Flint, MI – June 23, 2023: Gloria Coles Flint Public Library Board of Trustees has announced that Taliah Abdullah has accepted the position of executive Director for the library. She will assume her responsibilities beginning July 24, 2023.
The Board engaged in a comprehensive search process that included significant community input, culminating with public presentations by and interviews of the finalists in May. The Board then voted to extend an offer to Abdullah, and is extremely pleased that she will be joining the library as its next executive director.
Abdullah’s background as a library manager, combined with a deep passion for promoting community-based library programming, will further advance the mission of this organization.
“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Taliah as our new executive director,” says Board President Reta Stanley.
“She will bring experience, enthusiasm, great communication skills and an open door policy to engage staff and deepen the connection with our patrons,” Stanley added. “We feel very lucky to have found her and look forward to the library’s continued advancement with her at the helm.”
Abdullah comes to Flint from the Arapahoe Library District in Englewood, CO. She has worked in academic, school, and public libraries in multiple states, and has served in management positions for 20 years. She is a champion and leader for equity, diversity and inclusion in life, for libraries, and for her team. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, as well as a Master’s in library and information science. She is also working towards her PH.D. in information science.
“The strategic priorities of the library, and its focus on community, mesh perfectly with who I am
and what brings me joy,” said Abdullah. “When I visited Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, I saw a
bustling Children’s Room. I met friendly, helpful staff members. The space is beautiful, and it offers
so many ways to connect with existing and new patrons. I look forward to working in a community that sees its library as a place for collaboration and growth.”
Kay Schwartz, the current executive director, is retiring after more than 13 years in this role and twenty-five years with the library. Working with the board and the leadership team, she guided the library through the recession of the 2010s and on to a transformative renovation of the 1958 building. She leaves the library with a strong staff, a like-new library building and strong community support. Schwartz will be available to Ms. Abdullah to ensure a smooth transition.
The public is invited to visit the library from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, to meet Abdullah and welcome her to Flint!
About Gloria Coles Flint Public Library: The library has served this community since 1851. Its vision is to be Flint’s go-to place to learn for life. The Gloria Coles Flint Public Library team encourages formal and informal learning for all ages, in all mediums, for all of life. Learn more at www.fpl.info.
