Prince William County’s Public Library Director Connie Gilman has announced her retirement.
According to a letter penned by Gilman, she has been working in the Prince William Public Library System for more than 25 years, and has served in her capacity as Library Director for three years.
Gilman made the retirement announcement formally at a Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, and intends to leave her post on October 31.
“I was honored to be part of the few chosen to be appointed Library Director, and serve this wonderful community. I am blessed to have led an organization with so many dedicated and wonderful people making my position that much better,” stated Gilman in her letter.
During Gilman’s time as Library Director, the library system has opened two new libraries – the Haymarket-Gainesville and Montclair Community libraries.
More from Gilman’s letter:
When I was appointed, I became Director of a strong and well-respected Library System. I believe that under my leadership, the staff have developed an even stronger sense of mission and are committed to providing the excellent service that citizens of Prince William County deserve. Efforts to engage the community have increased and digital resources, including downloadable books and digital magazines, have been added to an already amazing collection.
There has been increased attention to early literacy for our youngest patrons and our diverse community has been enriched through varied programs offered at the eleven branches. During my time as Director, staff worked together to develop a vision statement for the system: Prince William Public Library System is devoted to becoming a vibrant, visible, and valued part of the community by connecting citizens with quality information, resources, and programing, cultivating strong partnerships with local organizations, and by dedicating ourselves to providing lifelong enrichment across both traditional and virtual environments.
This vision is helping guide the system as we look to the future and examine the best practices that will keep us Vibrant, Visible, and Valued within our communities! And we will do this by focusing on the enhancement of Communication and Branding, strengthening Current Capacities and New Opportunities, and through advancing Education and Customer Service. I know the Library Trustees are dedicated to hiring a new Director who will continue the upward trajectory of the library system. The future of the libraries is critical to the future of the county because they provide invaluable resources to both our children and our adults.
We are strong because of the support of the citizens, as well as leaders in the county and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. My vision of our future is so bright that I might need sunglasses! A big, giant, wonderful thank you to all.
