Biography
Melanie Huggins is the executive director of Richland Library in Columbia, SC, which received the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor. Richland Library has been designated as a 2020, 2021 and 2022 State of SC “Top Place to Work.”
Melanie is widely recognized for her contributions to communities through the platform of public libraries. She is passionate about helping organizations and citizens use human centered design to solve community problems. She is a recognized leader and global speaker in the library profession having held trustee positions with both the Urban Libraries Council and the Public Library Association, where she served as President from 2021-2022. Whether helping other organizations lead with an equity and social justice focus, improve customer experience, design impactful spaces, or being part of an entrepreneurial city, she is led by her belief that libraries are uniquely positioned to make communities more livable, resilient, and inclusive.