Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Jason Driver has been named the new Library Director. He succeeds current Library Director, Jill Jean.
Driver has 20 years of progressive experience in public library service. He served most recently as a District Chief at Chicago Public Library overseeing 14 branches and the supervision of 125 staff. Driver received his master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
This was a public process, with more than 1,100 residents and Library staff responding to a survey put out by the Library. Using the results of the survey, a search committee comprised of members of the Board of Trustees, Library staff and leadership and community members worked with search firm Herd Freed Hartz of Seattle, WA to conduct a nationwide search.
Repeatedly interviewers were struck by Jason’s strength of vision, not only for what libraries are today, but for what they can be in the future. He’s colleagues highlighted his commitment to servant leadership, with a passion for mentorship.
“We are thrilled to have recruited Jason to the Library and to the community” said Stephanie George, Vice President of the Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees. Speaking on behalf of the Trustees, George said, “Throughout the process he demonstrated a strong commitment to the core services of libraries today, but also looking forward what they can be for our communities.”
“I am thrilled to accept the position of Library Director at the Kitsap Regional Library. They have demonstrated a track record of community partnerships, stellar public service, a caring and hardworking staff, an engaged board of trustees, and a dynamic foundation.” said Driver, “We were attracted to Kitsap County because of the breathtaking natural beauty, excellent school system, and it's a wonderful place to raise a family!”
Driver and his wife, along with their two children, are already looking for a new home in Kitsap. He will begin as Library Director on February 1, 2022.
Earlier this year, Jean announced her retirement for December. She retires after 15 years of service.
Kitsap Regional Library inspires our community to dream more, learn more, do more and be more. To meet the needs of the over 270,000 people who reside here, Kitsap Regional Library maintains nine locations, outreach services and a virtual library at KRL.org
