CITY SEEKING NEW LIBRARY DIRECTOR

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced this week that the City of Somerville is seeking a new Director of Libraries following the resignation of current director, Maria Carpenter, who has accepted a position as Director of the Santa Monica, California Public Library. Carpenter will step down as Director in Somerville in May, and an Acting Director will be appointed while the City seeks a full-time director. Carpenter has served as Somerville’s Director of Libraries since 2011.

“Maria has advanced our public libraries as well as their programs and services for residents of all ages, bringing libraries back into the spotlight in terms of the immense benefits they provide to our community,” said Mayor Curtatone. “She is one of our most innovative and driven managers and though we are sad to lose her, we are proud of her accomplishments and excited for her newest and prestigious adventure.”

“Under Mayor Curtatone’s excellent leadership, Somerville is an extraordinary, vibrant community. I have been fortunate to have lived and worked in Somerville. I will miss working alongside talented coworkers, Board of Aldermen, Trustees, and Friends, all of whom are dedicated to excellent Library and City services.”

In her time with the City of Somerville, Carpenter influenced and instituted a number of changes within the public libraries, including: launching a Library Teen Space; co-authoring a winning provisional grant of $18 million for a visionary new library building currently proposed for Union Square; expanded weekend hours at all three branches; increased library card membership through successful public campaigns; and launched new, innovative programs such as StoryCorps @ Your Library, Muslim Journeys series, and The Awesome Box project.

The job posting and additional information about a search for a replacement will be available at www.somervillema.gov in coming weeks. For information about the Somerville Public Libraries, visit www.somervillepubliclibrary.org.