After a lengthy nationwide search, the City of Tyler has hired a new City Librarian. Mary Vernau, of Wisconsin, will begin her new assignment on Aug. 6, 2012.

The hiring process consisted of initial applications and a questionnaire, followed by a skype interview. After the field was narrowed down, candidates interviewed with a three-person panel consisting of City of Tyler leaders. The finalists then had an interview with Mark McDaniel, City Manager.

“Mary was recommended unanimously before I interviewed her myself and checked references,” McDaniel said. “She appears to be a very good match for what we need to take the Library into the future in terms of practices, services, technology and outreach.”

Vernau graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Library Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin and a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a member of the American Library Association as well as the Wisconsin Library Association and she has more than 15 years of experience.

Stephanie Rollings, director of Parks and Recreation, who is also the Key Leader of the Library, said Vernau not only has the qualifications for the position, but also shows a great passion for civic service.

“What struck me about Mary was her consummate enthusiasm and passion for serving and bringing literacy and programming to the community,” Rollings said. “We are more than excited to bring her into our organization and we look forward to seeing what great things she has in store for the Library.”