Chicago library exec, now head of American Library Association, on TIME's 100 most influential list
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A love of books and a passion for advocating for people's rights led Tracie Hall to lead the American Library Association. She is the first African American woman to do so.
"It's really humbling," she said.
Hall is now featured as one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the year. She took her role during the pandemic and has been based in Chicago for 20 years.
At a time some books and libraries are being targeted by parents and legislatures, Hall advocates for access.
"I think we are seeing it again, any time power is being contested or people don't want to share power they clamp down on the right to read, so history is repeating itself," she said. "Censorship seeks to encumber or control our imaginations and our imaginations must be free."
Hall is keeping watch as libraries continue to evolve, offering programs and services. Currently she said libraries are the largest provider of digital access across the country. Hall recalls her first library card as a child was from the Watts library in Los Angeles.
"There are so many places I have been through a book that I have never visited," Hall said. "I want children, especially, to dream big no matter what their circumstances are, and to understand what my third grade teacher used to tell me: no matter where you are, you can travel with a book."
Hall expects robust conversations about the next steps for public libraries during National Library Week (April 23-29) and when the ALA hosts it annual convention in Chicago this summer.
