Walters leads NCW Libraries with compassion, community focus

WENATCHEE — Barbara Walters, Executive Director of NCW Libraries, has dedicated her career to making library resources accessible to everyone.

Her career choice was inspired by growing up with a single mom and spending a lot of time in libraries.

“Libraries and library staff played an integral role in my early years and provided a safe and fun place to be while my mom attended college to obtain a business degree – eventually starting her own business,” Walters said.  

For Walters, the library was a place to explore and read while her mom studied. It gave her mother a quiet place to study and sparked Walters’s passion for making library services accessible to everyone.

“Libraries have the power to connect and support people in life-changing ways,” she said. “There is nothing else I would rather do.”

In the business world women often have to overcome many challenges on the way to leadership roles. However, in an industry where women are well-represented, Walters has found that the main challenge isn’t numbers—it’s diversity. 

“We have a lot of work to do to ensure that our leadership reflects the communities and groups we serve,” she said. “We need to create pathways for more women to access the experience and education needed for leadership positions.”

“Library workers are passionate about inclusion,” she said. “I am proud to work with other library leaders to work towards a more equitable field.”

Walters is thankful for the women in her leadership team who each bring unique, necessary and complementary strengths to the table.

“Kim, our Deputy Director, is my biggest champion and the first person I turn to when I need support,” Walters said. “I admire her greatly – not just for her dedication to providing equitable library services, but also for her willingness to challenge me when needed. Her calm demeanor and steady approach inspire confidence and trust with everyone she works with.” 

“Sheila, our Director of HR, is our trusted advisor, bringing balance and steadiness to our team,” she said. “Her experience and knowledge make her an invaluable source of guidance and someone I can turn to when navigating tough challenges.  Sheila recognizes the potential in others and kindly holds us accountable. Her genuine care for people shows in how she listens, follows up, and fosters meaningful connections.” 

“Summer, our Associate Director of Programs and Resources, inspires me with her dedication to driving positive change and advocacy for social justice,” she said. “ Her passion for integrating equity into all aspects of her work - from our collections to the programs and services we provide - ensures that the library is a welcoming space for all to enjoy, learn, and grow.” 

In her career there have been many moments that have shaped Walters’s leadership style. But one that stands out for her, was the change libraries saw during the pandemic. 

Libraries underwent major changes in service delivery and collection development. To navigate the changes, NCW Libraries contracted with Nash Consulting for management and leadership training. 

“I quickly realized how deeply rooted imposter syndrome was in my psyche,” she said. “I learned to honor and make space for my humanity. Rather than seeing mistakes as failures, I practiced shifting my mindset to see them as learning opportunities. By offering myself compassion, I felt more free to be transparent with my team. This has helped me improve our workplace culture and foster trust throughout our organization.”

Practicing self-compassion has also helped Walters learn a better work life balance.

“Recognizing my limits and taking regular breaks allows me to show up more fully at work,” she said. “I especially love taking a day off during the week to go for a hike with my dogs and enjoy our beautiful region.”

Through a network of trusted professional women, Walters has found invaluable support and encouragement. 

“Connecting with other women executives through professional organizations, serving on boards, or through partnerships, has helped me learn from their diverse knowledge,” she said. “These relationships have inspired me to offer the same support and guidance to new directors.” 

For young women entering library science Walters recommends they find a mentor in the field.

“Library workers are helpers at heart,” she said. “We are all eager to support and encourage anyone interested in working for libraries. Library work is for people who are passionate about social justice, community building, advocacy, inclusion, and kindness.”

“I’d also share that libraries are so much more than you might imagine,” she said. “Our libraries are rarely quiet and are never boring. Public Libraries provide free access to knowledge and foster lifelong learning.”

“At NCW Libraries, our library locations serve as community hubs where people of all ages and interests gather, connect, and learn,” she said. “We offer critical technology resources that bridge the digital divide in some of our region’s most rural areas. It is both an exciting and a challenging time to be a library worker. With the rise in book banning efforts nationwide, the work we do to provide free access to information, ideas, and resources is more important than ever.” 

NCW Libraries stays innovative and adapts to changes in the library field by prioritizing community needs.

“We actively get out into our communities, meeting people where they are and listening to their ideas and concerns,” she said. “Whether it’s providing a place to study, gather, host a meeting, or access technology for printing, faxing or scanning, we take pride in delivering services that meet the needs of each community we serve. By aligning our efforts with community priorities, we ensure that our services remain relevant and impactful.” 

Changes that Walters would like to see in the industry include transparent pay equity, especially for women of color, active promotion of women into leadership roles, flexible work schedules for all, efforts to prevent gender-based harassment, and mentorship programs that support young women.

“I admire the efforts of activists like Malala Yousafzai, who risked her life to advocate for women's right to education, and authors like Maya Angelou, who eloquently wrote about the subtle ways sexism and discrimination persist,” she said.

The qualities that have contributed to her success in the library industry are authenticity, a growth mindset, and a commitment to continually improving her leadership skills. 

“I believe in learning from mistakes and approaching leadership with humility, holding myself accountable while staying open to ideas and feedback,” she said. “Most importantly, I focus on lifting up team members and empowering them to approach their worth with curiosity and creativity.”

A guiding quote Walters relies on is by Patrick Lencioni.

“When leaders throughout an organization take an active, genuine interest in the people they manage, when they invest real time to understand employees at a fundamental level, they create a climate for greater morale, loyalty, and yes, growth,” Lencioni said.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.