New director takes helm at library

Kayla Desroches/KMXT

Kodiak Public Library has a new director. Laurie Madsen officially came on board Wednesday, July 25.

“I love the space. It’s open and wonderful and the environment is one of people being inquisitive, finding new resources, asking questions.”

Madsen worked for the Kodiak Island Borough School District for 25 years, in a number of capacities, including as an elementary school teacher and a high school librarian.

She has also worked as a volunteer librarian at St. Mary’s School, curator of education with the Baranov Museum, and as an instruction librarian in California. Madsen was involved in establishing the current library building on Egan Way as a member of the Kodiak Public Library Association.

The position has been open since former head librarian, Katie Baxter, was put on administrative leave back in March and did not return. Madsen says one of her goals in her new position is to expand the public’s understanding of how to use online resources.