New director hired for Columbus Public Library

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Columbus's City Administrator announced the hiring of the new director of Columbus Public Library. 

City Administrator Tara Vasicek announced Jeri Kay Hopkins has been hired as the new director. 

"She has a proven track record," Vasicek said. "She comes from a library director position and has a lot of great ideas on engaging with the community."

In a press release, the city said Hopkins brings with her a wealth of experience, having served the last seven years as the public library director in Independence, Kansas. 

In Kansas, Hopkins was responsible for leading an award-winning staff of 12 people with an $800,000 budget, including servant leadership, team development, community connections, facilities management, fundraising, grant writing, policies and procedures, budgeting and reporting to a library board. 

The city said that while there, the library won numerous awards for its service. 

Hopkins said she enjoyed her time in Kansas, but said that she has always wanted to return to Nebraska with much of her family near Columbus. 

After her first official day in the role on May 15 Hopkins said, "This position is perfect. I'm excited to be here."