The Saskatoon Public Library Board recently announced the appointment of Carol Cooley as the new Director of Libraries & CEO, effective June 1.

Cooley will replace Zenon Zuzak, who has been with Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) for the past 35 years, 20 of them as Director, and nine as Assistant Chief Librarian. Zuzak retired December 31, 2014, but remains with the Library on contract until the end of May.

Cooley is Manager of Adult & Information Services at SPL and before that, was Branch Head of Cliff Wright Branch. Prior to joining SPL, Carol was CEO of The Blue Mountains Public Library in Ontario, and Director of the Fort McMurray Public Library in Alberta.

“We’re excited to work with Carol as we set out together to write this new chapter of SPL’s history. We have many projects to tackle, including the updating of our strategic plan,” said Chris Shauf, Library Board Chair. The Board’s capital priority remains the development of a new central library. The opening of a new library branch in Stonebridge in 2016 is also another priority.

“We are very grateful to Zenon for his years of service, his commitment, his leadership, and for continuing on during this transition period. We wish him all the very best in his retirement,” he said.

To find a new director, the Board engaged the services of a national recruiting firm. An updated position profile was prepared, in part, using feedback from SPL staff. The position was advertised nationally and in select communities in the United States. Interviews were held with potential candidates and a final decision was made following a presentation to a panel of Board members and an interview.

Membership of the 2015 Library Board of Trustees includes:

Click here for more News stories.