Tracie D Hall has been awarded an Honorary Degree for her lifelong commitment to the right to read and advocating worldwide access to libraries and cultural services.

Tracie is currently a Distinguished Professor of Practice at the University of Washington Information School in Seattle.

She was the first Black woman to lead the American Library Association, from 2020 to 2023 and was named in the Time 100 list of the most influential people of 2023.

Tracie’s deep appreciation of books and libraries was inspired by her grandmother who didn’t have access to public libraries growing up and further realised the importance of libraries during an early job at a homeless shelter in Santa Monica, California.

She realised how fundamental literacy is to a person’s ability to be a part of society, and taking advantage of the fact the shelter residents had an address, she would take them to get their library cards.

The seed was sown, and Tracie went on to work in, and eventually, lead public libraries and arts organisations across the United States.

Roles included Deputy Commissioner for Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Culture Program Director at the Joyce Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing racial equity and economic mobility.

Tracie’s mission has evolved as the world has become increasingly digital.

She believes access to broadband, as well as libraries, should be seen as a right.

Tracie holds degrees from the University of California, Yale University and University of Washington, and has continued her scholarship throughout her career.