A new director will take over the reins of the Derby Public Library in early September.
![Eric Gustafson](https://www.nekls.org/wp-content/uploads/gustafson1.jpg)
“We are delighted Eric Gustafson has accepted the library director position,” said Kelly Gifford, library board chairperson. “He has the proven track record to expand our programs and services.”
Gifford said Gustafson, 32, had established an immediate rapport with staff and the public and would be a “great face for DPL.”
Gustafson, a McPherson native, has a master of library science degree from Emporia State University and has been Hiawatha’s library director for the past two years.
He will fill the Derby vacancy created earlier this year when Judy Bennett retired. Debbie Thomas has been the interim director.
“I hope to continue the tradition of library excellence at Derby and I also will be looking for new ways to involve the community with the library and the library with the community,” he said.
Gustafson, his wife, Kara, and their 19-month-old daughter, Carla, will relocate to Derby.
By Davi Stuhlsatz for the Derby Informer