Today, Marcellus Turner takes over as executive director of Jefferson County Public Library. Turner fills a vacancy created by the planned retirement of Bill Knott after 37 years at the Library's helm.

Turner has been a part of senior management since joining Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) in 2002. For the last three years, he has fulfilled dual roles as deputy county librarian and director of public services. In these roles, Turner was responsible for the day-to-day operations of JCPL's 10 locations, its Bookmobile and the cataloging, acquisitions and collection development departments.

According to Library Board Chair Keith Grebe, the Trustees believe that Turner is the right person to carry out a shared vision that will guide the Library's future, ensuring that it remains a vital resource to the community. Turner brings a wealth of knowledge about JCPL and significant experience in library operations to the position.

Prior to joining JCPL, Turner served as assistant executive director of the Rockford Public Library in Rockford, Ill. He also was a departmental supervisor at both Tacoma Public Library in Tacoma, Wash., and Atlantic City Free Public Library in Atlantic City, N.J. Additionally, Turner has held several positions with academic libraries in Tennessee and Louisiana.

Turner is active in the American Library Association, the Library Administration and Management Association and the Public Library Association. He holds a Master of Library Science from the University of Tennessee.

Wanting the best person for the job, the Library Board of Trustees conducted a nationwide search to find the right person to lead the Library. The Trustees narrowed the initial pool of 17 applicants to three finalists, who participated in a three-day interview process. This process included opportunities for staff and the public to weigh in on who they believed would be the best person to lead the library.

The other finalists were Cheryl Garrison, assistant director Kent District Library, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Teresa Landers, deputy director and extension services manager, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, Corvallis, Ore.

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About the Jefferson County Public Library

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) works to enrich the quality of life for all people in the county by providing resources for information, education and recreation. JCPL is the second largest library in the state of Colorado and in the Rocky Mountain region. A JCPL library card is the key to a network of 10 libraries and a Bookmobile offering books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, as well as computer and Internet resources. For more information contact your local library or the Jefferson County Public Library's Public Information Office at 303-275-2203 or visit http://jefferson.lib.co.us.