NYPL’s Susan Kent Resigns Branch Libraries Job

-- Library Journal, 5/4/2007

After two years and eight months on the job, Susan Kent has resigned as director and chief executive of the Branch Libraries at the New York Public Library (NYPL). The news was announced to staff Wednesday in a terse email from NYPL president Paul LeClerc. (His memo and Kent's memo are below.) When Kent, who had been successful in fundraising and renovating branches at the Los Angeles Public Library, was hired beginning September 1, 2004, it was announced with fanfare and seen as a new emphasis on the relatively neglected branch component of NYPL. Kent did stress branch fundraising and managed several branch openings and refurbishments, notably the Bronx Library Center, which opened  in January 2006. But something apparently didn’t fit well, though the backstory yet remains unclear. David Ferriero, head of the research libraries, will oversee the branches for now.

An NYPL spokesman told LJ the library had no further comment beyond LeClerc’s memo.

LeClerc wrote:

I regret to inform you that Susan Kent has resigned her position as Director and Chief Executive of the Branch Libraries, effective immediately.

Susan has served the New York Public Library with distinction for almost three years. Since joining us in September 2004, she established an ambitious plan to strengthen our library branches to meet the challenges and demands of a new century. Susan made tremendous progress toward her goals, and has created the foundation for reaching many of our objectives in the years to come. The Trustees and I are truly grateful for her service.

Susan has decided at this point in her distinguished career to explore new challenges outside the Library, and we wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

On an interim basis, David Ferriero has agreed to oversee the operations of the Branch Libraries, with Mary Frances Cooper and Anne Coriston reporting directly to him. I am grateful that we have these talented individuals to guide the Library in the months ahead.

Kent wrote:

This is to let you all know that I have decided to leave my position as Director and Chief Executive of the Branch Libraries.  It has been a great honor and pleasure to work with you all over the past two and one-half years.  I came to NYPL because of the strong tradition of excellence in service for which you as a staff are famous.  What I found when I arrived was a staff commitment to this Library that is extraordinary.  You work in some difficult conditions with funding that has been up and down and up and down.  And yet, you continue to serve New Yorkers with skill and expertise in many areas. During my time here, we have worked together on many initiatives including:

Planning for Results
Renovations of branches, new buildings and new children's rooms
One integrated library system for Branch and Research Libraries
A strong, unified staff development program
Leadership training for staff in many job titles
Strong programs for children and teens
HomeworkNYC.com
Expansion of library hours in 34 branches
Implementing EnvisionWare and WebFeat
Implementing e-collections
Improving shipping 

I thank all of you for willingness to try new ideas and your openness to change.  Most of all, I thank you for the kindness and friendship you have shown to me.  I will always value working with you all as you have worked to make The Branch Libraries vital and vibrant centers of community in Staten Island, the Bronx and Manhattan.  I know that you can count on Mary Frances Cooper and Anne Coriston to provide outstanding leadership for The Branch Libraries in the time ahead.

I wish you all the very best,
Susan