CHESTERTOWN — Natalie Hagan has been appointed executive director of the Kent County Public Library, effective Dec. 26.
She has been co-acting director since October.
KCPL’s board of trustees announced Hagan’s appointment in a news release Friday, Dec. 19.
Hagan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida and a Master of Library and Information Science from Florida State University.
With nearly 20 years of library experience, including more than 11 years with Kent County Public Library, Hagan is “uniquely positioned to guide KCPL forward,” the news release states.
Hagan’s career in academic and public libraries has provided her with deep hands-on knowledge of a breadth of library services, from the behind-the-scenes operations that support library access and equity to programming, outreach and other public-facing services.
Her library career started in 2006 at the University of Florida’s George A. Smathers Libraries where she worked for several years in the e-Reserves department, gaining knowledge about interlibrary loan services and digitization. This experience sparked a lasting interest in the topics of library access and equity of services.
In 2009, Hagan transitioned to public libraries, joining the Marion County Public Library as a youth librarian. Under the mentorship of Nancy Young, Hagan developed a strong foundation in early literacy and youth-focused library services.
An employee of KCPL since 2014, Hagan first held the position of head of children’s and youth services, overseeing renovations to the youth areas in the Chestertown branch and rebuilding the youth services department with expanded and enhanced programming, including STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] initiatives and teen advocacy efforts.
Since 2023, she has served as KCPL’s director of technical services, managing the library’s materials collections, coordinating information technology services, overseeing system-wide data analytics, and helping to stabilize and modernize key operational functions.
The news release states, “As an active and engaged member of the Kent County community, she knows this area is home to many dedicated library users who deserve exceptional services and resources. She is deeply committed to supporting the library’s staff, who work tirelessly to advance the library’s mission at every level. In the years ahead, she will be focused on rebuilding and strengthening community partnerships, engaging in thoughtful strategic planning, pursuing fundraising opportunities, and serving the community with dedication and purpose.”
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On Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chestertown branch [408 High St.], the public is invited to meet Hagan to learn more about her vision for Kent County Public Library’s future at an event titled “Turning the Page: KCPL’s Next Chapter.” This will include an overview of the current state of the library; discussion of plans for the library’s future; and opportunities to share questions and ideas with KCPL’s new executive director.
Opportunities to meet Hagan also will be held at the Rock Hall branch [21258 Rock Hall Ave.] on Jan. 9 and the North County branch [119 N. Main St., Building E, Suite 3] in Galena on Jan. 29.
In Rock Hall, Hagan will be on hand to talk with community members starting at 2 p.m. until the “Cozy Book Social with the Page Turners” begins at 2:30 p.m.
At the North County branch, Hagan will be available to chat after storytime, beginning at about noon.
Drawing on her extensive background in youth services, Hagan also will be introducing herself to KCPL’s very young patrons as a guest reader at several upcoming storytime programs. These special events will be an opportunity for young children, as well as their families and caregivers, to meet the library’s new leader and learn what a librarian does.
For more information about these events, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.
If you are unable to attend one of these events, you can reach out to Hagan by emailing admin@kentlib.org.
