Library’s driving force honoured

Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) chief Patti Manolis has been inducted into this year’s Victorian Honour Roll for Women.
Ms Manolis was inducted for her work in public libraries at a local, state, national and international level and nominated by Women in Local Democracy Geelong (WILD).
WILD’s Yvonne Adami said Ms Manolis was the driving force behind the new library and heritage centre, opened late last year.
Ms Adami said the financial capacity and resources of GRLC had more than doubled during Ms Manolis’ tenure.
“She was instrumental in new libraries built in Waurn Ponds, Lara and Bannockburn and major redevelopments of libraries in Geelong West, Belmont, Drysdale, Ocean Grove and Torquay as well as a new Mobile Library covering 18 townships in the region.
“Under her leadership GRLC has undergone a transformation delivering innovative, high quality, contemporary and sustainable library services.”
Ms Manolis established Libraries for Timor-Leste after a study tour of the country, raising $200,000 for library collections, buildings services and staff.
“Patti’s career is dedicated to excellence in public library service provision,” Ms Adami said.
“She has a strong commitment to life-long learning, the exchange of ideas and information and to the empowerment of communities.
“She advocates for access to early learning and literacy programs and has a respect for diversity and promotes inclusion of people of all ages and abilities.”
Ms Manolis is vice-president of Public Libraries Victoria Network, served on State Government’s Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries and the Library Board of Victoria’s Advisory Committee on Public Libraries.
Ms Manolis said she was grateful for the nomination and induction.
“I feel so privileged to be included in the company of all of the women being inducted this year,” Ms Manolis said.
“I have been so fortunate all my life to understand both personally and professionally the great impact that access to excellent public libraries has on individual and community wellbeing.”