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In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Tom Fay, Executive Director and Chief Librarian of The Seattle Public Library. With over 42 years of experience in libraries, Tom shares his journey from a library page to leading a system with 27 branches and over 700 employees. He discusses the evolving role of libraries, highlighting how they go beyond books to serve as essential community hubs offering social services, workforce development, and even small business support. Tom emphasizes how curiosity drives innovation in library programs, from tackling book bans to helping patrons access information in new ways.
Tom also reflects on the challenges of fostering curiosity in a large public institution, especially when dealing with crises like the ransomware attack that hit the library system. He explains how he encourages a learning culture at SPL, where employees are empowered to take risks, adapt to change, and continuously improve services for the community. Through strategic planning and partnerships, he aims to make the library a truly learning-focused organization, ensuring it remains relevant and accessible to all.
Beyond his role at SPL, Tom shares his personal passions for photography and outdoor exploration, both of which fuel his curiosity in daily life. He sees libraries as spaces where curiosity thrives, offering people the freedom to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and expand their knowledge. His leadership at The Seattle Public Library is a testament to the power of curiosity in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking institution.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website: https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Tom Fay:
- Email: chieflibrarian@spl.org
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfay
- Website: https://www.spl.org/about-us/the-organization/leadership
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