Community Library Network announces new director

The Community Library Network board of trustees has named Alexandria “Alexa” Eccles as the new director of the Community Library Network.

Eccles’ background includes 17 years of executive leadership roles in public libraries throughout Washington, Texas and Idaho. Eccles' broad experience building public-private partnerships, library facility planning and design, innovative technologies and deep passion for promoting literacy, and award-winning community-based programs and services will help further advance the mission of the Community Library Network.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alexa as our new director,” Katie Blank, CLN board chair, said in a Friday announcement. "She will bring experience, enthusiasm, great communication skills, initiative, creativity and change across the district. We feel very lucky to have found her and look forward to a dynamic future with her at the helm.”

When Eccles assumes the role June 5, she will manage all day-to-day operations for one of Idaho’s largest public library districts, known for its innovation and services.

“I am excited to lead one of Idaho’s premier public library districts and to serve the residents of Kootenai and Shoshone counties," she said.

Eccles currently serves as assistant director of McAllen Public Library in Texas. She was previously the director of the Lewiston Library. Prior to that, she worked for the Pierce County Library and Fort Vancouver Regional Library, both in Washington. Eccles earned a bachelor's degree at Washington State University, Vancouver, in business administration and a master's at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in library and information Sciences.

Eccles succeeds Interim Director Lindsey Miller-Escarfuller, who assumed the role in November 2022 after the departure of the previous director, Amy Rodda. Miller-Escarfuller will return to her role of assistant director upon Eccles’ arrival.