Des Moines Welcomes Melissa McCollum as New Library Director
Des Moines has a new leader at the helm of its Public Library system. Melissa McCollum will officially begin her role on February 9th, bringing with her over two decades of experience in library leadership and public service. This appointment follows a nationwide search initiated after the retirement of former director Susan A. Woody in June.
A Des Moines Native Returns Home
mccollum isn’t just an experienced library professional; she’s a proud product of the Des Moines community.She graduated from Roosevelt High School and expressed deep enthusiasm about returning to a place that shaped her. “The Des Moines Public Library played an critically important role in my life growing up,” McCollum stated, “and it’s exciting to return to Des Moines and ensure it continues as a vital community hub for facts, learning, connection, and innovation.”
A Proven Track Record of Leadership
her qualifications speak for themselves. McCollum holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College (1996) and a master’s of science in information from the University of Michigan’s School of Information (1999). Throughout her career, she’s consistently demonstrated a commitment to community-focused library services.
Here’s a glimpse of her impressive background:
* Library Director & community Services Director: City of El Segundo, California.
* Community Library Manager: los Angeles County Library.
* Current Role: Senior Recreation Manager for the City of Manhattan Beach, California.
Moreover, McCollum’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s a recipient of the American Library Association’s prestigious “I Love My Librarian” award, recognizing her outstanding community service.
What This Means for the Des Moines Public Library
The library board is confident McCollum is the right person to lead the Des Moines Public Library into the future. Tim Hickman, president of the board of trustees, highlighted her key strengths. “Melissa stood out from other candidates in our search through her passion for the community role of libraries,” he explained. “She is a thoughtful, compassionate leader who will continue to make the Des Moines Public Library indispensable to everyone in our city.”
A Future Focused on Community
You can expect McCollum to prioritize the library’s role as a central resource for Des Moines residents. Her vision centers on fostering a space for information access, lifelong learning, community connection, and innovative programs. As she steps into this role, the Des Moines Public Library is poised to continue thriving as a cornerstone of the city.
The search for the new director was expertly managed by Bradbury Miller Associates, ensuring a thorough and effective process. This appointment signals a bright future for the Des Moines Public Library and the community it serves.
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