The Athens Regional Library System has hired Beth McIntyre, currently the director of the neighboring Piedmont Regional Library System, as its new executive director, replacing Valerie Bell, who retired in December.
McIntyre has 34 years of library experience and has led the Piedmont system since 2011, according to a news release. The ARLS Board of Trustees approved her hiring on Jan. 16. She will start work on Mar. 17.
“I truly love serving as a public library director in Georgia,” said McIntyre. “Surveys show that most people immediately think of books when they think of libraries. I think of people. I believe that a strong library is essential for fostering a vibrant community.”
Under her leadership, the PRLS became one of Georgia’s first fines-free libraries, secured funding for staffing increases and electronic resources, and launched a Pop-Up Rolling Library that visits festivals, daycares, senior centers and prisons.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.