Joan R. Johnson named next director of Milwaukee Public Library
Alison Dirr
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has appointed Joan R. Johnson to the position of Milwaukee Public Library director and city librarian.
She succeeds Paula A. Kiely, who plans to retire Aug. 28 after having led the library through changes and challenges since 2006.
Johnson has been with the Milwaukee Public Library since 2006 and has been its deputy director since 2009. She is currently responsible for the library's public services, which include the operations of Central Library and neighborhood libraries, youth services and adult programs.
If she is confirmed by the Common Council, Johnson will be the first African American and the fourth woman in the role, according to a statement from Barrett's office.
Barrett said in the statement that Johnson is committed to ensuring the city's residents have equitable access to library resources.
Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.
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