Mayor Coleman appoints Kit Hadley as City's New Library Director
Hadley replaces Melanie Huggins at SPPL
SAINT PAUL - Mayor Chris Coleman named Katherine "Kit" Hadley as director of Saint Paul Public Library.
Hadley, who will be replacing Melanie Huggins, is the former director of the Minneapolis Public Library and most recently has been the executive director of Heading Home Minnesota, a statewide initiative to end homelessness and an umbrella organization for 12 state, regional, and county/city initiatives.
"Kit brings a wealth of experience in library management, capital fundraising, and community leadership to this important position," Mayor Coleman said. "As a Saint Paul resident, she understands the needs and vision for our families and communities and the significant roles our libraries play in the city - from education to workforce development. She is no stranger to the economic climate and state cuts that are challenging our libraries. Kit's talents and experience will help us overcome those challenges."
Hadley directed the Minneapolis Public Library from 2003 to 2007, taking over a system when the state enacted cuts to local government aid (LGA) that significantly impacted the library system. In response to the cuts, she worked with the Library Board to create a strategic plan to guide budget discussions, helped strengthen a capital campaign, and worked with a business advisory group to evaluate options for continued construction of the new Central Library.
"The Saint Paul Public Library is so fortunate to have Kit Hadley for its next leader," said Peter Pearson, president of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. "As the director of the Minneapolis Public Library, Kit stepped into a very difficult fiscal situation. Not only did she craft a brilliant plan for the Minneapolis Public Library, but she had the universal respect of everyone with whom she worked in making some very painful decisions. Her fiscal skills, her interpersonal skills and her visionary leadership are exactly what the Saint Paul Public Library needs at this time. The Friends looks forward to developing a strong and effective partnership with Kit."
Before directing the Minneapolis Public Library, Hadley was commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, a position to which she was appointed by two different governors. At MHFA, she also served as deputy commissioner and director of government affairs. She began her career as a staff attorney, first with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services and then with the Legal Services Advocacy Project. She earned her law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and has a bachelor of arts in urban studies from Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass.
"Kit will be a great asset for the library," said Councilmember Pat Harris, chair of the board of directors for the library agency. "She has the tools Saint Paul needs to provide a top quality library system for our community."
"The Saint Paul Public Library plays such a vital role in the lives of our children and families. I am excited to join the staff in the library and return to an institution whose mission and purpose I believe in so strongly," Hadley said. "Our libraries face significant challenges, but Mayor Coleman's strong commitment and vision for the Saint Paul Public Library will allow us to overcome those challenges and continue creating a strong system befitting of the most livable city in America."
Hadley will start her duties August 3.
