King County Library System Director

Bill Ptacek

Bill Ptacek is the Director of the King County Library System, which was named the busiest library system in the United States in 2010, circulating more than 22.4 million items.

Bill began his career at the Chicago Public Library and worked as the Director of the Idaho Falls and Louisville Free Public Library Systems before coming to KCLS. He has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois, a Masters Degree in Library Science from the State University of New York and an Advanced Degree in Administration from the University of Chicago.

Bill is an active member of the Public Library Association (PLA) and is a past recipient of the Charlie Robinson Award, which honors a public library director who is recognized as a risk taker, innovator and change agent.

Bill has been involved in a number of community activities, including the KCTS Public Television Advisory Board, King County Board of Developmental Disabilities, King County Governance Commission, United Way King County Advisory Board, Bellevue Arts Commission and Bellevue Rotary Club. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington's Information School and serves on advisory committees for the University of Washington Bothell and Seattle University.

Feel free to contact him directly at 425.369.3232 or at billp@kcls.org

Last Updated: November 28, 2012