After almost a quarter century with the Red Deer Public Library, the director is retiring.
Dean Frey is set to leave the post next year.
“I wish to commend Dean for his 24 years of service to the citizens of Red Deer and for leaving Red Deer Public Library in a great position to continue to be one of the best libraries in Canada,” said Duncan Anderson, library board chair, in a new release.
“On behalf of the board of trustees I also wish Dean and his family all the best in retirement.”
Frey oversaw many changes in library services during his tenure, including the transitions from card catalogue and stamped cards to an integrated online system and self-checkout, from books to eReaders, from film to digital video and from LPs and audio cassettes to digital sound formats.
Three major construction projects within the Red Deer Public Library system, one of which won’t be completed by the time Frey retires, are also a part of his legacy. Both the downtown and Dawe branches underwent renovation projects during his tenure. He also assisted in the planning for the new Timberlands branch, which is scheduled to open in 2014.
The library board has approved the recruiting and hiring of a replacement director, who would start work in July 2013.