The Denver Public Library has elevated Michelle Jeske, a longtime employee who has helped lead efforts to refocus its mission beyond lending books, to be the new city librarian.
On Monday, Jeske, 48, succeeded Shirley Amore, who after more than eight years as the system’s first female librarian. The library has a $43.3 million operating budget this year for the Central Library and 25 branches, including .
“I want to continue on the path that Shirley Amore set for us, which is really to make sure we are continuing to meet the needs of the community,” Jeske said. She began at the library in 2001 and most recently was director of collections, technology and innovation.
Recent initiatives include an early literacy program and services providing access to technology and training, as well as programs aimed at Denver’s recent immigrants.
The Denver Public Library Commission . She was one of two internal candidates.
Her salary will be $140,000, a library spokesman said. Amore’s final salary was $157,642.
