March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

New Santa Monica City Librarian Named To Replace Retired Greg Mullen:

Maria Taesil Hudson Carpenter, Director of Libraries from Somerville, Massachusetts has been tapped to lead the Santa Monica Public Library.

Carpenter was chosen after a six-month, nationwide search. Once the hiring process is finalized, she will take charge of Santa Monica’s library system in June 2014.

Carpenter succeeds retired Santa Monica City Librarian Greg Mullen.

With extensive experience managing library services and programs, Carpenter has covered the spectrum of library posts from, academic to public, and from instruction to collaborations with community partners.

She has a strong track record in leadership, innovation and obtaining grants. Prior to directing the libraries at the City of Somerville, Carpenter served as Director of Library Advancement, Marketing and Communications for Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

Santa Monica City Manager Rod Gould, who made the announcement on Friday, said he was delighted that Carpenter would be joining the City of Santa Monica.

“She has a proven track record as a collaborator, innovator and advocate, and is highly regarded as a team player,” Gould said. “She is a dynamo, and her ability to work closely with staff, colleagues and the community will have a great impact on our city. We are fortunate to have her ability to lead and create an exciting vision for our public libraries.”

Gould said the Santa Monica Public Library was a civic gem.

“The outstanding quality of its facilities, services and staff is nationally renowned,” he said. “ I have no doubt that Maria will help us achieve our fifth straight year as a five-star-rated public library, and more.”

Carpenter said she was delighted to be joining an outstanding group of people working and volunteering for the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Public Library.

“I very much look forward to leading Santa Monica’s award winning library system, getting to know its people, cultures, and neighborhoods, and together, envisioning the next stage of innovative library services that will optimally serve the community,” Carpenter said.

Acting City Librarian Wright Rix said Carpenter gave every indication of being a perfect fit for the Library and the community.

“New England winters notwithstanding, the many parallels between Santa Monica and Boston are quite resonant,” Rix said. “Ms. Carpenter’s educational achievements, relevant work experience and professional vision have impressed all of us.”

The City sought candidates for the City Librarian position from across the nation. The top two performers had interviews with the City Manager and key staff from multiple departments, including the Library management team.

As City Librarian, Carpenter will receive a salary of $186,648. She will manage an annual budget of over $12 million and more than 200 employees. The Library Department is comprised of a main library and three neighborhood branches. A new neighborhood library, the Pico Branch, will open soon in Virginia Avenue Park.

Carpenter has received nationwide recognition in her profession and holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater from Ohio Wesleyan University.

She will soon achieve her PhD in Managerial Leadership in the Information Professions from Simmons College, which is reputed to be one of the top schools in the country in this discipline.

in News
Related Posts

Customers at These Palisades Stores Can Get Cash Rewards for Sharing Their Experience

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Thumzup is Starting its L.A. Footprint Expansion with Pacific Palisades Thumzup, a company which aims to democratize the social media...

Homeless Man Sentenced to State Prison for Crimes Against Homeless Women

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Man Pleads No Contest to Series of Sexual Assaults Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, has pled no contest to a series...

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....