Regional Director
Chicago Public Library
Veleda Simpson is a powerhouse in the library field, with over two decades of diverse experience spanning various roles such as Branch Services Administrator, Children’s Librarian, School Media Specialist, and Law Firm Librarian. Her involvement with the ALA and her election to the Executive Board of the Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) as Member-At-Large, 2016 - 2018 highlight her commitment to diversity and multiculturalism in libraries.
A proud double HBCU alumna, having earned her MLS from Clark Atlanta University and a BA from Hampton University, Veleda embodies a deep-rooted dedication to education and community upliftment. Her expertise in grant writing, coupled with her track record of successfully managing grants, underscores her ability to secure resources to support her passion for serving underrepresented children and families in urban communities. Growing up in Atlanta, GA, amidst the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, Veleda was instilled with values of education, equality, and justice.
Veleda resides on the south side of Chicago with her husband Byron, where they nurture their blended family of four. Her tireless advocacy for educational equity and social justice continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals in her community and beyond.
Illuminating the Legacy of Illustrious African American Librarians
Monday, July 1, 2024
1:00pm – 2:30pm Pacific