*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* CONTACT: *Elizabeth Senoli, Chelsea District Library Board of Trustees, President* PHONE: 734-662-2142 E-MAIL: esensoli@chelseadistrictlibrary.org *June 2, 2015 | Chelsea, MI* *Chelsea District Library Director Bill Harmer Resigns to Take Position in Connecticut* The Chelsea District Library Board of Trustees bids farewell to visionary Director Bill Harmer, who has been with the library since 2006. Harmer has been named Executive Director of the Westport Library in Westport, Connecticut effective July 27, 2015. His last day in Chelsea will be July 10. Elizabeth Sensoli, Chelsea District Library Board President said “While I am happy for the wonderful opportunity ahead for Bill and his family, I admit to sadness for Chelsea’s loss. Bill is a brilliant director. His talent and spirit have made our library a very special place, at the heart of Chelsea. Personally, I will miss his unquenchable enthusiasm and “out of the box” thinking. Trustee, Robin Wagner added, “Bill is a remarkable leader, driven by a contagious passion for continuously improving the library experience for guests, staff, and community. Bill’s constant focus is understanding what is this library today, envisioning how can it be better tomorrow, and wondering how to get there sooner than tomorrow.” Harmer began working at the Chelsea District Library in 2006 as the Head of Adult Services where he was instrumental in establishing a service planning model for assessing community’s needs and identifying service priorities. Through his outreach model, he pioneered new programs such as Artist-in-Residence, Midwest Literary Walk, the Stories of Chelsea Oral History Project, Purple Rose Theatre Concert Readings, and the Comedy Showcase. Promoted to Director in 2009, Harmer continued to build upon his belief that the library experience cannot be viewed as just an information transaction, but also an opportunity to reach out and connect lives. His ability to connect with community, work closely with staff, and respond quickly to emerging trends led to the Chelsea District Library being recognized by *Library Journal* as the 2008 “Best Small Library in America”. In addition to his role as Library Director, Harmer currently serves on the SRSLY Anti-Coalition Executive Committee, is a member of the Chelsea Lions Club, served as President of the Rotary Club of Chelsea, and was a former co-chair of the Chelsea Area Wellness Coalition, as well as Marketing Coordinator for the Chelsea Summerfest. In his formal resignation letter to the board, Harmer wrote, “Throughout my years in Chelsea, I have had the honor and privilege to work alongside a world-class staff dedicated to advancing learning, literacy, civic engagement, innovation, and service that is second to none. With a Board of Trustees committed to the long-term vitality of the library in the community, and with our Friends of the Library and 140+ library volunteers constantly providing all of the resources we have needed to create our magic, I have been incredibly fortunate and lucky these nine years in Chelsea. I am awed at our enviable and lengthy list of astonishing accomplishments.” Sensoli reported that the Board of Trustees will establish a search committee and engage a leading search firm to identify a new executive director. “Bill leaves us with big shoes to fill, but standing next to those shoes is a strong organization with an unparalleled staff,” said Sensoli. “Chelsea District Library will continue to be a ground breaking library, dedicated to enriching and serving our community.” For more information, please contact Chelsea District Library Board of Trustees President Elizabeth Sensoli, 734-662-2142 or esensoli@chelseadistrictlibrary.org. About Us: Chelsea District Library is nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide equal access to quality resources that serve the lifelong cultural, educational and informational needs and interests of all people. The Library currently serves 14,000 residents in the Chelsea district – City of Chelsea plus Dexter, Lima, Lyndon and Sylvan townships and more than 20,000 individuals visit the Library each month. For more information visit chelseadistrictlibrary.org. # Patty Roberts | Marketing Coordinator Chelsea District Library | 221 S. Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118 734.475.8732 ext. 216 | proberts@chelseadistrictlibrary.org