OLYMPIA – Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs appointed Melody Sky Weaver to serve as the next Washington State Librarian. Weaver brings more than two decades of public library experience to the role. She will begin her tenure at the Washington State Library on Oct. 1.
“My mission is to transform lives through the power of libraries,” Weaver said. “I consider this my calling in public service. I am profoundly honored to assume the role of Washington State Librarian.”
Weaver currently serves as the Community Services Director for the City of Port Townsend. In this role, she oversees the city’s library, parks, facilities and art programs. Before that, she served as the Port Townsend Public Library Director for nearly a decade. Weaver spent five years in public library service in Idaho and also served as the branch manager for the Kitsap Regional Library from 2011 to 2015. She graduated with her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from the University of Washington Information School.
“Melody’s record of public service and advancement of librarianship is beyond exceptional,” said Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. “She is passionate and well poised to lead the Washington State Library into its next chapter.”
The Washington State Library serves patrons and communities in every part of the state through specialized programs operated by four unique teams:
- The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, a program of the Washington State Library, serves Washington residents who can’t read standard print.
- Institutional Library Services reaches patrons in state prisons, hospitals and one juvenile facility.
- The research library in Tumwater collects and preserves state government publications and newspapers from across Washington, federal government publications, Washington’s original territorial collection from the 1800s, and other historic and rare books about the Pacific Northwest, alongside newer books about our region. It also provides information services to state employees and the public.
- The Library Development program distributes federal grant funds and provides consultation services to support local libraries across Washington.
“I am committed to inspiring creativity across the state and nation, fostering and strengthening community partnerships, and inspiring and leading teams to ensure equitable access to library services for all Washingtonians,” Weaver said. “This includes preserving history, supporting legislators, providing access to reading, and building positive futures through lifelong learning. My career is devoted to promoting the joys of reading, creating, and connection.”
In the upcoming biennium, the Washington State Library will request funds from the Washington State Legislature to maintain the aforementioned state library services following layoffs and service cuts caused by reductions in state funds. The State Library also seeks a return to the State Capitol Campus alongside the State Archives as Archives facilities from the 1960s deteriorate and the research library currently resides in an office space in Tumwater.
Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees 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 operates the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, and administers the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees and the Productivity Board state employee suggestion program. The Secretary of State oversees the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime and the Civic Engagement Program to increase governmental trust and participation for all Washingtonians.
Source: Washington State Secretary of State’s Office
