2024 NYLA-IDEAS Election

Welcome to the 2024 NYLA-IDEAS Election Candidate Page! This election cycle will run from June 1st - June 15th. You can learn about your candidates below. If you are looking for the NYLA Council Election candidates, please click here. To vote in this election, you can either log into your account and click the "NYLA Election" link or you can click the button below come June 1st. Please note, you must be an NYLA-IDEAS member to vote in this election. Thank you for using your voice to shape the future of our association!

Treasurer - Susan W Hansen

Reference Librarian, Northern Onondaga Public Library

Candidate Statement: I am happy to serve the IDEAS section of NYLA to support progress in education and training, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for future professionals of NYLA.

Candidate Bio: I have served public libraries in Adult Services for 28 years around the Southern Tier, Central, and Northern New York State. I am a Reference Librarian at Northern Onondaga Public Library in Cicero, New York. I have attended many programs on improving service to adults through SCRLC, CLRC and ELSN.I enjoy the collaboration in adult services and training offerings. I look forward to giving my best attention to continuing the professional training and engagement with NYLA .

Secretary - Grace Engelbrecht

Library Director at Parma Public Library

Candidate Statement: I am currently the IDEAS secretary and have been involved with the section since 2021. Being a part of IDEAS has been an adventure, as I was part of the process for transitioning from RASS and developing a focus on inclusivity of all kinds of library staff. I am a new library director, but served adults for over three years prior to this role change. I pride myself on efficiency, clear communication, and being a part of a forward-thinking group that the section has built. I would be honored to continue being its secretary.

Candidate Bio: Grace Engelbrecht has worked in libraries for 13 years, starting as a page and serving in a variety of roles during that time. She earned her degree in Library Science in 2016 from the University at Buffalo. She has been a children's librarian and adult services librarian and was most recently promoted to Library Director of the Parma Public Library in November 2023. She has been a NYLA member since 2018 and served with IDEAS since 2021. She is raising her two kids to be people who love books and avid library users.