Cooley Named As New Director Of Everett Library

After interviewing four candidates the Everett Public Library has named Abigail Cooley as new director. Here’s a bit more information…

The Everett Public Library Board of Trustees has selected Abigail (Abby) Cooley as the next director of the Everett Public Library. Cooley will start Nov. 1, 2017, taking over the leadership role from Eileen Simmons, who is retiring after nearly 20 years with the library system.

The City and Board of Trustees conducted a national search for Simmons’ replacement, culminating in a public meet-and-greet with the four finalists last week. After conducting candidate interviews and reviewing feedback from staff, the library leadership team, City Council, and the community, the board deliberated and ultimately selected Cooley.

Board President Rich White thanked the community and library staff for participating in the search process. “We look forward to the continued growth of library services under Abby’s leadership in the months and years ahead,” he said.

Cooley is currently the library manager at Baltimore County Public Library’s (BCPL) Reisterstown and Hereford branches; the BCPL system serves more than 800,000 residents. She began her public library career at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Md., as assistant manager of the Sights and Sounds Department, and later served as manager of the periodicals department.

“I’m excited to begin working with the Everett Public Library Board, staff, and community partners and explore new and emerging library needs and find innovative solutions that keep our libraries relevant and effective to the Everett community,” said Cooley. “It’s clear that the library and community are both strong and I look forward to becoming a part of them. I can’t wait to experience all that Everett has to offer.”

The library director manages the day-to-day operations of the library, develops the strategic plan, cultivates supplemental funding sources and interacts with a diverse community of patrons, educators, authors and community service organizations.

The library director reports to the Library Board of Trustees, which is empowered to select, evaluate and remove the director. More information about the position is available on the City’s website: www.everettwa.gov/librarydirector.