Mack-Harvin Named Director
'Rising Star' at Brooklyn Library

Dionne Mack-Harvin, who for the past nine months has been interim Executive Director of the Brooklyn Public Library, was officially given the job March 22, making her the first woman of color to head a major public library system in the state.

The appointment, which was announced by Mayor Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, caps an 11-year rise through the Brooklyn system that began with her appointment as an Assistant Branch Librarian at the Crown Heights Library. She subsequently became a Branch Manager and then a Regional Librarian overseeing 24 neighborhood libraries.

Four years ago, Ms. Mack-Harvin became Director of Central Library, making her responsible for the administration of the 350,000-square-foot Grand Army Plaza facility, which had a budget of $5 million and more than 100 staff members. In 2005, she became the system's Chief of Staff and then was tapped as interim Executive Director last June after Ginnie Cooper resigned the job under fire. In that role, Ms. Mack-Harvin opened the Highlawn Library and oversaw the Brooklyn Public Library's most successful summer reading program.

The Mayor said in a statement, "Dionne is a dynamic and dedicated leader who will bring new energy and ideas to the system, and I am confident that she will meet the challenge and continue to make improvements in collections, services and facilities - especially in technology - to keep Brooklyn Public Library a nationwide leader for generations to come."

Ms. Mack-Harvin, who was accompanied to the announcement by her 5-year-old son, Naeem, said she was "proud and elated" to have earned the promotion. The library's Board of Trustees President, Thomas Amon, called her "a rising star."

Her salary is $220,000.