Valerie Marshall was officially appointed as the Executive Director during the Regular Meeting of the Niles-Maine District Library Board of Trustees on December 13, 2023. Her tenure in this role commenced on January 8, 2024.
Executive Director Valerie Marshall holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University. With almost eight years of experience at the Broward County Library (BCL) system in Florida, she undertook various leadership positions, managing multiple branch libraries and actively participating in administrative committees. Her expertise includes overseeing hiring processes, establishing Key Performance Indicators for staff roles, conducting project management training for library managers, and organizing large-scale public events across BCL’s expansive 38-branch library system.
Prior to her library career, Mrs. Marshall worked at a science museum, instilling in her a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Notably, she served as the project manager for BCL’s Science Fair Fest for five years, collaborating with the school board and local STEM vendors to inspire thousands of students in their annual science fair projects. In addition, Mrs. Marshall contributed to STEM education nationally as a NASA @ My Library grant manager and mentor, partnering with the American Library Association and the Space Science Institute.
“I am looking forward to continuing and expanding all of the wonderful programs and services that the Niles-Maine District Library offers to the local community,” Mrs. Marshall said. “I am particularly excited to see that the library has dedicated maker spaces for different age groups, and I am looking forward to supporting events such as the annual Maker Fest.”
In her most recent position as the Director of the Schiller Park Public Library in Illinois (May 2022 – January 2024), Mrs. Marshall collaborated with the Library Board to update and implement new policies, oversaw facility projects such as the replacement of the library’s Fire Department Connection pipe, and actively supported community events, including the Village’s annual Fall Fest. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of the Helen Plum Library Foundation in Lombard, IL.
“Growing up, libraries were my happy place. I decided to become a librarian because library workers were always some of the most welcoming and helpful people I have ever seen at work. As Executive Director, I will strive to bring that sense of helpfulness and welcome to the community and staff of the Niles-Maine District Library.”
Niles-Maine District Library serves 59,000 residents in the Village of Niles, Unincorporated Des Plaines, and Unincorporated Glenview. The Library is located at 6960 W. Oakton St, the northeast corner of the Oakton and Waukegan intersection.
