Veleda Simpson

Background

About Veleda Simpson

As the Regional Director at Chicago Public Library, I oversee four departments with 50+ employees at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, one of the largest and busiest branches in the city. I serve on the senior administrative team and work with elected city officials and a diverse range of community partners on collaborative community events and activities. I am passionate about delivering library resources and services that positively impact the community as a whole, employing innovative programs and activities to support the needs of the people. Some of the initiatives that I have created or facilitated include a popular adult social justice reading circle, a system-wide Inaugural Juneteenth Mainstage Event, and a grant-funded digital literacy project for seniors. I also have a strong background in writing, mentoring, and communication, which I use to advocate for the library and its patrons. I hold a BA in Psychology from Hampton University, an MLIS from Clark Atlanta University, and a Certificate of Social Enterprise from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am always eager to learn new skills and explore new opportunities to advance the library's mission and vision.