Deschutes Public Library Hires New Director
Posted By: Webmaster
Date Posted: 11/19/2008
After an extensive national search, the Deschutes Public Library Board voted unanimously to hire the Library’s current Assistant Director, Todd Dunkelberg, as the new leader for the Library. Mr. Dunkelberg will replace Michael Gaston who is retiring after more than 30 years of library service.
Dunkelberg started with the Deschutes Public Library as the Redmond Library branch manager in 1999. He was promoted to Assistant Director in 2002 and oversaw Outreach Services and the four branch libraries in Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, and Sunriver.
“I am honored to accept this position and am eager to serve the residents of Deschutes County,” Dunkelberg said. “With our talented staff, I know we will continue to make great things happen at the Library.”
Dunkelberg explained that during this down economy the Library plays an even more critical role for our County residents.
“We are the one place that people count on to get the essential information and resources they need without impacting their wallets,” Dunkelberg said. “Residents come to the Library to work on a resume, research a possible career opportunity, or find materials that enrich their lives. I am committed to strengthening the Library’s partnerships with other Central Oregon organizations so we can maximize our outreach potential and continue to make relevant contributions to our communities.”
The Board believes Dunkelberg is the change-agent and community builder it was seeking.
“After conducting a thorough national search that concluded with an exhaustive interview and assessment process, the Board enthusiastically agreed that Todd’s skills and abilities were the best fit for leading our District forward,” said Library Board President Mary Beth Pearl-Gent.
During his tenure with the Deschutes Public Library, Dunkelberg has been instrumental in providing innovative services for the Redmond community, assisting with the new building of the Sisters Library, and solidifying collaborative partnerships with other Central Oregon agencies. Prior to his experience with the Deschutes Public Library, Dunkelberg held management positions in two libraries in Northern California and was recognized by the American Library Association as an emerging leader.
Dunkelberg is currently president elect of the Public Library Division of the Oregon Library Association. He previously served on the Legislative Committee for the Oregon Library Association and the Children’s Division of the American Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee. In 2007, Dunkelberg was one of the first Librarians in the country to be selected for the Public Library Association’s Certified Public Library Administrator program.
For more information, please contact Chantal Strobel at 312-1031 or Todd Dunkelberg at 312-1051.
Page Last Modified Wednesday, March 8, 2023