Last Updated on March 6, 2024, 9:30 AM | Published: March 6, 2024
The Metropolitan Library System sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 5, 2024) – After serving the Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County (MLS) for more than four years, CEO Larry Nash White today announced his resignation effective May 29, 2024. Citing health concerns of a close family member, White said that he and his wife made the difficult decision to leave his post and return to western New York to assist with caregiving.
Since White’s hiring in 2019, the MLS has taken major strides toward upgrading facilities, adding programs and helping connect guests in new and innovative ways. The libraries served more than five million visitors in FY2022, and the system’s programs and events saw more than twice the number of visitors than the previous few years.
“I firmly believe that everyone should have the freedom to learn, and I have made it my mission during my service with the Metro Library to expand that opportunity to all Oklahoma County residents,” said White. “I am infinitely proud of our team and all we have accomplished together during my time as CEO.”
White first joined the Metro Library in August of 2019 as Director of Strategic Planning and Projects. Over the next 17 months, he was subsequently promoted to Deputy Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Services, Interim Executive Director, and finally permanent Chief Executive Officer. During White’s tenure as CEO, the MLS made many changes to remove barriers to access for Oklahoma County residents, and the affiliated libraries have consistently seen an increase in guest visits, materials usage and program offerings over the past three years. In 2021, the system went “fine free” and dismissed past overdue fine balances for all customers.
“When Larry was first promoted to CEO, he saw the tremendous potential for the library system and what it could be for the community, and he quickly developed a clear strategy to best execute that vision,” said Metropolitan Library Commission Chair Brian Alford. “To say that he is leaving the Metro Library a better organization than when he arrived is an understatement. The mark he has left on the library system will continue to benefit the residents of Oklahoma County for many years to come.”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt echoed the sentiment and stressed the importance of the MLS to the communities the system serves.
“The Metropolitan Library System is an invaluable community asset,” said Holt, who appoints a majority of the Metropolitan Library Commission. “We depend on our libraries to provide equitable access to information, to promote literacy, to facilitate community enrichment, and to provide opportunities for lifelong learning. Under Larry White’s leadership for the last four years, our library system has undergone many transformative and positive changes, and these developments have set the stage for the system’s continued growth. Larry’s legacy is undeniable, and I am grateful for his vision and unwavering commitment to enrich the lives of our residents through the library system.”
The commission will begin a national search for a candidate to fill the CEO position in the coming weeks. Requirements for the job will include a Master of Library Science, previous experience as a librarian, and managerial or administrative experience. The full job description and requirements will be listed at metrolibrary.org/jobs.
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