The Whistler Public Library is ready to welcome a new, permanent director following an extensive search to find the right person for the role.
Elizabeth Tracy is set to step into the role that has been shared on an interim basis by Libby McKeever and Nadine White since November, according to a press release issued Tuesday (June 19) by the municipality. Former director Lauren Stara left the library in October.
The RMOW assisted with the search for a new library director. The release said Tracy’s background and experience made her the ideal candidate for the position.
“We are delighted to make this announcement and happy to welcome Elizabeth Tracy to the Whistler Public Library,” Gord Annand, chair of the library board, said in the release. “Elizabeth brings over 12 years of experience to the role and will continue the great tradition of excellent library service for our community.”
Tracy’s background includes a bachelor of arts in art history from the University of Missouri and a masters of library and information science from Emporia State University in Kansas.
Tracy comes to Whistler from Telluride, Colo. where she previously worked as the youth services manager for the Wilkinson Public  Library and as a staff member for more than seven years.
“The highlight of my experience in Telluride was the redesign and restructuring of the children’s and young adult areas in the library,” said Tracy in the release. "The children’s area generated an average of 500 programs per year for children, parents and families, enabling us to connect with over 12,000 participants per year.
“I was looking for an opportunity to take my knowledge and experience to the next level with a dynamic organization in a place that was compatible with my lifestyle.”
Tracy begins her role at the Whistler Public Library on Monday (June 25).