Grand Island Public Library Director to retire

Grand Island Public Library Director to retire
Courtesy/Facebook/Steve Fosselman.
September 3rd, 2020 | Chris Cottrell

Grand Island, Neb.— Steve Fosselman, Library Director at the Grand Island Public Library will be retiring on  Friday, September 11 after 29 ½ years. Steve began his career at the Grand Island  Public Library in February of 1991. Prior to that, he was the Director of Southwest Iowa  Regional Library System 1984-1991, and the Director of Spencer, Iowa Public Library  1977-1984.

Steve is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1975 and  a Master of Library Science in 1976.

Steve has received many awards and honors over the years, and served on many  boards and committees such as:

· Nebraska Library Association
·       Outstanding Public Librarian Excalibur Award 2008
·       In 2017, he received the Presidential Award for Excellence
·       Steve was the Advocacy Committee chairperson from 2016-18
·       He was the National Library Legislation Day delegate from 2015-16
·       He was the Local Arrangement Chairperson for several Grand Island-hosted
Nebraska Library Association annual conferences
·    Steve served on the Nebraska Library Commission State Advisory Council on
Libraries (past member and chairperson) and was a 2008 Nebraska Libraries
Future Search Conference delegate
·    Nebraska Information Technology Commission Community Council member
·    Hall County Community Collaborative board member
·    Multicultural Coalition (past board member)
·    Grand Island Rotary Club member (past board member)
·    Grand Island Leadership Tomorrow Alumnus
·    Harvest of Harmony Parade Grand Marshal in 2014

· Co-chaired the Community Health Charities of Nebraska (CHC-NE)
· 2010 Partnership Campaign for Health in the West Central Nebraska region

Mayor Roger G. Steele said, “Steve Fosselman has been at the helm of the Edith  Abbott Public Library for 29 ½ years. Under his distinguished leadership, the library has  been transformed into the community centerpiece that serves all of the people of Grand
Island.  When I say the library is the centerpiece of the community, it cannot be  understated how important this is.  Books, magazines, digital information, computer  access, maker space availability, rooms for meetings, rooms for presentations, space  for childrens education and books, artwork, and exhibits. This list goes on and on.
Steve has overseen numerous updates, revisions, re-modeling etc.  Steve has taken  the concept of this library from the book age to the book/digital/computer/information  age.  On any given day, you can come to the library and see all of the computers filled  with people communicating or accessing information. I sincerely wish Steve and his  wife, Cathy, a wonderful retirement and I wish them both the very best.

I thank Steve  for his tremendous contributions to the library.”
City Administrator, Jerry Janulewicz said, “Steve has been a strong and steady leader  and advocate for the Grand Island Public Library.  In his twenty-nine years as Grand  Island’s library director, Steve guided the library through building expansions and  renovations and the challenges of adapting to and incorporating new digital
technologies.   Throughout his service, Steve’s goal has been the improvement of  library services to the residents of Grand Island.  We may never reach the endpoint of  that goal, but Steve took us a long way along that path. “

Tanya Hansen, President of the Grand Island Public Library Board said, “This is a  significant moment in the history of the Grand Island Public Library. The Board is deeply  grateful to Steve for his vision, dedication, and passion which led to the evolution of one  of the most impactful institutions in Grand Island.  Steve has been an amazing asset to  the Library, and has played a critical role in making the Library the trusted resource it is  today.  We are fortunate that the Library is in great shape and has a strong staff in  place.”

Steve and his wife Cathy plan to remain in Grand Island after his retirement. They have  two daughters.

Celine Swan and staff would like to thank Steve for making the library more than a  library but a beautiful and treasured community center, a welcoming place that is the  heart of our city. A place that Islanders of all ages are proud of. Thanks for being a great  leader and boss through good and trying times. Best to you!

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