Calgary Public Library CEO Bill Ptacek leaves legacy of innovation | Calgary Herald
Leaving behind a legacy of innovation and increased access, former Calgary Public Library CEO Bill Ptacek died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.
During his time in Calgary, Ptacek led multiple new initiatives, including a full rebranding, a new catalogue and website, a focus on safety at the Central Library and free library cards for all.
When he spoke to the Calgary Herald in 2014, he stressed the importance of removing the $12 library fee to increase access for all.
“We are one of the only libraries in North America that still had a fee,” Ptacek said at the time.
“And it’s just not necessary. That $12 really was a barrier for a lot of families, new Canadians, low-income earners. Now everybody has access and everyone can come in and enjoy what libraries have to offer.”
Ptacek was able to remove fees thanks to the growth of the Calgary Public Library Foundation and its growing list of donors in the community.
The Calgary Public Library released an official statement Wednesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Bill Ptacek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15.
“Bill was a visionary who came to Calgary to bring the new Central Library to life but left his mark in ways we are still counting. He played a pivotal role in re-imagining how Calgarians connect and use libraries and he will be deeply missed.
“We will remember Bill for the incredible energy and vigor he brought into libraries by creating spaces that are lively, spark discussion and are welcoming community hubs. But mostly, we will miss his infectious personality and his ability to inspire greatness in all of us.
“In the coming days and weeks we will determine how to best celebrate Bill’s legacy at the Calgary Public Library and his impact on our community.”
In addition to being instrumental in the growth of the Library Foundation, Ptacek also worked to refresh and redesign collections at all libraries in the system.
He was also passionate about early literacy initiatives, including building 12 early learning centres across Calgary, and actively grew the reach of the library through two new locations, including the opening of the new Central Library in November 2018.
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Bill Ptacek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct 15. Bill was a visionary who came to Calgary to bring the new Central Library to life, but left his mark in ways we are still counting. He will be deeply missed: https://t.co/D2V1lF2ktq pic.twitter.com/pUO8uRi2cM
— CalgaryPublicLibrary (@calgarylibrary)