About me
Jennie Garner has worked at the North Liberty Library (IA) for more than 25 years in a variety of roles, most recently as library director since 2014. In her role as director, she oversees a staff of 21 (11 full-time and 10 part-time). She makes it her practice to involve all levels of staff in organizational planning and decision-making and firmly believes that staff development and engagement – both in the library and in the community –are keys to dynamic and impactful library. Additionally, Jennie is a staunch advocate for libraries and currently serves on the PLA Public Libraries Advisory Committee. She was the 2023 president for the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and has served two terms on the executive board of the Iowa Library Association (ILA). A longtime member of ILA, she has been involved in and chaired multiple subdivisions and committees including Intellectual Freedom, Library Leadership and Management Association, Public Library Forum, Leadership Committee, Iowa Small Library Association, and Conference Planning. Locally, Jennie serves on the board for Inside Out ReEntry Community that serves returning citizens and is past president of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. She has particular interest in library leadership; policy development; and in equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
