FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    LEE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
                Heather O'Connell, Public Information Coordinator
                (941) 479-4629 Office
                (941) 479-4631 Fax

Marilyn Graham has been appointed the new Manager of Public Services for the Lee County Library System.

Marilyn Graham has been with the Lee County Library System since August of 1991, when she was hired as a Youth Services Programming Specialist. Since 1998, Marilyn has served as the Youth Services Coordinator for the Lee County Library System, overseeing Youth programs such as the "Summer Reading Team" and "Teens Read & Win." She was instrumental in developing our award winning "Born To Read" program.

Marilyn's new duties will include coordinating public services in the 11 Libraries of the Lee County Library System and supervision of branch managers.

Marilyn says she hopes to have a smooth transition for seamless service to the public and to maintain the current high level of service. She will also continue to explore new service opportunities.

"My own history has been one of developing ideas and bringing them to fruition, but of course that's not something you can do alone. It takes the support of the staff and of course, we have an excellent staff in place."

Marilyn says she also wants to improve the Library System's ability to serve the diverse public and to reach out to the community, to find out about their ideas for Library Services.

"The ideas will be generated by the public and the staff, which has contact with the public. It would be my job to implement those ideas that are in keeping with the mission of the Lee County Library System."

Marilyn starts her new duties July 12.