Kit Hadley To Lead Saint Paul Public Library
Lawyer led Minneapolis PL through tough times, merger
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 7/6/2009
- Had run Minneapolis PL in challenging times
- Led library through merger into Hennepin system
- Neighboring Saint Paul impressed with Hadley's leadership skills
Kit Hadley, former director of the Minneapolis Public Library (MPL), has been named director of the neighboring Saint Paul Public Library, effective August 3. A Saint Paul resident, Hadley succeeds Melanie Huggins, who left to become executive director of the Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC.
Hiring at MPLS
Hadley, a lawyer who doesn't have an MLS degree, currently is executive director of Heading Home Minnesota, an umbrella organization for 12 state, regional, and county/city initiatives that address homeless issues. When hired in 2003 at MPL, city leaders made an exception to the city charter that required the library director to have a degree in library science.
Hadley was hired in the midst of financial controversies over significant state aid cutbacks. (This corrects an earlier report that MPL had construction cost overruns.) Her performance during that time impressed Peter Pearson, president of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.
Leadership in tough time
"Not only did she craft a brilliant plan for the Minneapolis Public Library, but she had the universal respect of everyone with whom she worked in making some very painful decisions," Pearson stated in an official press release. "Her fiscal skills, her interpersonal skills, and her visionary leadership are exactly what the Saint Paul Public Library needs at this time."
Hadley headed MPL until 2007, when Amy Ryan, director of the Hennepin County Library, took over leadership of the two merged systems. Hadley then was recommended for the job of Hennepin County deputy administrator but withdrew after some county officials were uncomfortable with her supervising Ryan.
In her new position, Hadley will earn $123,000 a year, according to the Pioneer Press.
