Jean Markert — Director, La Conner Swinomish Library, La Conner, WA

Jean Markert's journey to become a librarian is an example of someone pursuing her passion. After spending eight years on her local library board and helping her library navigate complex changes, her childhood dream came true when she was appointed as the director of the La Conner Swinomish Library.

"Libraries have always been my favorite places, and actually, I was considering becoming a librarian when I was a kid," Jean reveals. While her professional career began on a different track, her love of the library remained constant. Today, Jean now directs the very library that was once her favorite. "I love my job," she says.

Now, with the new La Conner Swinomish Library—serving the community for three years—they have a model for the strength a partnership can build. Funded as a 'bridge' library between the town of La Conner and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, the library raised $1.5 million in private funds for a city with a population of nearly 5,000. Today, the Swinomish Community remains a vital partner, providing operating funds and helping develop programs.

"To see our library transform into a place where everyone in our community feels welcome, and to see the bridges that are being formed there warmed my heart daily," Jean looks back.

After realizing she was an "accidental librarian" with no experience before becoming a director, Jean appreciates the impact ARSL had on her career. "The Leadership Institute was an incredible resource for leadership development, as well as meeting other professionals in the library world. ARSL has become somewhere I can turn for answers or assistance from others, perhaps grappling with similar problems."

Jean's biggest tip for other library professionals: 

"Look for unique partnerships with businesses, community members, or other unlikely places in your library district; these connections can create some great opportunities."

Written by the ARSL Office