On October 31, 2019, APALA lost a beloved member of our community when Gayatri Singh passed away from complications from a car accident. It was sudden and for many who knew her, unreal and too soon.
Gayatri graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. From 2004 to 2006 she worked at UC Irvine and UC Riverside, and joined UC San Diego in 2007. For the past 13 years, she served as the Reference and Information Services Coordinator and the Librarian for Communication. Gayatri was involved in many national and local library associations, committees, and projects and APALA was lucky she chose to share her commitment and passion with us.
Gayatri joined APALA in 2009, and true to her nature, wasted no time immediately getting involved, making a difference, and embracing leadership opportunities. She began committee service as a Co-Chair of the Research and Travel Grants Committee, then served in subsequent years as Co-Chair, Chair and member of the Scholarships and Award Committee; was the Chair and member of the Picture Book Subcommittee of the Literature Award Committee; and a member of the Communications and Media Committee. She actively raised visibility of South Asian Americans within our profession by co-presenting and co-authoring on the topic of “The Other Asian: Reflections of South Asian Americans in Libraryland” and presenting a poster on the “The Desi Dossier.”
In her statement for election to the APALA Executive Board in 2015, she stated “APALA is family…I love that APALA brings us together around issues of social justice, advocacy, equity and inclusion. These are difficult topics to discuss in libraryland and I appreciate that I can always find inspiration and support from my APALA family.” At her core, Gayatri embodied those same values—she was dedicated to fighting for those who are underrepresented and to ensuring everyone had a seat at the table.
While we may all have different memories of Gayatri, one thing they all have in common is the way she built connections, shared her energy, saw the humanity in each of us, and moved through the world with kindness and compassion. She was a colleague, leader, mentor, activist, and friend. She had a way of lifting people up and making each one of us feel like we were seen and worthy. APALA was privileged to have her in our community and wish her family and friends healing and love during this difficult time. Rest in peace Gayatri.
*Many members have expressed a desire to contribute to a remembrance for Gayatri. More information will be forthcoming in the near future.*