Celeste Jackson writes “Shirley Amore to Direct Colorado’s Largest Library System
The Denver Public Library (DPL) Commission announced today
that Shirley C. Amore has accepted its offer to serve as Denver’s new City
Librarian. The DPL Commission is the Library’s eight-member governing board.
Amore, who currently is the executive director of community services for Sarasota
County, Fla., becomes Denver’s first female city librarian. She assumes the post
vacated by Rick J. Ashton in February, ending his 20-year career at the Library’s
helm.
Celeste Jackson writes “Shirley Amore to Direct Colorado’s Largest Library System
The Denver Public Library (DPL) Commission announced today
that Shirley C. Amore has accepted its offer to serve as Denver’s new City
Librarian. The DPL Commission is the Library’s eight-member governing board.
Amore, who currently is the executive director of community services for Sarasota
County, Fla., becomes Denver’s first female city librarian. She assumes the post
vacated by Rick J. Ashton in February, ending his 20-year career at the Library’s
helm.
Working in collaboration with Dubberly Garcia Associates, Inc., a library consulting
and research firm, the Denver Public Library Commission conducted a nation-wide
search to identify its new leader. Amore is only the ninth person to hold the
position since the Library opened in 1889.
“Shirley is a proven professional who possesses great vision and passion for our
work and will capably direct the Denver Public Library as we enter our next era,â€Â
said K.C. Veio, president, Denver Public Library Commission.
The Library Commission hosted Amore and three other candidates in a three-day
comprehensive interview process, in late April. In addition to extensive
interviews, each finalist participated in tours of the Denver Central Library and
some of the system’s branch libraries; a reception to which Denver Mayor John
Hickenlooper, City Council members, Library Commissioners, Denver Public Library
Friends Foundation Board members and key benefactors were invited; and a day-long
forum for DPL Staff members to meet and ask questions of each candidate.
“The Denver Public Library is a much-revered public library system,†Amore said.
“I have learned much about the Library’s challenges and opportunities in recent
weeks and am ecstatic to be joining this unique team.â€Â
Amore begins her tenure at the Denver Public Library this summer.
Denver City Librarian Candidates included:
Gerry Garzon, deputy director / administrative librarian, Oakland Public Library,
Oakland, Calif.
Toni Lambert, deputy director, library operations, Houston Public Library, Houston,
Tex.
Susan Odencrantz, director, Tacoma Public Library, Tacoma, Wash.
Letty Icolari now serves as interim city librarian. For more information about the
Library Commission selection process, please contact her at 720-865-2070.”
Condolence book available
Palinet has posted an online condolences book. Read about what John meant to many of us and how sad we are at this turn of events. Contribute if you knew him.