We are sad to announce that Library Director Buzzy Nielsen is resigning effective in late summer or early fall of this year. His family is relocating to Central Oregon. The Library District Board of Directors already has begun the search process for a new leader.
The Board of Directors hired Buzzy in June 2011 as the first employee of our new library district, created after the previously County-operated library closed due to lack of funding. Buzzy was tasked with helping reopen our three library branches in Cascade Locks, Hood River, and Parkdale following a year of closure. In the last five years, we have restored basic services and began expanding upon them by providing public programming, targeted outreach to Latino residents, and increased funding for collections, among other offerings.
Buzzy’s departure comes on the heels of the library completing our new 2016-21 strategic plan. The plan calls for expanding the district’s efforts in serving Odell, providing more opportunities for tweens and teens, expanding outreach within the community, raising awareness of library services, and providing more cultural and educational opportunities.
A nationwide search is planned for a new director. The Board of Directors will post the position on both general and library-specific jobseeker resources. Buzzy will be actively involved in the search process with the Board. Board members seek a individual with strong leadership skills, a public-focused mindset, financial acumen, effective management techniques, creative ideas, and the ability to help the library district achieve its mission to serve Hood River County.
For more information, please contact Board chair Suzanne VanOrman at 541-400-1725 or suzanne@hoodriverlibrary.org.