BA/grif.pr 96-418 Contact: David Weaver, 301-217-6530
COUNTY'S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES
RESIGNS TO ACCEPT ARIZONA POSITION For Immediate Release: Dec. 3, 1996
Agnes M. Griffen, director of the County's Department of Public
Libraries for the past 16 years, has resigned to accept a position as director
of the Tucson-Pima Public Library in Tucson, Arizona.
In a letter to County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, dated December 3, in
which she requested early retirement, Griffen thanked the Executive and his
staff for their "support and encouragement during the past two years. I
consider myself fortunate to have been able to work for a County Executive who
rates libraries as one of his top priorities."
Duncan credited Griffen with bringing the County's system of public
libraries into the 21st century before the year 2000. "Through her vision and
innovative attitude, she brought modern technology into the system, while
maintaining the high-quality, traditional services our residents have come to
expect from their libraries.
"The fact that the department is one of the most widely used services in
County government, is, in great part, due to her progressive leadership and
knowledge of the field," Duncan said. "Her leadership will be sorely missed."
Griffen praised her staff and County residents for their support. "I am
especially proud of my management team and staff and their commitment to
service. It has been a pleasure to work in a County where citizens support
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COUNTY'S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES . 2-2-2-2
and use library services to such a great extent."
Griffen was named department director by former County Executive Charles
W. Gilchrist. Prior to coming to Montgomery County, she served as deputy
director of the Tucson Public Library. From 1965 to 1974, she served in
various capacities with the King County Library System in Seattle, Washington.
Duncan, who has repeatedly made libraries on of his top three budget
priorities, has requested that a national search be conducted to recruit a new
director. "I want to move expeditiously but cautiously to find a
replacement," Duncan said. "This is an important position and I want to be
sure we find the best person for the job; one who will maintain the quality of
services, yet keep us on track for the future. We have a first-rate
reputation to uphold."
In 1980, when Griffen accepted her current position, the County's public
library system included 19 branches, a fulltime staff of 220, 320 part-time
employees and a budget of $8.5 million. The department currently includes 21
branches, 201 full-time employees and 469 part-time positions. The FY '97
budget for the department totals $23,760,380.
Griffen will remain in her current post through December 31 and begin
her duties in Tucson on February 2, 1997. Que Bronson, chief of the Public
Services Division, will serve as acting director until a new director is
named.
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