Susan Hildreth named Seattle city librarian

Susan Hildreth, who is now the State Librarian of California, has been named the city librarian and CEO of The Seattle Public Library. Hildreth will succeed Deborah L. Jacobs, who left The Seattle Public Library in July to join the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Hildreth is expected to begin her new position in early 2009. Marilynne Gardner, CFO and director of Administrative Services for The Seattle Public Library, has been serving as interim chief executive and will continue in that capacity through the transition.

As city librarian of The Seattle Public Library, Hildreth will oversee a $50 million budget, 710 employees and facilities that include the world famous Central Library, 26 recently replaced or renovated branches and a Mobile Services division. The city librarian reports to the Library Board, who are citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

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