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New Library Director Selected
The City of Homer is pleased to announce that David Berry will be Homer Public Library’s new director, replacing retiring director Ann Dixon as of May 1.
Mr. Berry holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from the University of British Columbia. In addition to student positions in Virginia, he served as a Librarian 1 at the Kern County Library in Bakersfield, CA and as the Director of Taft College Library in Taft, CA. His most recent accomplishment is an upcoming degree in Art with a minor in Spanish from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he has also been employed for the past three years. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for seven years, holds a black belt in tae kwon do, and not surprisingly, loves to read.
The son of a diplomat, Mr. Berry has lived in numerous places around the world but considers Virginia to be where he grew up. He came to Alaska because he always wanted to live in the North. Homer’s vibrant arts and literary scene, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the combination of administrative duties with front-line librarianship required by the Homer Library job attracted him to the position. His well-rounded background and collaborative, community-centered approach to librarianship align positively with Homer Library’s mission and institutional culture.
Mr. Berry was chosen from a field of applicants by a hiring committee that included Director Dixon, City administrative personnel and representatives from the Library Advisory Board and the Friends of the Homer Library. Of the initial dozen applicants, three candidates were selected for video conference interviews. Mr. Berry was offered the position after a face-to-face interview in Homer with the full committee, followed by several hours of informal conversations with library staff and additional members of the Friends’ and LAB boards.
Mr. Berry commented, “It speaks well of Homer that so many people have an interest in meeting a potential library director, and I enjoyed meeting them all.”
Mr. Berry will begin work on April 22, which allows Ann and David important overlap time to help smooth the leadership transition.
The City commends Ann’s leadership and commitment to excellence. During her tenure, the Homer Public Library has grown into the vibrant community center it is today. We all wish her the best on her next adventure and thank her for eight years of service to the people of Homer.
The public is invited to stop by the Library conference room on April 30 from noon to 2:00 pm to wish outgoing Director Dixon well and welcome incoming Director Berry.
