Sugar Grove Public Library welcomes new director

The Sugar Grove Public Library is welcoming new Library Director Genna Mickey, who previously served as the assistant director under former Director Shannon Halikias, according to a news release.

The library’s Board of Trustees appointed Mickey to the position, effective Jan. 9. Halikias began her new position as the director of Messenger Public Library in North Aurora on Jan. 10.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue to serve my community in this new role,” Mickey stated in the release. “If you have not yet visited the library, I encourage you to stop by, look around and say hello. You may discover something beyond books for you here. During these pandemic times, we are offering virtual programming, curbside pickup and expanded e-book offerings. We’re waiving our large meeting room charges for nonprofit groups and offering Zoom room reservations. We are here for you.”

Mickey has more than 10 years of experience serving public libraries, and has worked at the Sugar Grove Public Library since 2015.

According to the release, prior to joining the Sugar Grove Public Library, Mickey worked as an Adult Services Librarian at the River Forest Public Library. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English – Creative Writing, Communications and Media from DePaul University in Chicago, and a Master of Library and Information Sciences from Dominican University in River Forest.

Mickey grew up in the Fox Valley area and is now a resident of Sugar Grove.

“In this role, Genna will provide the library staff with the necessary resources and budget to serve the community as well as translate trends of emerging community interest into attainable goals, products and services in line with the library’s strategic plan,” stated Board President Brad Knectges in the release. “Genna has been a significant contributor in growing library circulation by 40% between her hire date and early 2020 through effective outreach and programming. One such example is the ‘Tales and Trails Book Club’, featured in the American Library Association publication Book Club Reboot in 2019. Additionally, she contributed to an over 300% increase in adult program attendance from 20 attendees to an average of 75-200 attendees per month by early 2020.”

The library is currently under construction on the Now Space, with a partial grant from the State of Illinois, and is expected to open by late spring 2022. It will include a mixed use community programming space in addition to two studios, one for podcasting and one for video recording with a green screen, the release stated.

For more information visit www.sgpl.org, call 630-466-4686, or visit the library at 125 S. Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove.