Hennepin Veteran Thompson Named To Head Recently Merged Library

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 02/10/2009

• Thompson is veteran of more than 20 years
• Deputy director became interim head
• HCL still implementing merger

Lois Langer Thompson, a veteran of more than 20 years at the Hennepin County Library (HCL), Minnetonka, MN, and the interim director named after the departure of Amy Ryan (who left in September to head the Boston Public Library), has been named to the permanent job by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. The other finalist was Rivkah Sass, director of the Omaha Public Library.

Thompson was honored as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2004. Sass was LJ’s 2006 Librarian of the Year. The Star-Tribune reported that, while board members liked Sass's charisma and emphasis on public outreach, most wanted continuity and some were concerned that Sass had worked in smaller systems. The original list numbered some 24 applicants.

A little more than a year ago, HCL absorbed the Minneapolis Public Library, which had faced budget pressures. “Lois’s vision is what the Library needs right now,” said Hennepin County Administrator Richard Johnson, who made the decision after the library board voted 9-1 on January 28. “It’s time to be creative and deliver service in a new way. Her open mind and objective perspective, paired with two decades of Hennepin County Library experience, will help us navigate through our economic challenges and make the Library an even more essential institution in the eyes of our residents.”

Multiple roles
At HCL, Thompson had previously served as deputy library director, division manager, coordinating librarian, and senior librarian, among other positions. While deputy library director, she managed HCL’s Capital Projects Office and created an integrated organizational structure following the merger with the Minneapolis. As interim library director, Thompson has continued the consolidation of the two systems; she had to implement cost saving reductions of more than $1 million while overseeing the 2008 budget.

“I'm honored to lead Hennepin County Library,” said Thompson. “I look forward to working with the County Board, whose support ensures our community has a premier library system. And I appreciate the commitment of the Library Board, Library Foundation, and staff who make it a reality.”