Library head’s influential tenure comes to a close

GEELONG Regional Library Corporation chief executive officer Patti Manolis is stepping down after 14 years in the role.

Ms Manolis’ time will come to a close in March, 2021, after informing the library corporation’s board last week.

As Ms Manolis reflected on her time, she said the CEO position had been the highlight of her career.

“It has been a great honour to undertake the role of GRLC CEO and, in fact, it has been the absolute highlight of my entire professional career,” she said.

“I have derived such deep satisfaction and enjoyment leading the transformation change of this great library corporation and through its work making a difference in the Geelong region.”

Ms Manolis said the decision to resign was a tough one as she turns her attention to the next chapter of her life.

“It has been a difficult decision to make, given my longstanding and continuing strong commitment to the organisation, but it is the right time for me and I am looking forward to putting other life and career plans in place,” she said.

“I am confident I leave the organisation in a very strong position and look forward to watching for the next ambitious leap GRLC takes into the future.”

Ms Manolis’ achievements have been formally recognised at state and national level in recent years.

In 2016, she was one of 20 inductees of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of her achievements in public libraries and communities.

Chair of the GRLC board and City of Geelong councillor Cr Ron Nelson said Ms Manolis had been an influential figure, leading the organisation through a major transformation.

He also said her understanding of the importance and value of delivering a community-responsive library service had been at the forefront of her leadership.

“The Geelong region has benefited greatly from Patti’s service, with over $100m additional capital and operational funding invested into the region’s libraries during her time as CEO,” Cr Nelson said.

“This level of investment enabled the building of six new libraries, including the iconic and award-winning Geelong Library & Heritage Centre and a further eight refurbishments of library branches and both mobile libraries,” Mr Nelson said.

Under Ms Manolis’ leadership, the GRLC has tripled in size and has seen great expansion within the library’s facilities.

Both the Bannockburn Library and the mobile library which travels across Golden Plains Shire are run by the GRLC.

Geelong Regional Library Corporation will commence that search for a new CEO in the New Year.