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Natalie Woods has served as Branch Manager of the historic Western Library since 2017. She serves on several committees in the Russell neighborhood, including acting as consulting party for the Redevelopment of Beecher Terrace, and the Greater Russell Equity, Education Equity and Economic and Self-Sufficient Equity Task Groups.
The Western Library is the first public library in the U.S. staffed fully by African Americans, for African American patrons. Natalie’s passion for showcasing Western Library’s history is the driving force behind her work. She aims to continue the pioneering work of Rev. Thomas Fountain Blue, who considered Western a pillar of the neighborhood, serving the community as a place for advancement and strong connections. In her tenure at Western, relaunched the Western Block Party and the Cotter Cup, a storytelling contest first established by Joseph Cotter in 1913, led an initiative to digitize the African American Archives held at the Western Library, as well as been featured in many newspaper articles and television features stories. In 2022, she worked with the Friends of the Eastern Cemetery, Frazier History Museum, and city officials to dedicate a headstone honoring Rev. Thomas Fountain Blue and his wife Cornelia at Eastern Cemetery, calling attention to Rev. Blue’s career and legacy.
Today, Natalie continues her dedication to her community as the new manager of the Parkland Library. Closed for almost 40 years, Parkland is reopening to its community under her leadership. In addition, Natalie serves as a member for the Alberta O. Jones Park Community Council, continuing her tradition of community partnership and engagement.
