Ralph Illick, New Director at Marathon County Public Library, Begins His Duties on January 10

LINK

Link to December 3 Wausau Daily Herald article, "Marathon County Public Library system's next director loves libraries".

Excerpt:    "My parents would take us to the Orlando Public Library every other week, and we'd always hide a little bit when it was time to go," Illick said this week during an interview with the Wausau Daily Herald. "It was always, 'Just 15 more minutes.'"

Those visits instilled a passion for libraries that Illick will carry with him as the new director of the Marathon County Public Library system.

"There are few things that I'm passionate about, but I've seen libraries change people's lives, and that's really where my commitment is," he said.

Illick, 50, was hired last week to replace outgoing library Director Phyllis Christensen. He will begin his new job Jan. 10.

Kenneth Day, a library board member, said Illick has several strengths that helped him stand out among three final candidates for the job.

"He's mature in his management style, his personal confidence, his willingness to listen to others and his ability to coalesce a strong organization," Day said.

Related articles:
Ralph Illick selected as library director.  (11/24/2010)
Three finalists announced for library director position. (11/3/2010)
Wisconsin job opening:  Marathon County Public Library Director.  (10/5/2010)
Library Director announces her retirement.  (9/21/2010)