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New Cd’A director brings worldly library experiences
The new library director took a long road north before finding his home in Coeur d’Alene.
Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Michael Priest completed his master’s in library science before coming to America in 2015, where he joined the team at the Davenport, Iowa, public library. Priest then reportedly moved to Orofino and joined the Prairie River Library District, where he has served as director of the PRLD since late 2018.
On Thursday, the Coeur d’Alene Public Library board announced Priest will be the library’s newest director.
“I think he certainly impressed the committee,” said outgoing library director Bette Ammon. “They interviewed a number of qualified candidates and felt he was the right choice.”
Ammon is retiring after a 35-year career in libraries, including her most final 15 years as library director for Coeur d’Alene. Mayor Steve Widmyer said he was sad to see Ammon go but hopeful for the possibilities Priest can provide.
“We are very grateful to retiring director Bette Ammon for her leadership in making the Coeur d’Alene Library one of the best libraries in the Northwest,” Widmyer said. “She has created an outstanding team.”
Councilwoman Kiki Miller, who took part in some of the interviews, said Priest will walk in as a steady leader in very unsteady times.
Miller said operating a library under pandemic conditions won’t be easy, but she added that COVID-19 might not be the most serious issue he’ll have to navigate.
“Growth in this community is obviously something to address,” she said, “and that’s where his experience at Prairie River will come in handy. “Satellite operations will be impacted heavily by growth in the future, and I think he understands that. I hope he embraces the satellite operations, because those are so much more bang for the buck, and I think he gets that.”
Ammon, meanwhile, said the best advice she could give her successor is the same advice she gives to young readers who enter her library.
“Learn as much as you can,” she said. “Work every job in the library that you can. You learn so much about this place and about the people who work here by just taking time to walk in their shoes.”
Ammon’s last day is today. Melissa Searle, references/technical services librarian, and Tyler McLane, circulation manager, will serve as interim co-directors until Priest assumes his new position Oct. 1.