Barbara Lane, chair of the Talbot County Free Library’s Board of Trustees, announced Tuesday that Dana Newman has been chosen by the Board to serve as the library’s new director. Newman replaces Robert T. Horvath, who retired in October.
Dana Newman
Speaking of the appointment, Lane said, “Over the past ten months, our search committee has reviewed scores of applications and held personal and Skype interviews with any number of excellent candidates. During that process, again and again, we were told how fortunate we would be to have Dana come to Talbot County. Under her leadership, I believe we can look forward to yet another exciting period of growth and innovation in the long and distinguished history of the Talbot County Free Library.”
Newman currently serves as the Chief of Public Services and Branch management for the Anne Arundel County Library system. In that capacity, she oversees the operations of 15 branch libraries as well as the library’s public service departments. Having played a leading role in public service initiatives that support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curricula, school outreach, and early literacy education, she is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities to patrons of all ages.
Speaking of her commitment to libraries, Newman said, “My love for libraries began as a child. The staff at my hometown library was wonderful; they always told great stories and could be depended upon to help me find just the book I wanted. I believe libraries are magical places, gateways to new worlds. In today’s world, a modern, welcoming, up-to-date library is essential to the health and prosperity of any community … and that’s just the kind of library we’re going to give the people of Talbot County.”
Newman holds a Master’s degree in Library Science and a B.S. in Secondary Education-English. She is a graduate of the Maryland Library Leadership Institute, and a longtime member of the Maryland Library Association, the Public Library Association, the American Library Association, and the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators, among other professional affiliations. A lifelong reader, her favorite books include: Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See,” and David McCullough’s biography of Theodore Roosevelt, “Mornings on Horseback.”
The Board of Trustees commends the entire staff of the library for their excellent work during this transition. Special thanks go to Scotti Oliver, our capable and tireless Acting Director, to Robert T. Horvath, the previous Library Director (whose preparations for this transition were thorough and helpful), and to the members of the search committee, who found a great leader for our library.
Newman is expected to take up her new position at the Talbot County Free Library May 23.
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