News Room

News Release

	Contact:
August 20, 2008	Mark S. Cox, APR Director of Public Communications 382-6241 (WK)
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For immediate release	Heath E. Covey Public Information Coordinator 382-6241 (WK)

NEW DIRECTOR OF LIBRARIES & RESEARCH SERVICES NAMED

CHESAPEAKE- Chesapeake City Manager William E. Harrell announced today that Elizabeth (Betsy) Fowler, has been named to head the City’s public library system. She will begin work on September 15.

Fowler comes to Chesapeake from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she has served as Coordinator of Branch Services since 1991. She began work at CRRL in 1981 as Branch Manager for the North Stafford Branch.

“Ms. Fowler’s experience in a large, multi-jurisdictional library system uniquely qualifies her to serve the diverse and growing population here in Chesapeake,” said City Manager Harrell. “She brings a background in program and facilities planning, personnel management and community consensus building that will assure our citizens of a relevant, engaged and responsive library for years to come.”

Fowler holds a Master’s of Library Science degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and History from Mary Washington College.

When asked about the qualities Ms. Fowler possesses to head the Chesapeake Libraries, Librarian of Virginia Dr. Sandra Treadway said, “She is a warm, open, responsive and creative professional who will work tirelessly to provide Chesapeake’s citizens with the best possible library service for the 21st century.”

Dale Harrell, chair of the Chesapeake Library Board commented, “at a time when ‘relevancy’ is a constant concern facing libraries across the country, there is little worry that Ms. Fowler will make sure the Chesapeake Public Libraries will meet the challenge.”

Fowler received the 2006 Outstanding Public Relations Award from the Virginia Public Library Director’s Association. She was also named the organization’s 2001 “Library Staff Person of the Year”. She is a member of numerous local, state and national library organizations.

“I am extremely pleased to be coming to Chesapeake and to have the opportunity to continue to make this library system one of the best in the state,” said Fowler. “Chesapeake’s reputation for programming, patron service and innovation is well known. I look forward to partnering with this dynamic staff as we work together to enhance the system for all our residents.”

If you received this News Release via email, a photo of Fowler is attached.  All others will find the photo in the news room of the City’s web site, CityofChesapeake.net.