Wake County Public Libraries hired Mike in 1986 as Adult Services manager at the Northwest Regional Library. During 23 years with Wake County, Mike has held numerous positions, including library manager of the Cary Community Library, and regional library supervisor of the East, North, and Southeast regional libraries.
As supervisor of the North Regional Library, Mike managed the busiest library in North Carolina, and with his staff introduced innovations system-wide, such as the first Internet public-access computers and the first Libraries’ Web page.
Mike wrote the 2002 and 2006 Library Master Plans, which provided the basis for the $35-million and $45-million public bond requests, respectively. Voters approved both requests by large margins. He also developed the library system’s building prototypes and operating models, including the addition of children’s librarians in all libraries.
Mike helped initiate the Libraries’ audio book collection, implement centralized book ordering, establish Staff Development Day, and institute the shared collection concept in Wake County. He was responsible for the community library construction projects at Wake Forest, Green Road and Leesville Road; and the expansion of Duraleigh Road Library. Mike provided oversight for the East and North Regional Library construction projects.
He is a member of the American Library Association, Public Library Association and North Carolina Library Association and has presented workshops for these organizations.
Mike is a native of Pennsylvania. He received bachelor and master’s degrees from Duquesne University and his master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Among Mike’s favorite books are those on Philadelphia sports, such as Occasional Glory (Phillies) or Last Team Standing (Eagles); history, like Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin; fiction by Dan Brown; and from childhood, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Post a Comment
