SALINE COUNTY, Ark. — Effective January 1, 2024, Saline County native Leigh Espey will take over as the Director of the Saline County Library System (SCL).
The SCL Board of Trustees unanimously recommended Espey, who has been filling in the position in an interim capacity, for the position following a two-month search process.
Since joining the SCL in 2010, Espey has served as Library Manager, Manager of the Bryant Branch, Public Services Manager, Collection Maintenance Coordinator, Children's Programmer, Children's Library Assistant, and Part-Time Children's Library Assistant.
"I'm pleased for this opportunity to lead this great library," said Espey. "It's an incredible resource and I am looking forward to working with our staff and the community to continue improving and expanding our services to Saline County. I would like to thank the selection committee for their confidence and support in me."
According to Marian Douglas, chair of the library's Board of Trustees, Espey was selected from a pool of applicants "literally from coast to coast."
"We considered 11 applications, narrowed our focus to five, and conducted in-depth interviews with three applicants," said Douglas. "As we moved through the process it became clear to each of us on the Board that Leigh Espey is especially qualified and well-suited to serve as the director of the library."
Saline County Judge Matt Brumley also endorsed the Board's recommendation.
"Leigh Espey has deep roots in Saline County and broad experience within the Saline County Library System," said Brumley. "She's demonstrated capability, professionalism, and responsiveness during this interim period and is just the kind of leader we need to move our library forward."
The SCL has branches in Benton and Bryant and has plans to open a third branch in East End in early 2024.
