Area library managers graduate Public Library Management Institute
(Front Row L to R) State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter, Garrett Crowell, Sarah Beth Phillips, Mindy Barrett, Donna Conatser, Tania Rich, Kathy Collins, Mitzi Willis, Lis Ann Greiner, Judy Luster, Vanessa Cain, Gracie Armstrong, Secretary of State Tre Harget (Back Row L to R) Lon Maxwell, Matthew Krist, Deena Smith, Peyton Eastman, Nakienya Ledford, Carolina Conner, Nancy Turner, Logan Birdsong, John Blankenship
The Tennessee State Library & Archives and Secretary of State Tre Hargett proudly recognized 21 local library directors for graduating from the Public Library Management Institute.
Participants earned a Public Library Management Certification through the three-year Public Library Management Institute sponsored by the Tennessee Library & Archives.
“The Public Library Management Institute is an excellent opportunity for library professionals to continue learning new skills,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Congratulations to this year’s graduates.”
Area 2023 program graduates include:
John Blankenship – Humboldt Public Library, Gibson County
Vanessa Cain – McIver’s Grant Public Library, Dyer County
Kathy Collins – WG Rhea Public Library, Henry County
Carolina Conner – Obion County Public Library, Obion County
Deena Smith – Sharon Public Library, Weakley County
Mitzi Willis – Newbern City Library, Dyer County
The Public Library Management Institute provides professionals who have moved into library director roles as a second or third career with library management skills training. Participants attend three five-day workshops and receive continuing management, leadership and partnership skills education.
“The Library & Archives is committed to assisting library directors in developing their skills so they can be a greater resource in their community,” said Assistant State Librarian Maria Sochor.
Each participant presented a capstone project on a professional topic of their choice to a panel of colleagues and Library & Archives staff to graduate.
The Public Library Management Institute is an extension of the Tennessee Regional Library System’s comprehensive training program.
