Parma - Cuyahoga County Public Library Executive Director Sari Feldman will retire from her position effective August 2nd, 2019. She was named executive director in May 2003 and, under her leadership, established Cuyahoga County Public Library as one of the nation’s pre-eminent public library systems.
“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve Cuyahoga County Public Library and the residents of Cuyahoga County as executive director of this tremendous organization,” said Feldman. “As I reflect on my time at CCPL, I am so proud of the work we’ve accomplished with thoughtful Trustees, dedicated staff, a supportive community, engaged partners, and generous donors.”
Over the course of her 16-year career at Cuyahoga County Public Library, she successfully led two key ballot issues (2004, 2008) and navigated the organization through significant cuts in state funding without reducing library open hours or service.
Feldman oversaw a $110 million capital improvement program – the largest in the system’s history – which resulted in ten building renovations and ten replacement building projects. The program was funded without additional expense to taxpayers and has helped reduce the Library’s overall annual operating costs while enhancing quality of service across the system.
During her tenure, Feldman held leadership positions in the nation’s largest library professional organizations. In 2009-2010, she served as president of the Public Library Association. Then, in 2014, she was elected president of the American Library Association. During her term as president, she initiated a national public awareness campaign called Libraries Transform to increase awareness of and support for libraries of all types. Through these roles, she cast a national spotlight on the work at Cuyahoga County Public Library.
At a Special Meeting of the CCPL Board of Trustees on March 12th, the Board approved a contract with June Garcia LLC for services related to a national search for the next executive director.
Board President Patty Shlonsky remarked, “We congratulate Sari on her upcoming retirement and extend our most sincere gratitude for her years of service. Under Sari’s leadership, Cuyahoga County Public Library has transformed in ways that make the organization stronger and improve our community. She’s a dynamic leader and respected trailblazer within the library profession. We have been fortunate to benefit from the great leadership she provided as executive director of Cuyahoga County Public Library.”
Photo courtesy of The Cuyahoga County Public Library
Hear news updates at the top and bottom of the hour: wtam.com/listen