Sorth leads a system that she says is defined by its people. “St. Louis County Library employees are just amazing. They are smart, kind, and creative,” she notes. “They care about their patrons and the community, and they work hard to create an environment that is fun, supportive, welcoming, and fosters a love of reading.” In early 2026, SLCL broke ground on its second new branch in two years; the Guy and Judy Jaffe Family Branch is on track to open in Chesterfield in 2027.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Be authentic. People can spot a fake every time. Decide who you want to be as a leader and as an organization, and move in that direction by showing up in the community and doing what you say you will do.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? There is always some risk when you are embarking on so many construction projects in a short amount of time, because you are making decisions before you have feedback on the last decision. There were several that we made during the first half of Your Library Renewed that we learned from, such as needing more study rooms than we included and never including curved walls because they never quite turn out the way you expect them to. There were also carpet and furniture decisions that were not successful, because they were too light for the amount of use they get.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? When I’m feeling stuck or uninspired, I go to one of our branches and walk around to see the impact we are making.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? St. Louis County Library employees are just amazing. They are smart, kind, and creative. They care about their patrons and the community. Our employees work so hard to move the region forward by creating an environment that is fun, supportive, welcoming, and fosters a love of reading. In fact, library employees in every community should be celebrated.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? I recently took a tour of the Veterans Community Project in St. Louis, which is located on a nearly 4-acre property in the heart of the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood. When the Veterans Community Project campus is complete, it will include a village of 50 tiny houses for veterans experiencing homelessness. They currently have residents living in tiny houses on the property. They also have an outreach center to provide walk-in support services for any veteran in the St. Louis metro area. I was very impressed.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? Libraries continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. At St. Louis County Library we recently added a sixth social worker to our Community Resource Initiative, which has served hundreds of people since we launched last year. We continue to help bridge the digital divide in our region; earlier this year we began offering bookable hotspots, for people who need an internet connection on a specific day for things like job interviews, meetings or travel. Later this year we will introduce four new state-of-the-art bookmobiles that will serve area students featuring a diverse collection of over 5,000 books.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Libraries should be less humble and more comfortable talking about the significant role we play as a vital community partner and resource.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Overseeing the renovation and replacement of 21 buildings in 10 years definitely had challenges both in terms of construction as well as politics. I learned so much about myself and how to just figure it out and the determination of our amazing employees during that time.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? Jason Purnell, the president of the James S. McDonnell Foundation
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Barbara Turkington. She was an assistant director at the library when I was the interim director and then the director and CEO. She lovingly shoved me into having a role that was outward facing. It was important for me personally and even more so for the Library. She still pushes me.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Be authentic. Every storm runs out of rain.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Gabe Gore and Penny Pennington
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Sarah Bowman at PNC. Sarah is the VP of Client and Community Relations. Sarah is smart and thoughtful and has a fresh perspective on corporate giving. She always asks tough but the exact right questions.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? We should talk more about the role of arts and cultural institutions and the role we play in making St. Louis an amazing place to live and visit.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Omaha, Nebraska
What was your childhood aspiration? I wanted to be a teacher.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was a tour guide at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. I was pretty quiet with people I didn’t know well and it forced me to talk to people and to feel confident about answering questions.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a bachelor’s in Political Science and a master’s in Public Administration both from Mizzou. And a master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I would be working in a floral shop. I love flowers and arranging them.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Pastaria’s Canestri Cacio e Pepe
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? I saw a show on Broadway in New York. I did the onstage interview with Valerie Bertinelli at an author event.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Outsiders. We talk a lot about the importance of belonging in a world that sometimes feels isolating. The Outsiders speaks to the power of belonging.
What’s your hobby/passion? I love to garden specifically to attract as many varieties of butterflies as possible. I’ve seen 26 different varieties of butterflies in my garden.
What is your most prized possession? My three standard poodles: George, Fitz, and Louie
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I love to go to concerts and especially to see the Foo Fighters and Kenny Chesney. Hosting Dave Grohl for an author event at the Library would be it for me.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
