Will Blydenburgh assumed the role of executive director on July 28, 2025, becoming the seventh person to hold the position since the library opened in 1956.
Originally from Long Island, New York, he has already fallen in love with the Ozarks region and its charm. During the first week filled with meetings and learning about both the library and the community, he found time to sit down and share a little about himself.
He holds an M.S. in Information and Library Science from the University of Buffalo and an M.A. in English from the University of Auckland. His work background includes positions in freight, information technology and facilities, as well as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Suffolk. His most recent position was the principal librarian at the Northwest Regional Library in Lee County, Florida.
Here’s what Will had to say:
What inspired you to pursue a career in libraries? I’ve had a lifelong friendship with libraries from childhood all the way through my academic pursuits. In college, I spent so much time on the fourth and fifth floors of the University of Auckland Library. I split my time researching and pausing to admire Mt. Rangitoto from the windows. At that moment, the library was the perfect place for writing my dissertation. Now, libraries are the perfect place for my wife and me to bring our children for storytime and events. That’s the beauty of libraries—they are always there for every stage of life. Looking for career advancement? A public library. Study? Socialize? Create? It’s all at the library.
Sum up librarianship in one word. Service.
What’s the first thing you typically do while at work in the morning? I am a strong proponent of the “eat the frog” philosophy, which is also the title of a book. This philosophy encourages tackling the most challenging or unpleasant tasks first, including any lingering tasks from the previous day or anything you’re hesitant to do.
What’s your favorite part about working on a team? I love developing ideas and finding connections between concepts.
Describe your managerial style. I strive to balance servant leadership with decisiveness. I value feedback from everyone to help me make the best decisions possible. While I prefer to build consensus, I understand that there are times when quick decisions must be made. I work to ensure that my staff feel heard and that every idea is given the consideration it deserves.
What kind of feedback helps you learn and grow? All types. I’m all ears.
What’s the best library or public service advice that anyone ever gave you? Assume good intentions. A director I worked for shared this idea with me as a reminder that every story has two sides. I approach each situation with the belief that everyone is trying to do good. This perspective makes it easier for me to understand others and find common ground. I have since created a personal version of this saying: operate in good faith.
If you had an extra couple of hours open up in your day—outside of work—what would you do? Gardening and, of course, spending time with my family. I’m on the hunt for the best local fruit trees. If anybody has suggestions, send them my way.
What books or magazines are on your nightstand? My nightstand is still being shipped from Florida. But I am excited to start adding books when it gets here.
What new skill would you love to learn? I would love to spend more time learning different languages.
What has been the biggest change that you’ve seen with libraries in the last five years? That’s a tough one. What never changes about libraries is that they are always changing to stay relevant. Library staff are here to adapt to needs by providing both traditional materials, such as print books and reference services, and accommodating the needs of ‘digital nomads’ and those working from home. Libraries are now more collaborative and entrepreneurial than ever, which may make the environment noisier and more energetic than you remember from childhood. Additionally, larger programs and events that attract new visitors to the library are becoming increasingly common.
What are you most excited about after moving to Southwest Missouri? I am looking forward to more outdoor adventures with my family. There is so much green space and local attractions. I look forward to my kids playing in shallow creeks and climbing on rocks. Before you get on the phone to call me, yes, I will keep an eye out for the water snakes. Safety first!