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California Library Hall of Fame

 Bonny White 

Click on Bonny's picture to watch her acceptance speech

Starting her career at the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) as a contingent library worker, Bonny White eventually filled, over the next two decades, almost every position from library assistant to deputy director. Now retired, she made a significant impact on the local, state and national library profession by creating, supporting and nurturing critical services to underserved communities. In West Marin, she developed the “Reading on the Ranches” program to bring summer learning and reading to families who live on ranches and have little access to community services. She was also a core member of the county’s Government Alliance on Race and Equity. Moreover, White was certified by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide first-level immigration services and support to undocumented people seeking a legal pathway to U.S. citizenship. Although especially challenging to administer during the Trump administration, MCFL is one of the few libraries in the country certified by the DOJ to provide this service and is considered a national model for other libraries offering immigration services. In addition, White led the effort to make MCFL fine-free. Libraries nationwide have contacted her for advice as they, too, consider the possibility of eliminating fines. White has presented programs at several California Library Association as well as American Library Association conferences. Her induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes the impact of leaders at all levels of California library work.

Bonny White was inducted into the California Library Hall of Fame in 2021.

Photo credit: Bonny White.