As policy director for the ACLU of South Dakota, Libby Skarin develops and implements strategies to advance civil rights and civil liberties throughout the state. She is the primary lobbyist for the ACLU during the legislative session in Pierre and has overseen some of the ALCU’s greatest legislative victories for civil rights. Outside of the legislative session, Libby works with organizations and individuals across the state on LGBTQ issues, voting rights, reproduction rights, and criminal justice reform.
What are you reading right now?
“I Might Regret This” by Abbi Jacobson
“The Lake House” by Kate Morton (audio)
“The Elegance of the Hedgehog” by Muriel Barbery
Who is your favorite author?
There are way too many to choose from but for simplicity’s sake I’ll say Tana French. No one does murder mysteries better.
What book are you too nervous to begin?
“Helter Skelter” by Vincent Bugliosi. It’s been on my bookshelf since college but by mom told me it’s “terrifying” so I haven’t worked up the courage to start it yet.
Favorite TV or film adaption of a book?
The Harry Potter series.
Car reading: yea or nay?
Nay, but only due to carsickness.
Which do you prefer: audiobook, ebook or physical book?
Physical books are by far my favorite, though I do love audio for long drives to and from Pierre.
What is your favorite reading spot?
On my couch, with a cup of coffee, with my three dogs.
What is your preference when it comes to books: new or used?
New (it’s bad, I know).
"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
Dark and stormy, always.
If you could have coffee with any author - dead or alive - who would it be? Why?
I’d pick Rebecca Solnit. Her essays are thought-provoking and give me a new perspective on things I’ve spent considerable time thinking about. I think she’d have great advice on doing the hard work of advancing civil rights in a place like South Dakota.