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!