MEDIA CONTACT:
Jackie Powers
jpowers@jefferson.lib.co.us
303-275-2203
JEFFERSON COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW FOUNDATION DIRECTOR
(Lakewood, Colo. - Feb. 20, 2006) John Walsh, formerly of the Denver Justice Information Center, has been named Director of the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF).
Foundation Board President, T.J. Carney, recently announced the hire, introducing Walsh and his wife Mary to staff, board and volunteers at the organization's Annual Volunteer Banquet. A longtime development and executive director for numerous non-profit organizations, Walsh replaces director Jo Bryant, who retired in December 2005.
Bill Knott, Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) County Librarian, said: "John's experience in exerting leadership and providing direction will greatly benefit the Foundation as programs continue to grow."
In his new role, Walsh will be responsible for leading fundraising efforts, recruiting volunteers and coordinating fundraising events for JCLF, the 501 (C)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization of the JCPL.
The Foundation provides additional funding and staff to supplement the programs of JCPL. Programming includes: year-round children's literacy programs, the Traveling Children's Library, acquisition and preservation of special collections, and management of the Friends Gift and Book Shop at the Belmar Library.
In 2004, JCLF launched InSight & InPerson Distinguished Author Series. Featuring Amy Tan in 2005, the yearly program has attracted thousands of community members from across the county.
"The programs of the Foundation have made such an incredible mark on our community," notes Walsh. "I look forward to helping them grow."
Before arriving at JCLF, Walsh was the executive director for the Justice Information Center in Denver. As executive director, he initiated an innovative program to assist and support non-English speaking women in violent domestic relationships. Additionally, he served as executive director of programs whose missions involved abused women and children, community business development, the developmentally disabled and educational opportunities for impoverished youth.
A resident of Jefferson County for 13 years, Walsh received his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University.
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About the Jefferson County Library Foundation
The Jefferson County Library Foundation provides the extra help the Jefferson County Public Library needs to support the literacy programs at its 10 locations, fulfilling its mission of opening the world of reading for our children, inspiring a lifetime of learning for all, and strengthening freedom through knowledge. The Foundation also supports the Traveling Children’s Library, a service that brings books, programs and materials to children who reside in low-income areas of Jefferson County.
For more information, please contact: