The Board of Directors of the Library System announced that Bonnie Young, Executive Director, will retire from her post on December 31, 2018. Young has served as Executive Director since January 2016 and has provided leadership for the library system staff and operations during the past three years.
During her tenure as Director, Young achieved breakthrough results with her fundraising efforts in support of Bookmobile services and the Be READy Rover early literacy program*. Shortly after taking the post, she was able to bring a spirit of collaboration among the public libraries and the Library System staff. She skillfully streamlined the operation of the organization that has best served the public libraries in Lancaster County since her arrival in 2016.
Young worked closely with the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners in representing the public libraries in the county. Commissioner Dennis Stuckey expressed gratitude for her leadership by stating, “Bonnie Young has had a significantly positive impact on the Library System of Lancaster County and its member libraries. Her calm and collaborative approach to leadership was extremely effective in solving problems, building coalitions, and strengthening relationships between organizations and individuals. She is a friend and dedicated professional to many of us and we all wish her well as she retires from the Library System of Lancaster County organization.”
Library System Board member and past President, Diane Tannehill, has high praise for Young’s term as leader of the organization. “Since Bonnie has taken the helm as Executive Director of the Library System, she has focused on implementing the system’s strategic plan and streamlined processes while inspiring the library system staff with enthusiasm and passion for libraries. Her experience and expertise has created an organization marked with efficiency.”
Young had served as Head of Public Libraries and Professional Development for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries from 2004-2014. She has led public libraries across the state by developing and implementing strategies for improving library service, especially in the areas of professional development, programming, marketing, technology and trustee leadership training.
Prior to her position at Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Young served as Director of the Lititz Public Library (2000-2004) and Director of the Adamstown Area Library (1989-2000). She received a BA from Millersville University and her Masters in Library Science from Clarion University in 2001.
*Be READy Rover—In conjunction with S.A.I.L (Systems Aligned In Learning) a Collective Impact Partnership with United Way of Lancaster County.
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