Plainfield Library Director Accepts Job at Downers Grove Library

Plainfield Public Library Director Julie Milavec is leaving her position to become the new director of the Downers Grove Public Library. Her last day will be July 14.

Milavec has worked at the library for nearly 16 years and said it was time for a change.

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“I felt stymied here in Plainfield so I was seeking a new challenge,” Milavec said in reference to the library’s failed referenda.

Milavec said she plans to stay in Plainfield as her husband is a small business owner.

The library will now begin its search for a new director, most likely using an executive search firm, Milavec said.

Milavec will begin her new job August 1. One of her reasons for accepting the position is the library's history of strong support from its community.

“Their community has demanded a level of service from their village, their park district, from their library and they are willing to pay for that,” Milavec said.

Despite looking forward to a new challenge, Milavec said she will miss working with the Plainfield Library District board.

“They’ve got a great attitude toward being excellent stewards of the tax payer’s dollars,” Milavec said. “They really want to do what’s right for Plainfield, though they struggle sometimes with what exactly that is, they have the very best of intentions and they’re a wonderful group to work with.”

She will also miss the staff, saying “they do fantastic things.”

Downers Grove Public Library Board President Wendee Greene said in a statement that the board is confident in Milavec’s ability to run a library.

"Her experience, energy and passion for community engagement will usher in yet another era of excellence and excitement for the library patrons and staff, and for all the residents of Downers Grove," Greene said.