Bloomington's new public library director is a Springfield native and current head of the public library in Charleston. Jeanne Hamilton was the unanimous selection of library board members from among four finalists, according to board president Carol Koos.
Hamilton succeeds Georgia Bouda, who retired last year after nine years directing the library. Former McLean County Administrator Terry Lindberg has been serving as interim director since January.
In a news release provided by BPL, Hamilton says she's looking forward to moving to Bloomington, where her parents have lived for more than a decade.
“With strong staff, board, and community supporters, it is clear that the Bloomington Public Library has an exciting outlook and I am thrilled to be a part of that future,” Hamilton said in the release.
Hamilton has led the Carnegie Library in Charleston for five years and before that was director at Effingham's public library. According to the BPL, Hamilton focused on improving library services through the implementation of fiscally sound new ideas and the development of strong staff teams.
Under her leadership, the Charleston library expanded its open hours and witnessed a 63 percent increase in circulation to 94,000 items annually. The Charleston library serves a population of approximately 22,000.
In the news release, Koos said Hamilton is a good fit for Bloomington.
“She brings a lot of good, relevant experience to the position,” Koos said.
Hamilton begins her duties in Bloomington June first.