Meet Traci Priego—FCPL's Latest Library Limelight

Get to know the newest member of the Forsyth County Public Library Board of Trustees with the Library Limelight!

Originally from Hillsville, Virginia, Traci Priego has been a patron of Forsyth County Public Library since 2005. Some of her fondest memories are from bringing her children to storytimes, often spending those programs down on the floor with them, fully immersed in the experience. The library played a meaningful role in her family’s life, especially during those child-centered programs that nurtured their love of reading.

Because of that long-standing connection, she has always felt grateful for what the library provides to our community. When her District 4 commissioner, Mendy Moore, approached her about serving on the Board of Trustees, it felt like a natural and meaningful way to give back. She values literacy, lifelong learning, the welcoming spaces our library creates, and is honored to get the opportunity to support and help advocate for those resources in our county.

What’s unique about serving on the Library Board is the opportunity to bridge community needs with the library’s mission. While she is not involved in the day-to-day operations, Traci helps guide policy, advocate for resources, and ensure our libraries remain welcoming, innovative spaces for all ages. It’s a role that combines governance, vision, and community engagement—supporting everything from early literacy programs, to lifelong learning initiatives.

Traci dressed as a dinosaur at the Cumming Library Halloween parade, 2025.

So far, Traci’s favorite part of serving on the Library Board has been discovering just how vast and impactful the library’s services truly are. “I’ve always loved the library as a patron, but now I’m amazed by how much it offers—from early literacy programs and teen resources, to technology access and lifelong learning opportunities for adults. It’s truly eye-opening, and a privilege to support an institution that serves every corner of our community in such meaningful ways,” says Priego. If she could describe her role in five words, they would be: steward, advocate, support, govern, and learn.

In her free time, Traci enjoys a mix of quiet and active hobbies. She loves reading and sewing, both of which allow her to slow down and be creative. She’s also an enthusiastic University of Tennessee football fan—cheering on the Vols every season is a tradition she looks forward to. 

Traci enjoys traveling whenever she can, especially discovering new places and cultures. Some of her favorite moments are spent walking on the beach, soaking in the peace and rhythm of the ocean.

The most interesting place she has lived is Australia. It offered the perfect blend of Western comfort, adventure, and a sense of the familiar wrapped in something entirely new. “We fully embraced life as Australians—driving on the left side of the road while exploring the outback, gold country, the coast, and the penguin island,” says Priego. What stood out most to her was their philosophy of working to live rather than living to work—a mindset that isn't just talked about there, but truly lived every day.

Traci is currently reading Outlander  by Diana Gabaldon, and when asked the difficult question of paperbacks, audiobooks, or eBooks, she responded confidently with, “Always paperbacks!”

Traci leaves the Limelight with an empowering statement, “I can say with confidence that our entire community is deeply grateful for the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our library staff. You are the heart of what makes our library system exceptional. Thank you for all that you do every day to inspire, support, and serve.”

Thank you, Traci, for your kind words and support towards our library system! We are grateful for the opportunity to get to know you better, and look forward to seeing what you do for our community.