Santa Cruz Public Libraries announces Laura Whaley has been selected assistant director of libraries, effective March 1, succeeding Eric Howard, who left last fall.
The assistant director oversees the public service divisions of the organization which include all branches, Outreach, and Adult and Youth Programs and Services.
Christopher Platt
Library Director Christopher Platt said, “As assistant director, Laura brings her knowledge, experience and commitment to our Santa Cruz region to support the staff and patrons in bringing the Library’s mission of “Inclusion, Connection, Collaboration” to life.”
With a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of North Texas, Whaley expanded her leadership skills as a Fellow with the California State Library’s Eureka Leadership Program and was a member of the 2017 cohort of Leadership Santa Cruz County.
Whaley began her career with Santa Cruz Public Libraries in 1997 and since then has held many different positions with the organization as a library assistant for Youth Programs, branch manager in Boulder Creek, volunteer coordinator, a librarian in the Programs and Partnerships Dept, regional manager, and prior role as Facilities Manager.
She has served in a variety of interim leadership assignments in different library departments including interim assistant director in several instances.
“It is always exciting to embark on a new opportunity,” said Whaley. “I am looking forward to supporting our director’s goals, working with staff, and sharing my years of experience with SCPL supporting the organization in this capacity.”