Bill Knott’s 37-year tenure as the Jefferson County librarian predates some of the materials such as DVDs and downloadable books and music that the library routinely offers today.
On Thursday, Knott announced he was retiring as the head of the state’s second-largest library system.
“After nearly four decades, I have a rather well-developed sense of the best interests of the library,” Knott said. “And now is the best time to initiate new leadership. I know JCPL will continue to be a successful and effective organization.”
Knott’s retirement date is April 1 — which also is the target date for the formation of a library district to replace county oversight.
The district would operate under state library laws and its own rules instead of under county regulations.
One of Knott’s final efforts will be to help form the district.
“We have been truly blessed to have Bill as our county librarian over these years,” said Keith Grebe, chairman of the library board. “His leadership and service will be missed.”
The trustees will begin a nationwide search for Knott’s successor in January. An interim county librarian appointed by the trustees will begin in April.
When Knott began his service in 1971, the Jefferson County system consisted of ll libraries — six as one-room sites — and a bookmobile.
There were 70 staff members and 207,516 items available to the county’s 235,000 residents. Today, there are 515 staff members serving 541,000 county residents at 10 locations with 1.3 million items.
Knott played a key role in the development and passage of the Colorado Library Confidentiality Law in the early 1980s.
In 2006, a children’s literacy program — Knott’s Kids — was named in his honor.
Knott said he will ease into retirement, saying, “I’ll most likely be knee-deep in a mountain stream.”
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
