Introducing Berkeley's New Library Director Tess Mayer!
After a rigorous recruitment process and a selection pool of over 60 candidates, the Berkeley Public Library Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) has enthusiastically appointed Tess Mayer as the new Director of Library Services. Ms. Mayer's tenure begins on September 21st.

BOLT Trustee Judy J. Hunt had this to say, "Tess Mayer brings an exemplary executive capacity to offer a fresh perspective, an emphasis on continuous organizational improvement, creative innovations, and the ability to listen and respond with care and authenticity to a wide range of stakeholders. Tess' experience with unhoused, immigrant, student, LGBTQ+, and communities of color demonstrates her commitment to equity and inclusion. I welcome her transformative library and community leadership."
Ms. Mayer is an experienced librarian and leader, having served as Director of Library Outreach, Programs, and Services at the King Country Library System, named as “Library of the Year” in 2015. The county system is one of the busiest libraries in the U.S. She also worked for the Seattle Public Library for 10 years. Ms. Mayer, who speaks Spanish and English, holds a Master's in Library Information Services from the University of Washington and a B.A. in American and Multi-ethnic studies from Bard College.

At the BOLT meeting, the Trustees and Mayor Arreguín expressed appreciation for Acting Director Elliot Warren who has served in that role for nearly three years. He was not an applicant for the director position, and will return to being Deputy Director. The Foundation honored Elliot at this year's Authors Dinner and celebrated the many projects funded by the Foundation that have been implemented under Elliot's leadership.
With the coming aboard of permanent Director of Library Services Tess Mayer, I am confident that the Library will be able to provide the kinds of new services that the Foundation’s contributions have catalyzed. We will soon be offering a culinary tools collection at the Tool Lending Library and new teen and programming spaces at the Central Library. Each of these would have been impossible without the Foundation’s support, both financially and as a creative partner identifying opportunities for new ways to serve the community. Ms. Mayer has the experience with library services to both appreciate the Foundation’s work over the last few years and to sustain an effective collaborative partnership for years to come.
- Elliot Warren, Acting Director
This Fall, the Foundation will join with the Friends of the Library to host a "safe and celebratory" welcome for Tess. Look for details in upcoming e-blasts.
If you are able, please make a gift to support the Foundation's ongoing efforts to assist the Library. Donations of every size help prepare for all phases of re-opening, the expansion of robust and relevant online services, and needed building renovations.
Great libraries make great communities!