Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson today announced she will bring a resolution to the Board of County Commissioners to appoint longtime librarian Annie Lewis as next Director of the Multnomah County Library.
Lewis emerged from a competitive nationwide recruitment for her strategic vision for the organization, experience in library administration, early childhood and youth services, programming, safety and security, and customer service. She has served as the Interim Library Director since June 2024.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, which presides as the Library District Board, will take up her confirmation on Oct. 17, 2024. With Board approval, Lewis will lead one of the nation’s busiest and most esteemed public library systems, overseeing 19 library locations, a host of culturally relevant programs and services, a $118 million budget and about 600 employees.
“At a time when libraries are more important than ever to connect us as neighbors and help us learn, create and deepen understanding, Annie Lewis knows how to support our amazing workforce and build unique spaces that bring community together,” said Chair Vega Pederson. “I’m looking forward to beginning this new chapter in our library’s storied 160-year-history.’’
Although many people trace their love of libraries to childhood, Lewis was an adult when she discovered the treasures within a public library. Born in Portland, and raisedin Canby and Beavercreek, she had earned degrees in Spanish and history at Pacific University. She was conducting research for her senior thesis when she discovered an illuminating collection of material in the Astoria Public Library.
“It was eye-opening,’’ Lewis said. “There was information in file cabinets that had not been viewed in a long time, files that held information that community members had taken the time to contribute for historical preservation.’’
Lewis also worked for an immigration law firm, helping clients manage immigration proceedings. “I got a deep education on the complexities, flaws and challenges in the United States immigration system,’’ she said. “But I also saw first-hand why people immigrate, saw what a democracy represents and what it can be.”
Those two experiences shifted her focus from history to library science, and sent her to the University of Washington, where she earned a Master of Library and Information Science.
When an entry-level job opened up at Tualatin Public Library, Lewis applied, eventually becoming the Outreach Librarian with a focus on outreach with Spanish-speaking families and youth. After seven years at the City of Tualatin, Lewis followed a mentor to the Beaverton City Library and eight months later, she took a job as a bilingual/Spanish youth librarian in Multnomah County, at Fairview-Columbia Library.
At Multnomah County Library, Lewis became the Gresham Library supervisor, overseeing day-to-day operations.
A longtime gymnastics coach, she jumped at the chance to continue working with children and families. In 2017, she became the Library’s Early Childhood Services Manager overseeing the Every Child Initiative that focused on providing books and services for children five years old and younger, and their caregivers. The services included developing programs such as on-site storytime sessions and book delivery in partnership with Head Start, the County’s nurse home visiting programs and WIC. The overarching goal was to help young children be ready to read.
After Library buildings closed for in-person services for more than a year during COVID-19, Lewis was named the intertim neighborhood libraries director in 2021, overseeing the reopening of eight locations, and helping the organization and staff recover.
In 2022, she became the Deputy Director, leading all the library’s public services; the Office of Project Management and Evaluation; and policy staff. She also served as the primary liaison to the Library Foundation.
After longtime Director Vailey Oehlke retired in June 2024 — with a search firm launching a nationwide recruitment — Lewis’ experience pushed her to the forefront.
“Annie brings a combination of empathy and strategic leadership that is perfect for this moment in time,’’ said Interim Chief Operating Officer Travis Graves. “She’s a terrific advocate for everyone who loves libraries and wants to see them thrive.”
“I am honored to be selected by Chair Vega Pederson to lead Multnomah County Library — an institution our community has loved and supported for generations,” said Lewis. “Right now, the library is moving into a bright new future with modern and expanded spaces, thanks to the investment of voters and the hard work of library staff. My overarching goal as director will be to ensure that this library is evolving in ways that best serve our diverse community, while supporting the library staff who make our library the community treasure it has always been.
The library will begin an open recruitment to fill the deputy director position Lewis vacates with this appointment. Dave Ratliff will continue to serve as interim deputy director while that process is underway.
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