Michelle Alleman, who has served as the deputy director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library since 2022, is the new executive director, effective Feb. 3.
Alleman has served as interim director since Jan. 1 with the retirement of Pamela Hickson-Stevenson. The library’s Board of Trustees announced the move Feb. 3.
“Michelle brings strong leadership experience, a deep understanding of public library service, and a clear vision for how libraries can continue to serve as vital community anchors,” John Frola, board president, stated in a news release.
With 27 years of library experience, Alleman has worked in leadership roles at libraries across Ohio, including serving as library director of McKinley Memorial Library in Niles from 2016 to 2022, according to ASCPL. She previously spent three years as branch manager and early childhood librarian at the Firestone Park branch in Akron. Alleman has also worked in supervisory positions at the Cuyahoga County Public Library, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s Willowick Branch, and the Westerville Public Library.
As deputy director, Alleman provided strategic leadership for systemwide initiatives, major technology implementations, and service innovations, according to the news release. Alleman oversaw and supported many projects including the Accessibility Library, Braille Embossing Station, new Bookmobile acquisition, Library Onthe Go services, and the reimagining of summer and winter reading programs.
“I am committed to strengthening the Library’s role as a trusted, forward-thinking institution through investments in modern technology, improved facilities, and collaborative partnerships,” Alleman said in the news release.
Alleman earned a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University and a bachelor of arts in sociology from The Ohio State University. She is a certified public librarian through the Ohio Library Council and a member of the Leadership Akron Signature Class 42.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Executive director named for Akron-Summit County Public Library
Reporting by April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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