Teton County Library Director Announces Retirement

Jun 10, 2015

Deb Adams

Deb Adams

Jackson, WY –  Teton County Library Director Deb Adams announced on June 2 that she will be retiring from her position, effective Monday, September 14.

“Teton County Library will always be grateful to Deb for her dedication to advancing the mission of the library and for her service to this community,” said Teton County Library Board Vice Chair Carol Peck. “During her eleven year tenure as Library Director, Deb has amassed an impressive record of accomplishment. And, in her 28 years with the library, she’s been an integral part of the thoughtful growth and success of the organization.  The impacts of her passionate library advocacy are beyond measure.”

Adams was first hired in September 1987, as part-time Alta Branch Manager. In June 2000, she accepted a full-time position as Circulation Supervisor at the Main Library in Jackson. A year later, she accepted the newly created position of Assistant Library Director. And, in September 2004, Adams stepped into the position of Library Director.

During an era when many libraries across the country are experiencing funding challenges, under Adams’ leadership, Teton County Library enjoys the enduring support of community members, organizations and leaders, enabling the library to evolve its space and services in a manner that’s responsive to community needs.

With Adams as Library Director, Teton County Library managed two successful SPET campaigns and two successful building projects – the building of the Alta Branch Library on Ski Hill Road and the expansion and renovation of the Main Library on Virginian Lane. Both projects were completed on time and on budget. For the latter project, SPET funds included dollars to expand the library’s physical and downloadable collections and resources as well as the facility, which boasts a smart, flexible design, increased technology access for patrons of all ages, and expanded work/study/meeting spaces.

As Library Director, Adams has encouraged library staff to develop new and substantive community collaborations to address vital community issues.  Today, the library collaborates with 85 education, human service, art and government agencies.

During the economic downturn, Adams’ steady leadership preserved library services 7 days a week; during economically challenging times, communities depend on libraries more than ever and her leadership ensured that access to vital library resources would not be curtailed. During this same time, Adams was dedicated to ensuring that all library staff remained employed because of her strong belief that staff are the library’s most important assets. In fact, Teton County Library now employs more professional degreed librarians than ever before.

“My passion for Teton County Library started from day one and is still going strong after almost 28 years,” Adams said. “ We have the best staff, the best collections and the best programs ever.  It’s been an amazing journey and I’m so proud of what we’ve all accomplished together. I’m looking forward, now, to spending more time with my treasured parents and to diving into my new role as priest at St. Francis of the Tetons church in Alta.”

Over the years, Adams has worked closely with Library Foundation leadership to maintain clear funding parameters for private support of the library, enabling the Library Foundation to become a preeminent public-private partnership. Most recently, working to complement SPET funding, the Library Foundation completed a campaign to raise significant funds to enhance the expanded facility. At the same time, the Library Foundation completed the Wyoming Libraries Endowment Challenge, helping ensure the library’s long-term vitality.

Along with the Library Foundation, the role of volunteer Library Friends has strengthened and grown under the leadership of Adams. Staff and supporters are planning to celebrate Adams throughout the summer. Details about any public event will be shared as soon as they’re finalized.

“A selection committee will be managing the recruitment and hiring process and we’ll share more details about next steps, in the coming weeks,” said Peck.

You can find Teton County Library online at www.tclib.org, call them at 307.733.2164 or visit them at 125 Virginian Lane, Jackson WY.

If you have a question about this or any other article, please contact us at statelibrary@wyo.gov

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