MONTEREY — The Monterey Library Board of Trustees has appointed Brian Edwards, library division director at the Alameda County Library, as its new library and museums director. Edwards will replace current director Inga Waite, who is set to retire from the position on July 31.
Starting Aug. 16, Edwards will plan and direct the operations and activities of the Monterey Public Library. He will also oversee the city of Monterey’s Museums and Cultural Arts Division. That includes monitoring programs and services at four historic sites throughout the city — the Colton Hall Museum and Old Jail, Pacific Biological Laboratories, Cannery Row Workers Shacks and Presidio of Monterey Museum — as well as the Alvarado Art Gallery at the Monterey Conference Center.
He joins Monterey as a member of the city’s executive team.
“Milestones in my life led me here,” Edwards said in a press release. “I still remember the sense of wonder I felt as a toddler when my mom practiced her stories and songs with me before heading to her role with the library. As Monterey’s new Library & Museums Director, I am committed to ensuring (a Monterey Public Library) where everyone is welcome and belongs; while providing facilities that honor the past and look to the future.”
The Monterey Public Library board made its choice in Edwards after conducting a nationwide search, Monterey’s Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira explained. The city received dozens of applications from across the country, Rojansathira continued, adding that the selection process took several months to complete.
Now, with the final appointment made, Rojansathira said “the library board and the city is excited to welcome Brian Edwards to the Monterey community.”
In his role with the Alameda County Library, Edwards oversees library services while managing 52 full-time equivalent staff at four public libraries across the city of Fremont. Among his duties, Edwards has worked on facility renovation projects, implemented a new automated material handling system, coordinated fundraising and strategic growth and served as part of Library Central Leadership in Alameda County on county-wide policy, staffing, partnerships and budget issues.
Edwards’s work with the Alameda County Library began 22 years ago, when he started at an entry-level position before climbing to division director in 2018. He holds a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas. Edwards also earned a master’s of Public Administration in Management and Policy Analysis and a bachelor’s in Studio Art from CSU East Bay.
For his upcoming post at Monterey Public Library — California’s first public library — one of Edwards’ first and top priorities is building community connections.
“Libraries provide the community with the avenues to learn on their own terms — books, eMaterial, engaging programs, historical research, and valuable museum experiences,” he said in a press release.
During his first 30 days, Edwards plans to meet with the Library Board of Trustees, Library and Museums and city staff, Museums and Cultural Arts Commissioners, and Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation board members and volunteers. Meanwhile, the Monterey Public Library will be hosting a series of meet-and-greet community events to get to know Edwards both in person and online.
The first community meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St.
