognized by Library Journal Movers & Shakers, the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal "40 Under 40", the Freedom to Read Foundation, and the Urban Libraries Council, I also hold a doctorate in organizational change and leadership. My dissertation research focused on building capacity for equity, diversity, and inclusion in public libraries through community-led planning. It served as the foundation for my innovative CoLaB (Community Led Capacity-Building) process, soon to be featured in my forthcoming book Twelve Steps to a Community-Led Library.