Former Library CEO Bill Ptacek dies at 69
Posted Oct 16, 2019 10:34 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The former CEO of the Calgary Public Library has passed away.
Bill Ptacek died on Tuesday at the age of 69 after many years battling cancer.
Ptacek joined the organization in 2014 and is credited as being instrumental in bringing about numerous changes, including spearheading the new Central Library.
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Bill Ptacek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct 15. Bill was a visionary who came to Calgary to bring the new Central Library to life, but left his mark in ways we are still counting. He will be deeply missed: https://t.co/D2V1lF2ktq pic.twitter.com/pUO8uRi2cM
— Calgary Public Library (@calgarylibrary) October 16, 2019
A statement from the Calgary Public Library said Ptacek played a pivotal role in re-imagining how Calgarians connect and use libraries, and he will be deeply missed.
“Bill was a visionary who came to Calgary to bring the new Central Library to life but left his mark in ways we are still counting,” the Calgary Public Library said. “We will remember Bill for the incredible energy and vigour he brought into libraries by creating spaces that are lively, spark discussion and are welcoming community hubs. But mostly, we will miss his infectious personality and his ability to inspire greatness in all of us.”
The Library is planning to celebrate Ptacek’s legacy at a later date