Patrick Bodily, Past-President

Independence Public Library, Independence, OR


Professional Background

I began working in libraries in 2009 and have a broad range of experience in Academic, Public, and State Libraries.Headshot of Patrick Bodily I've been in my current position since 2020 and have a passion for leadership and innovation, preferring to take a top-down approach to my work. I spent 5+ years as the State Data Coordinator for the Idaho Commission for Libraries and still have a love for all things data.

I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. in History and am working towards my Master's in History currently.

What inspired you to get involved with the board?

When I first started in public libraries, my predecessor advised me to join ARSL and attend conferences whenever possible. My first ARSL Conference was in 2012, and I realized then that I found the best professional organization for people working in and with small and rural libraries. Through the years, I learned so much from ARSL and the members that I had to do whatever I could to give back to the organization. I've presented at conferences, led webinars, and served on committees before taking the next logical step of running for the board. 

I would love to see ARSL membership grow year after year, knowing that we've helped librarians and libraries from across the community better themselves and their communities. I'm very excited about the future partnership between ARSL and the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. 

 
Why is the mission of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries important to you? 
Libraries are essential to our country, and most libraries nationwide are considered small and/or rural. The ARSL mission of building strong communities through advocacy for and elevating the impact of small and rural libraries is at the heart of what libraries and librarians do. 
"I love seeing this organization grow and hearing first-time conference attendees tell me they've found 'their people.'"
What are your favorite library programs and books or genres?

Leading the Youth Coding League as the first public library in the county to coach a team!

 

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