Melinda Cervantes, County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District in California since 2002, has been selected to become director of Pima County Public Library.

Her first day on the job is May 14.

Melinda Cervantes

“Ms. Cervantes has excellent experience in both public libraries and in education, including three years of service as county librarian in Pinal County,” said Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.

“We conducted a monthlong search process. There was considerable interest in the position; and we had over 40 applicants, which we screened to four excellent finalists.

“Ms. Cervantes stood out as having the most extensive experience. She is an excellent choice to carry on the work that Nancy Ledeboer did in expanding the Library service and outreach into the community.

“I look forward to working with Ms. Cervantes to make the Pima County Public Library District an even more important contributor to the Pima County community.”

Ms. Cervantes was named Librarian of the Year by the Arizona Library Association in 1997 and by the California Library Association in 2010.

In addition to her work in Santa Clara County and Pinal County, Ms. Cervantes held administrative positions with Contra Costa County Library in California and Tigard Public Library in Oregon; and management positions in public, community college, university, special and school libraries in Arizona, Alaska and Ohio.

She received her master’s degree in library science from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University. She is the immediate past chair of the Urban Libraries Council Executive Board.