Deiters named new Oak Lawn library director
June 7, 2012 2:32PM
Jim Deiters will take over as director of Oak Lawn Public Library on June 18. | Supplied Photo
Updated: July 11, 2012 6:02AM
Oak Lawn resident Jim
Deiters recently was named the new library director for Oak Lawn Public Library.
Deiters, who holds a master of library and information science degree from Dominican University in River Forest, has worked in public libraries for 16 years.
Since 2008, Deiters held the position of director of Blue Island Public Library. As director there he was responsible for a $1.5 million budget and supervising a staff of more than 30 personnel.
“All of us at the Oak Lawn Library are fortunate to have someone as capable, committed and experienced as Jim Deiters to accept the position of library director,” said Joan Buschbach, president of the library’s board of trustees.
“I am humbled to be named the director of the Oak Lawn Public Library,” Deiters said. “The Oak Lawn Library has such a great staff, collection and reputation. I am excited to join the team and honored to follow the leadership of Dr. Casey.”
Officials said that while at Blue Island Public Library, Deiters partnered with city officials and local leaders to meet and exceed the information needs of library patrons. He advocated for libraries and librarians, and shared resources in state and across the country, officials said.
Deiters also oversaw the complete renovation of Blue Island Library’s Tech Annex and circulation workroom in the fall of 2011.
Under Deiters’ direction in 2011, Blue Island Public Library received a $26,000 Eliminate the Digital Divide Grant and the Illinois Humanities Council Certificate of Commendation for the Road Scholar grant-funded program, “The Freedom Rides at Fifty.” Deiters will begin work at Oak Lawn Public Library on June 18.
“I want to be an integral part of all that Oak Lawn has to offer to community members,” Deiters said. “I hope to make the people of Oak Lawn feel that their lives are enhanced by a great public library. I am well-rounded, not afraid to get my hands dirty and open to trying anything to improve services.”
Staff reports
