The West Des Moines Public Library Board of Trustees is happy to announce that Traci Glass has been named the new Director of the West Des Moines Public Library. She comes by way of the Lincoln City Libraries system in Lincoln, Nebraska and was the unanimous choice after a months-long, nationwide search to fill the position.
Traci has worked in public libraries for over 25 years in systems around the country, including Arizona, Oregon, Tennessee, and Nebraska. After earning her Master’s in Information and Library Sciences from The University of Arizona, Traci spent years moving up the ranks as a Youth Services Librarian, Youth Services Manager, Teen Services Coordinator, Information Services Administrator, and then Assistant Director. In her latest position as Assistant Director of Lincoln City Libraries, she supervised over 100 employees while overseeing library operations for all eight branch locations and their bookmobile.
“Traci’s robust and diverse experiences from other library systems have uniquely prepared her to provide leadership, operations expertise, and support for our excellent Library staff,” said WDM Library Board President Ray Seidelman. “Her positive energy and leadership style will represent the West Des Moines Public Library well as she forms relationships with the community, library patrons, and other partners. We look forward to a bright future with Traci.”
Traci has extensive experience working in the library realm on a national level, serving as the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Board Director at Large in 2019 and 2021. She is also a current member of the American Library Association’s Graphic Novel and Comics Roundtable. Notably, in 2013, Traci was awarded the prestigious honor of Oregon Teen Librarian of the Year appointed by the Oregon Library Association.
“I feel so lucky to be welcomed into the West Des Moines Public Library family," said Glass. "I was originally drawn to them as an organization because of the emphasis that was put on staff and their enrichment in the library's strategic plan. And, as I learned more, I saw an intense dedication to providing robust and inclusive library services across all levels of the Library and City Government. I am thrilled to be joining this fabulous team and being able to work alongside staff, the Library Board, and the Friends Foundation in order to best serve the diverse communities of West Des Moines.”
The WDM Library Board of Trustees and the City of West Des Moines’ Human Resources team completed a thorough search to narrow down a pool of incredibly qualified candidates. Of that narrowed-down search, four finalists, including Traci, were invited to interview in-person at the Library. Traci’s appointment was a unanimous decision. She will begin in her new role on May 13, 2024. Plans for a public welcome event are in the works - more details will be announced soon.
The West Des Moines Public Library empowers our community by encouraging the sharing of ideas, a love of learning, and the joy of reading. We enrich lives by igniting curiosity, engaging community, and expanding perspectives.
The WDM Library is guided by a citizen Board of Trustees and a series of board-approved Policies.