New Year: New Leader - A Discussion with Scott Duimstra, Library Director of the Hennepin County Library System

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided 

Scott DuimstraScott Duimstra brings a ton of energy and ideas to his new role as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library system. We talked to him about engaging more students with the library system, library renovations, expanding access to the libraries and more. Did you know that 2.8 million people visited our library system in 2023? Keep reading to learn more about his ideas and ways to engage with one of the best library systems in the country.

Q: Congratulations on your new position as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library! What attracted you to this position, and even before that, what motivated you to become a library director? 

A:  Thank you. I’ve been a librarian for 20 years, earning my Master’s of Science in Information from the University of Michigan. I’ve held several positions in libraries and my goal was never to be a library director, it just happened as I moved up. Once I was the Executive Director for the Capital Area District Libraries, I loved it. I saw how the position could positively impact the entire library system. I also enjoyed being the face of the library in the community.

For what attracted me to the Hennepin County Library system, it was an easy decision for me. The Hennepin County Library system is known nationally as one of the premier library systems. From their staff to their buildings, to their collections, they are one of the best. Regarding the process, a library director search firm contacted me to see if I’d be interested in applying for various director positions. I told them that I was happy with my current position, but if the Hennepin County Library director position ever opened, to let me know. Well, they did, I applied, went through three rounds of interviews and here I am. I’m overjoyed to be here as the Library Director.

Q:  In your previous position as Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries in Lansing, MI, you spearheaded a program called Student Success Initiative. Could you tell us about the program and do you believe it could transfer to the Hennepin County Libraries? I know it’s early, but what is your vision for the library's role in the community over the next few years?

A:  The Student Success Initiative was one of my proudest achievements at the Capital Area District Libraries. When we looked at our library card holders, students were the group that had the least amount of library cards. In researching it, there were barriers to students getting library cards because their parents had to bring them to the library. What I did was to reach out to each superintendent for the schools in our service area to see if it was possible to add every student to our library system if they wanted a library card. The goal was to not only get library cards to students, but to also show how their card could be used to help them achieve academic success. For these cards, the students just used their student name or number. We made it as easy as possible. The program was a huge success and each year we hear from students about how their library cards positively impacted their lives.

Regarding your question as to whether the Student Success Initiative would work in Hennepin County, it most certainly would. We are already working on a similar program. Our Let’s Read initiative will start in 2024, and the focus is on K-5th grade reading support through tutoring, building home libraries with free books, and getting students library cards.

My vision for the role of the library in the community is to follow our vision statement and be a shared spaced for enrichment and connection. That enrichment and connection is different for many people and the library develops services, collections, and partnerships so as to fulfill our mission. For some individuals and families, the library is a place to start and continue their literacy journey, for others it’s a place to work and collaborate through access to technology, for others it’s a place where they can be comfortable and get access to community resources.

Q:  Do you have plans to collaborate with local schools, universities, and other community organizations to strengthen educational partnerships? 

A:  Yes. Whether it’s through a similar initiative like getting students library cards, or other initiatives, like increasing reading proficiency in our students, the Hennepin County Library is a natural partner for schools, universities, and community organizations that have a similar mission to ours which is “to inspire, facilitate, and celebrate lifelong learning.”

Q: Similarly, do you have ideas for expanding the library's reach and increasing accessibility to its resources? 

A: Expanding the library’s reach and increasing accessibility is a major part of our strategic plan for the coming years. We continue to look at our services, our collections, and our policies so as to reduce barriers to library use and see how we can ensure that library services are open to all residents of Hennepin County. The accessibility might be the layout of our spaces, it might be sending materials to an individual’s home, it might be ensuring that the materials and formats we have can be accessed by a variety of age groups.

Q:  Can you discuss plans for updating or renovating library facilities to meet the changing needs of patrons? 

A:  We have a number of renovations planned for the future. Currently, our Rockford Road Library and Sumner Library are being renovated and are scheduled to reopen in 2024. Our Westonka Library and Southdale Library have major renovations coming in the next couple of years.

Through any of our renovations, we look at how the spaces are currently being used along with balancing how they’ll be used in the future to develop libraries that our communities will enjoy. In 2023, 2.8 million people have visited our libraries. Through those visits, they use our spaces to browse our collections, access technology, connect with their family, play in the children’s area, study in our spaces, and use our meeting rooms. Our libraries are as dynamic as the many ways in which individuals and families use them.

Q: What role do you believe the library should play in promoting cultural awareness and celebrating the Hennepin County’s history and heritage? 

A: I believe the library should play a large role in promoting cultural awareness and recognizing the history and heritage of Hennepin County. At the Hennepin County Library, we have a wonderful Minneapolis and Hennepin County collection that covers the history of the area. Along with these collections, we have exhibits at our spaces. Currently, through our TransFabulous program, we have the exhibit Gender in Community at our Minneapolis Central Library.

Q:  What are you reading at this time? Do you have a favorite author?

A:  I’m currently reading “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks to get ready for the author to join us at the Pen Pals event on March 14 and 15. For my favorite author, that’s a difficult question. I read across genres for whatever fits my mood at the time. Some of my favorites are Marcel Proust, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Geraldine Brooks.

Q:  How may we stay current with library news?   

A:  Check out our website hclib.org, follow us on social media – Facebook, X, Instagram and make sure to visit one (or all!) of our 41 libraries and talk to our fantastic staff.