July 27, 2023

King County Library System

Rosenblum

King County Library System (KCLS) Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum announced her retirement, effective Nov. 30. Rosenblum joined KCLS in January 2018. KCLS has won numerous awards for outstanding services and innovation during her tenure, including a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for three consecutive years. This year, KCLS was also named a National Medal finalist by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. During the coronavirus pandemic Rosenblum implemented new online programming, expanded digital collections, boosted Wi-Fi hotspots in library parking lots, and created safe and convenient access to print materials through curbside service and 24/7 library lockers. In 2019, she oversaw the completion of the 2004 Capitol Bond Building Program. The voter-approved $172 million Capital Bond funded the construction of 17 new libraries, 11 expanded libraries, 15 renovated libraries, a parking lot expansion and a three-level garage. In 2020, Rosenblum established a new diversity, equity and inclusion department, which has strengthened KCLS's commitment to provide equitable services to its communities. Rosenblum has spent the past 35 years working for public libraries. Prior to joining KCLS, she served as the director and chief librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library, as well as the director of multiple library systems in Silicon Valley. The KCLS Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for the position with the support of an executive-level search firm. Founded in 1942, KCLS supports the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), and has 50 libraries.