Efforts to find a new CEO for Guelph Public Library are expected to begin soon, following Tuesday’s announcement that Steven Kraft will retire at the end of next month.
Kraft has worked at GPL for about 41 years, of which he served the last 9.5 as its CEO and chief librarian.
“Over the years, I have experienced how libraries transform lives. They truly are amazing community connectors and continually adapt to serve patrons in a multitude of ways,” Kraft said in a news release. “It has been an absolute privilege and delight to work for the Guelph community. I could not have asked for better staff, board of directors, and the many library patrons who I now call friends.”
In the release, Kraft is credited with creating “strong community connections and partnerships” and advanced a variety of initiatives including plans for a new central library which is under construction.
“On behalf of the Guelph Public Library board, I thank Steve for his decades of commitment to the Guelph Public Library,” board chair Danny Williamson said in the release. “We are grateful to Steve for his many contributions and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
The board will launch a search to find Kraft’s successor in the coming weeks.
Current deputy CEO Dan Atkins will take on the role of interim-CEO on March 1.
