Editor’s Note: The featured image is of Sara Jones, executive director of the Marin County Free Library is seen in the Civic Center library in San Rafael on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. After seven years Jones is leaving her post to become the state librarian for Washington. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal).
Olympia, Wash., February 16, 2021 — Secretary of State Kim Wyman has appointed Sara Jones as the new Washington State Librarian.
As State Librarian, Jones will oversee the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Among her responsibilities are developing and leading strategies that enhance public access to library materials, collections, and services; safeguarding the state library’s role as a historical asset and repository for government documents and publications; and working with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to meet the needs of the state’s libraries.
Jones comes to Washington from Marin County, Calif., where she served as Director of the Marin County Free Library since 2013. Previously, she held positions in Nevada libraries for 25 years, including Carson City Library Director, Elko-Lander-Eureka County Library System Director and Youth Services Coordinator, and Nevada State Librarian and Administrator of the State Library and Archives.
Jones has served as Nevada’s American Library Association (ALA) Council Delegate and Nevada Library Association (NLA) President. She was a member of the Western Council of State Libraries, serving as Vice President and President. She received the ALA Sullivan Award for Services to Children in 2018, and was named NLA’s Librarian of the Year in 2012. She is currently on the board of directors of CALIFA, a nonprofit library membership consortium.
“Sara has a passion for libraries and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to lead our exceptional Washington State Library team,” said Wyman. “We believe she has the expertise and vision to help us expand and enhance our libraries’ services and outreach statewide.”
Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications from Boise State University and her master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University. She has taught in San Jose State University’s and University of North Texas’ Library and Information Services (LIS) programs.
The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and more. The State Library also administers the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library and 11 institutional branches in correctional and mental-health facilities across the state.
Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.
