(Richardson, TX) – Richardson’s Director of Library Services, Susan Allison, will retire from the City of Richardson at the end of August, completing 44 years of service.
Allison started with the Library in 1976 as a part-time library page in high school and later as a summer clerk while in college. She joined the full-time staff in 1983 as a Children’s Library Assistant and was named Children’s Librarian in 1987. She was promoted to Youth Services Supervisor in 1995, named Assistant Director of Library Services in 2008 and has served as the Director of Library Services since July 2014.
“Susan has been a tremendous asset throughout her years of service to the City,” said City Manager Dan Johnson. “We are going to miss her as she leaves our ranks to pursue her continuously unfolding story in the world of retirement.”
Allison has played a key role in the development of several innovative programs at the Richardson Public Library including expansion of operational hours, creation of Digital Drop-In service, addition of Books-by-Mail, and has spearheaded the response in modified services during the COVID-19 crisis. She is also co-author of “Journey to Gameland: How to Make a Boardgame from Your Favorite Children’s Book” and “Creature Features: A Program Guide for the Texas Reading Club.”
“Spending my youth and career at the Richardson Library, and having had the opportunity to also serve as its director these past six years, has been one of my most proud accomplishments,” said Allison. “It was an honor to have had this opportunity and I know Janet will help keep the Library’s services running seamlessly as the search is conducted for a new director.”
Janet Vance, Assistant Director of Library Services, has been appointed Interim Director of Library Services effective Sept. 1, and will serve in the position through January 2021.
Vance is currently in her 28th year of service working at the Richardson Library and announced her intention to retire earlier this month.
As Interim Director of Library Services, Vance will oversee all aspects and functions of the Richardson Public Library, which has a collection nearing 300,000 items including books, periodicals, audio and video media.
“I can’t imagine anyone more qualified or dedicated to serve as interim director than Janet,” Johnson said. “I know this is not how she expected to serve her last few months of service with the Library, but we are very thankful to have her experience and knowledge to lead the department as we search for a successor to the role.”
The search for a new director of Library Services will commence in September with a goal of announcing a new director around the beginning of 2021.
