Multnomah County has its new Library Director, and her name is Annie Lewis. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced the decision, noting that Lewis will be put forward in a resolution to the Board of County Commissioners for confirmation on October 17. Identified through a competitive nationwide search because of her strategic vision and vast library administration knowledge, Lewis has been helming the library as the Interim Director since June 2024, according to a news release from Multnomah County.
Upon confirmation, she will oversee one of the busiest public library systems in the country, which includes 19 library locations, various community programs, a significant $118 million budget, and approximately 600 employees. "At a time when libraries are more important than ever to connect us as neighbors and help us learn, create and deepen understanding, Annie Lewis knows how to support our amazing workforce and build unique spaces that bring community together," Vega Pederson said in a statement obtained by Multnomah County news.
Annie Lewis's path to the directorship is a testament to her commitment to public service through libraries. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, with degrees in Spanish and history, her revelation of the public library's role came not in youth but amidst the realms of academic research at Astoria Public Library. It was a collection there that brought to light long-unseen community histories. Adding to her tapestry of public-sector experience was the period she spent navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system at a law firm.
Lewis’s career in library science has been marked by active engagement, particularly with the Spanish-speaking community, starting as an Outreach Librarian in Tualatin and subsequently moving through various roles, ultimately becoming the Gresham Library supervisor. Her work as the Library’s Early Childhood Services Manager highlights her dedication to literacy, for she stood at the helm of the Every Child Initiative, ensuring Portland's youth were ready to read. After the pandemic shuttered library buildings, it was Lewis who directed the reopening of eight neighborhood libraries as the interim director. As Deputy Director, her portfolio included public services, project management, and serving as a bridge to the Library Foundation. Lewis will leave her role as Deputy Director to step into the top position, while Dave Ratliff remains the interim deputy director during the library’s search for her replacement.
“Right now, the library is moving into a bright new future with modern and expanded spaces, thanks to the investment of voters and the hard work of library staff. My overarching goal as director will be to ensure that this library is evolving in ways that best serve our diverse community, while supporting the library staff who make our library the community treasure it has always been," Lewis told Multnomah County news
