For Shannon Powell, a library is more than a place to find books. It is a community resource, one that should be welcoming, accessible and responsive to the people it serves.

Powell is bringing that philosophy to the Highland Public Library as its new director, beginning a new chapter for both her and the library.

With a professional background spanning library leadership, social work, and early education, Powell brings experience that library officials say has shaped a collaborative, community-centered approach to her work.

“I am excited to join the Highland Public Library and become part of the Highland community,” Powell said in the library’s statement. “I am passionate about developing enriching programs, supporting staff, building strong community relationships, and ensuring the library remains a welcoming and accessible resource for everyone.”

Her arrival gives Powell an opportunity to combine the different areas of her professional background. Experience in social work and early education, alongside library leadership, has helped shape her focus on inclusion, accessibility and lifelong learning.

Those principles will guide Powell as she gets acquainted with Highland and learns more about what patrons want and need from their local library.

Rather than simply stepping into an administrative position, Powell is looking to build relationships with the people who use the library and the surrounding community. She plans to work alongside library staff and the Board of Trustees as the organization continues to develop its services and programming.
Building those connections will be central to her new role.

Powell said she is particularly interested in developing programs that enrich the community while supporting the library employees who carry them out. Her emphasis on accessibility also reflects the evolving role of public libraries, which serve patrons of different ages, backgrounds and needs.

The Highland Public Library said it is looking forward to beginning its next chapter under Powell’s leadership and highlighted the range of experience she brings to the position.

Powell takes over following a period of transition for the library. As it welcomes its new director, the library is also recognizing former Director Julie Kelsall-Dempsey for helping provide stability during that process.

Library officials expressed their appreciation to Kelsall-Dempsey for her leadership and support, saying her assistance helped provide continuity as the organization prepared for its next director.

Now, attention turns toward Powell and the future.

Her early focus will include getting to know the patrons who walk through the library’s doors, developing relationships throughout Highland and working with staff and trustees to identify ways the library can continue responding to the community’s needs.

For Powell, that work centers on ensuring residents see the library as a place for everyone, whether they are seeking information, educational opportunities, programming or simply a place to connect with their community.

The Highland Public Library is encouraging residents to stop in, meet Powell and welcome its newest director to the community.