Worcester Public Library Director Announces Departure

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Public Library is preparing for a leadership change as its executive director leaves.

Executive Director Jason Homer is leaving WPL, the library’s Board of Directors announced on Thursday. He was named the next executive director of the Baltimore County Public Library in Maryland and will leave his Worcester position on Nov. 6.

Tressa Santillo, WPL’s director for library innovation and public services, will serve as interim executive director while the board conducts a national search.

“Jason leaves WPL stronger than he found it,” Board President Stephanie Pasha said in the announcement. “We have an exceptional staff, an engaged Board, dedicated volunteers, strong community partnerships and a clear vision for the future.”

During Homer’s tenure, the library created and expanded its Community Resources Department, which connects residents with services related to housing, food insecurity, health, immigration, re-entry, veterans’ services and English-language learning, according to WPL.

The library also expanded its digital equity and accessibility programs, strengthened community partnerships and introduced a new strategic roadmap and “You Belong Here” brand.

Recent honors for WPL include the American Library Association’s John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions PressReader International Library Marketing Award. The Worcester Talking Book Library also received the 2026 National Library Service Subregional Library of the Year Award.

“Leaving Worcester Public Library is incredibly bittersweet,” Homer said. “There is no way to adequately express what this community and this library have meant to me.”

WPL will hold a community farewell celebration for Homer from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Main Library, 3 Salem Square. Library staff, residents, community partners, volunteers and friends are invited.

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