Idaho will have a new state librarian next week.
The Idaho Commission for Libraries’ (ICfL) board of library commissioners appointed Dylan Baker to replace Stephanie Bailey-White who’s retiring after 34 years with the commission.
Currently a deputy state librarian, Baker previously served as e-services program supervisor and as a broadband services library consultant for ICfL. Prior to joining the commission, he worked at the Ada Community and Boise libraries, starting his library career as a shelver.
“I look forward to leading our team as we continue supporting libraries in both traditional and innovative ways that nurture and inspire Idahoans of all ages to learn, explore, and thrive,” Baker said in a news release.
The five-member board of library commissioners appointed Baker on Oct. 16, and he assumes the role Dec. 22. He will be Idaho’s 21st state librarian.
The state librarian manages administration and operations as executive officer of ICfL. The commission facilitates federal grants for local libraries and helps them build capacity. Idaho has more than 850 public, school, academic and special libraries.
Bailey-White has been the state librarian since 2019. She shepherded ICfL through a turbulent few years, as policymakers and activists pushed to restrict material accessible to minors, particularly LGTBQ+ content, and cut funding for libraries.
“I was inspired on a daily basis by what Idaho library staff do to make our state an even better place in which to live and learn,” Bailey-White said in the news release.
