Dennis Quinn believes stories have the power to connect people in communities, and he sees libraries as one of the greatest avenues for this work. In his new role as the library director at Bemis Public Library, he’s excited to be a part of this process in Littleton.
The City of Littleton has been searching for a new library director since Nancy Trimm left the position in February to become the director of branch libraries for Garfield County Libraries.
After several months and a process that elicited 46 applicants, City Manager Jim Becklenberg said the city is excited to have Quinn start the position on June 20.
Becklenberg said it was especially valuable for the city to have found a person who has experience working with a municipal library as opposed to a library district.
“One of the differences when you’re working in a municipal library (is) you’re on the team – the leadership team for the city – and you’re working to work on city planning and budget issues as part of that citywide team with all the other departments,” he said.
Quinn is moving to Littleton from Coppell, Texas, where he served as the Director of Library Services for four years. Before that, he held various other library leadership positions during his career. He has a Bachelor’s degree in music, music history and literature and a Master of Science degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas.
His role as library director will include managing staff and programs, planning for future opportunities and working with the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum, a local nonprofit that provides financial and volunteer support for Bemis Public Library and the Littleton Museum.
Quinn said he is looking forward to carrying out the library’s strategic plan with the “amazingly creative and energetic team” at Bemis. The plan’s goals are to create an informed and resilient community, impactful programming, welcoming spaces, inclusive access and strong community partnerships.
Quinn said he applied for the role in Littleton because he believes the community shares values with the library profession.
“There’s a really strong commitment to inclusivity, to making sure that all in the community are included and have access to the resources and the information and the opportunities that they need to the best extent that we can make possible,” he said.
“That’s what we’re all about, is connecting people to ideas, to resources, to experiences and to each other,” he continued. “I know that the Bemis team gets that and I know the community of Littleton gets that. And I just I can’t wait to … join that mix.”
Quinn, his wife and his 12- and 13-year-old kids will soon pack up their life – including three dogs, a rabbit and a hedgehog, to road trip to Colorado. They are excited to explore the outdoors and cultural experiences the state has to offer, Quinn said.
Richard Allen, who served as the interim library director role since February, will be returning to his previous position as the library systems supervisor.