On July 1, 2018, the Santa Clarita Public Library will officially transition its services to in-house staffing, with City-hired employees. As part of this exciting new chapter, the Library is pleased to announce a new City Librarian and three Library Administrators, managing the daily operations for the Canyon Country, Newhall and Valencia branches.

As newly-appointed City Librarian, Shannon Vonnegut is responsible for overseeing staff, programming, operations and services for the Santa Clarita Public Library. This role will also involve being a visionary and inspirational leader, and establishing and instilling a positive organizational culture at the libraries, to provide the best public library services for the Santa Clarita community.

Shannon has over 20 years of experience in public libraries and began her career with the County of Los Angeles Public Library in 1996. Although new in her role as City Librarian, Shannon is a familiar face at the Santa Clarita Public Library. She joined the Library in 2011 as a Teen/Digital Services Librarian and served as Digital Services Manager since 2015. “Shannon was part of the team that established Santa Clarita Public Library in 2011 and she will be an integral part of the transition over the months ahead,” says Deputy City Manager, Darren Hernández.

Library Administrators are responsible for the planning, organization, management of activities and operations of each library branch. In addition, they focus on establishing goals for the library and its staff, supervising employees, overseeing the branch budget and various programs.

At the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, Yanira Sidon will continue to serve as Library Administrator. Before Yanira began her career in public libraries in 2016, she was a Teacher’s Assistant at Liggett Street Elementary, with the Los Angeles Unified School District. From 2012 to 2016, she held the roles of Support Services Specialist, Instructor/Trainer, and Youth Trainer/Case Manager at the Independent Living Center of Southern California. During this time, Yanira’s love for libraries led her to volunteer and intern at the Simi Valley Public Library and the Los Angeles Public Library – Studio City Branch. In 2016, Yanira joined the Santa Clarita Public Library as an Adult Services Librarian at the Old Town Newhall Library, and in 2017, was promoted to Branch Manager.

At the Old Town Newhall Library, Gina Roberson will continue in her role as Library Administrator. Gina began her career in public libraries in 2008 as a Library Assistant at the County of San Bernardino Public Library. In 2013, Gina joined the Santa Clarita Public Library as a Youth Services Librarian at the Canyon Country branch. In 2015, from March to June, Gina transitioned to the Simi Valley Public Library as an Adult Services Librarian. She returned to the Santa Clarita Public Library in June of 2015, as the Old Town Newhall Branch manager.

At the Valencia Library, Hilda LohGuan joins the Santa Clarita Public Library as Library Administrator. Hilda began her career in public libraries in 2001 as a Library Outreach Specialist, at the County of Los Angeles Public Library. Since 2009, she has been the Community Library Manager at the Chet Holifield Branch in Montebello. While there, she designed innovative library programs for all ages to increase public engagement. She was also an active member of specialized County Library committees.

The mission of the Santa Clarita Public Library is to bring people, information, and ideas together to educate, inspire and enrich the quality of life in our diverse community. “As a dedicated reader, I am ecstatic to bring our libraries under City operation. We believe our City can increase and improve your library experience by increasing the purchase of new books and expanding other resources. Enjoy!” says Mayor Laurene Weste.

As part of the transition, all Santa Clarita Public Library branches will be closed from Sunday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 3 for staff training, and on July 4 for the holiday. The library will reopen on July 5, 2018 as a City-managed service. For more information on the Santa Clarita Public Library, including location, visiting dates and times, please visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com, or call (661) 259-0750.

Ed Note: This information was provided by the City of Santa Clarita 

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