Massanutten Regional Library Board of Trustees has announced the upcoming retirement of Library Director Lois W. Jones, effective August 31, 2021. Jones has held the position of Library Director since 2010 for the seven branch library system. Her MRL employment began in 1988 as a part-time reference librarian before assuming the subsequent roles of Head of Reference, Assistant Director, Interim Director, and now Library Director.
The Board of Trustees established a Library Director search committee charged with “hiring a library director who will exemplify the qualities required to manage, supervise, and lead Massanutten Regional Library with vision,” stated Laura Thomas, Board of Trustees president. Qualified applicants may find application requirements on the library website.
“Lois has a long and dedicated history of servant-leadership, vision, and team building at MRL,” said Thomas. “The Library Board is especially grateful for her optimism and unfailing determination throughout her 33 year tenure, particularly during difficult times of budget constraints, economic recession, and most recently, a global pandemic. Through it all, Lois’ work ethic, command of complexity, devotion, service-focus, and care for her staff and patrons have been exemplary.”
In addition to leading seven library branches and managing nearly 50 employees, a few accomplishments of Jones’ tenure include the expansion of the Community Youth Center at the Central Branch (Harrisonburg), the expansion of the Village Library (Broadway), and engaging thousands of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Page County residents through four separate “Big Read” community-wide reading programs in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts.”
“Leaving MRL will be extremely difficult,” stated Jones. “I have built many deep and lasting relationships with patrons, board members, local and state officials, and our very hard-working and dedicated staff. I will treasure the memories I have made and the many accomplishments we all made together during these chapters in the MRL story.”
