The Future of Libraries: Serving Communities in a Changing World

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Mechanics' Institute

Libraries are at a dynamic point in their histories, rethinking their programming to focus on what is most relevant to their communities in a fast-paced and changing world. Our panel, featuring leaders from public, academic, and membership libraries, will discuss how libraries are evolving to meet the complex and holistic needs of their patrons, and rewriting the definition of what a library can be. Join Michael Lambert, City Librarian for the City and County of San Francisco, Kate Donovan, Director of the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley, and Katherine Bella, CEO of Mechanics’ Institute, for an in-depth conversation on the future of libraries, moderated by former President of the San Francisco Library Commission, Charles Higueras.

About the Speakers

Katherine Bella, CEO, has been affiliated with the Mechanics’ Institute for nearly 20 years, most recently as a trustee and earlier as a consultant to the organization. Kathy brings decades’ long experience in working in the nonprofit sector as a chief executive, board member, and consultant, with specialized emphasis on arts and cultural organizations. Kathy most recently headed her own consulting firm, guiding nonprofits in strengthening their abilities to carry out their missions through working with them in the areas of strategic planning, governance best practices, fundraising, and executive coaching. As an active volunteer, Kathy has served on a wide variety of nonprofit boards throughout her career. She was formerly the Board Vice President of Goodwill SF Bay, an $80 million six-county nonprofit, where she also chaired the board Governance Committee.

Kate Donovan is the director of the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley. She was previously held positions at Harvard University’s Houghton Library, where she served as associate librarian for public services and curator of the Harry Elkins Widener Collection. Donovan has also held leadership positions in the prominent special collections libraries at Emory University and New York University.

Michael Lambert is the City Librarian for the City and County of San Francisco. During his tenure, the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) was named the 2018 National Library of the Year by Library Journal. Michael Lambert has championed increased and equitable access to libraries through expanded hours and a fine-free library system. Lambert also serves on the Children and Families First Commission, Our Children Our Families Council and the City’s Committee on Information Technology. Born in Seoul, Korea, he is the first Asian American to lead the San Francisco Public Library.

Charles Higueras, FAIA, recently retired as the acting Director of Project Management at the San Francisco Department of Public Works, responsible for major capital projects underway in the City including those for the Public Health and Safety Bond of 2016, and the Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response Bonds of 2010 and 2014, and 2020. Before joining the City in 2008, he had a 26 year career as an architect in private practice focused on educational projects for school and community college districts around northern California. Mr. Higueras served as a San Francisco Public Library Commissioner from 1996 to 2008 providing oversight of the Branch Library Improvement program of 2000. He is a past board member of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, and also served on the board of the Urban Libraries Council. Mr. Higueras graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with an undergraduate and graduate degree in Architecture.

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