Denver Public Library Announces New City Librarian

Here's the full-text of the announcement from DPL:

Denver Public Library Commission Announces New City Librarian - 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," 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."

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.