Tuesday, January 6, 2015

County Board of Supervisors Hires New County Librarian

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has hired Darla Wegener of Signal Hill, California as the new County Librarian. Wegener replaces Interim County Librarian Mike Drake who was appointed to the position in November following the October 3 resignation of previous library director Jeff Scott.

Wegener will be relocating from Southern California to Tulare County for the position and has worked in library services for the past 14 years. She has served as a librarian for Santa Clara County and the City of Lincoln. Her most recent position as Library Manager was for the City of Long Beach.

"With her experience in the field, Ms. Wegener will bring significant knowledge to the County's library system," said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Steve Worthley. "Ms. Wegener will be a great asset and we look forward to having her be a part of our Tulare County family."

As County Librarian, Wegener will be responsible for all aspects of the Tulare County Public Library's programs and services, including the review and management of the library's $5 million annual budget. High on the list of program priorities is a commitment to maintaining and growing the "READ TO SUCCEED" Adult Literacy Program, which provides one-on-one tutoring services and conversation circles at the Literacy Center. The Librarian also directly supervises the Deputy County Librarian, Literacy Coordinator, Department Secretary, as well as indirectly supervises a library staff of 40 located at all 15 library branches.

"I am excited to be the next Tulare County Librarian," said Wegener. "The work the County and Library does with the community is exemplary and I plan to continue that work and do even more. I look forward to learning about Tulare County, the Library and the community."

Wegener earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.  She also holds a Certificate in Management/Supervision from Mission College in Santa Clara and a Certificate in Public Library Administration from the American Library Association/Allied Professional Association.

Wegener will start work with the County of Tulare on February 9 and will earn $110,000 annually.