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Library system names new director
Updated: March 4, 2013 1:49AM
BURR RIDGE — Deirdre (Dee) Brennan will assume the position of executive director of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System effective Jan. 2. Brennan will take over the duties now being filled by interim executive director Jane Plass. Plass has served as interim director since summer 2012.
The Burr Ridge-based system is one of two regional library systems in Illinois, encompassing 1,500 private, public, school and college universities throughout the northern half of Illinois.
Brennan is currently the executive director of the Oak Park Public Library, which received Library Journal’s 5-star rating for 2012 and was also commended by the National Citizens Survey for its high service ratings. Among her accomplishments, Brennan is noted for diversifying the library’s programming and strengthening its infrastructure.
She has also served as director of the Boston Regional Library System, where she directed regional and statewide services for 103 libraries of different types, and as chief of public services at the Boston Public Library.
A prominent library leader, Brennan serves on the system’s Member Advisory Group and as secretary of the board of System Wide Automatic Network, one of four online sharing services within the system.
Brennan received her master’s of library Science degree from Simmons College in Boston and her undergraduate degree from Boston College.
“The RAILS Board is delighted to make this announcement,” said Alan Davidson, board president of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. “Brennan brings a wealth of experience to the table and we feel that she will be a wonderful asset in moving our library system forward in the months and years to come.”~.
