City of Somerville Names New Library Director

The following press release was issued to the media by the City of Somerville:

“SOMERVILLE – This week, the City of Somerville welcomes its newest Library Director, Glenn Ferdman.

“Ferdman comes to Somerville with more than 20 years of service in libraries, including his most recent position as Director of Library Services at Park University in Parkville, Missouri. He holds a Masters in Library Sciences from Indiana University.

“Ferdman succeeds former director Maria Carpenter and, more recently, Acting Director Ron Castile as head of the Somerville Public Libraries.

“’I am excited to welcome Glenn to our community and look forward to the Somerville Public Libraries, under his leadership, continuing to provide terrific programs and services for residents of all ages,’” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

“’Our public libraries have become true community centers, and Glenn’s experience is a perfect match for a community as engaged as Somerville. I also want to thank Ron for guiding our libraries with a steady hand during this transition to a new director.’”

“’I am honored and thrilled to be joining an incredible team of librarians and for the opportunity to serve the residents of Somerville, a wonderfully vibrant and diverse community; and cannot wait to meet with individuals, civic, business, and cultural groups to further enhance and develop library services and programming on behalf of the city,’” said Ferdman.

“Notably, Ferdman has been responsible for obtaining more than $800,000 in grant funding for library collections and services for the systems with which he has worked, which include DeVry University, the Asher Libraryat the Spertus Institute, the American Health Information Management Association, and the Chicago Public Library, in addition to extensive consulting, teaching, and volunteer work in and around those communities and institutions.

“Ferdman holds a Master in Library Sciences from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, from Beloit College and has published and presented on library services in the past.

“Ferdman will begin his work in the Somerville Public Libraries as of May.”