Barb Dimick recently announced her retirement, effective February 24, 2012, after working for 35 years at the Madison Public Library, 15 of them as Director.
I am particularly impressed with Madison Public Library's accomplishments in the area library facilities planning and implementation during Barb's tenure as Director. During my 22 years as the Director of the Middleton Public Library, I worked on two major building projects: construction in 1989-1990 and a remodeling/expansion in 2003-2004. It was perhaps the only two times in my professional career where my plate was piled so precariously high that a few portions threatened to fall ignominiously to the floor. Barb, on the other hand, managed this balancing act without interruption for 15 years! A most admirable achievement.
Barb was hired as Director at a time when the Madison Public Library was in critical need of strong and visionary leadership. And that's what she has provided. I learned much from her while working on many South Central Library System and Dane County Library Service committees and projects. We also served together on the WLA Library Development & Legislation back when I was still a little wet behind the ears in this area.. And she was always very gracious and accommodating whenever I made unannounced visits to her office,
Congratulations, .Barb, on your most impressive career, of which I've touched on just a small portion. And best wishes in your retirement.
A pictorial Madison Public Library facilities time line. (All photos are from the Madison Public Library's website. Perhaps Pinney and Meadowridge should also be included?)
2000 (new facility)
c. 2000 (relocation, expansion)
Not sure of exact dates
but I think it fits in here.
(Relocation, expansion)
2008 (new facility)
2010 (new facility)
And soon...........
Although it took some doin'!
Madison Community Foundation awards $500,000 grant for new Madison Central Library. (12/16/2011)
Retiring Guy takes a last look at the 1960s-era Madison Central Library. (11/13/2011)
Madison Central Library prepares for move to temporary facility. (11/9/2011)
Madison Public Library misses cut on $4.5 million tax credit. (9/14/2011)
Board to consider Plan B financing. (9/1/2011)
Central library to relocate in November. (7/27/2011)
Central library reconstruction project to proceed. (4/29/2011)
Negotiations continue. (4/27/2011)
Central library not a major issue with candidate or mayor Soglin. (4/19/2011)
Soglin wants to make sure ducks are in a row for Central Library Project. (4/16/2011)
Latest design review. (4/8/2011)
Midway Design presentation for Madison Central Library. (2/25/2011)
Final design for renovated central library unveiled. (12/8/2010)
Conceptual designs for new Central Library. (10/25/2010)
One possible message: Don't settle for less. (8/5/2010)
Possible temporary location has asbestos problem. (6/18/2010)
State Journal editorial board sez Madison City Council made right decision on Central Library. (5/10/2010)
Council vote on library goes under the radar. (5/8/2010)
And the beat goes on. (4/14/2010)
Mayor Responds to Critics on Library Issue. (4/13/2010)
Board Endorses Renovation Plan. (4/6/2010)
Council President Pro Tem to Introduce Resolution Approving Madison Central Library Renovation Project. (3/28/2010)
New Madison Central Library Wins Council Approval. (11/11/2009)Capital Times Endorses New Madison Central Library. (11/10/2009)
Madison Board of Estimates Rejects Library Referendum. (10/13/2009)
Motley Brown Not Reason Enough. (6/11/2009)
Fiore Plan Receives Unanimous Support. (6/5/2009)
Fiore Plan Gets Nod from Committee. (5/15/2009)
Public Forum Focuses on Central Library Options. (4/24/2009)
Developer Sweetens the Deal. (4/21/2009)
Visualizing a Remodeled Madison Central Library. (4/4/2009)
Comparison of Downtown Madison Library Proposals. (12/17/2008)
Two Proposals for New Madison Central Library. (12/3/2008)
Best Headline of the Week. (9/6/2008)
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