The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Popular library director takes new job in Troy
PUBLISHED: May 3, 2007
Cathleen Russ, director of the McKune Memorial Library, has accepted the position of assistant director of the Troy Public Library, with a promotion to director expected in December 2007.
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Russ joined the McKune Memorial Library in July 2006, in the midst of the library's building project.
Gary Zenz, president of the Library Board, said that the library was fortunate to have Russ as our director during one of the most difficult transitions in the library's 75-year history.
"It was understood by the board that when we hired Cathy Russ, we were getting a high quality, up and coming director whose talent was recognized in the library community," said Zenz. "The Troy Public Library recognized that same talent and provided Cathy the opportunity to realize her personal goal of becoming the Troy library director and returning 'home' to family and friends."
Russ said that the Troy Public Library has been an important part of her life since she moved to Troy from Houston, Texas, in 1979.
"My dad took me to the library once a week, and I think I read just about everything in their youth collection," she said. "I took a part-time job there in 1991 as a circulation assistant. I was the person who checked out the books, collected overdue fines and gave out library cards. It was there that I began to consider library work as a career."
Russ continued her library career at other Michigan libraries, but maintained her connection to the Troy library as a member of the Friends group, leading book discussions, and substituting there as a reference librarian.
"Troy has been a huge part of my professional life, and is obviously very dear to my heart," she said.
While she is very excited about this new opportunity, she will miss the McKune Memorial Library family and sees an exciting future ahead for the library.
"I can't say enough nice things about Chelsea," she said. "I planned to be here for many more years. I don't know anyone who would knowingly sign on in the middle of a building project, see it through to completion, and then leave! This community has constantly amazed me by its support of the library, and the importance of the library to the community.
"I think the library has an incredibly bright future ahead as a community center, genealogy and local history resource, and all around spot for recreation and information. The staff is the most dedicated and customer service oriented group I've ever worked with, and the community is fortunate in them. The future is bright for the McKune Memorial Library, and I look forward to reading about the great things that are happening here!"
Zenz said the Board of Trustees would like to publicly thank Russ for her leadership over the past 10 months.
"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Cathy for her tireless efforts in the completion of the McKune Memorial Library, the move from Washington Street to our permanent home and providing the leadership that continues to define the high caliber of our staff and services," he said.
The library has started the search for a new director and expects to have someone in place by mid to late summer.
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