Library Board Selects Rebecca Purdy as Executive Director

Fredericksburg, Virginia, September 13, 2024 - The Board of Trustees of Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has selected Deputy Director Rebecca Purdy as Executive Director after a national search which attracted over 40 applicants. The position was advertised with the American Library Association, Virginia Library Association, Virginia Municipal League, Virginia Association of Counties (VACO), and Indeed.

At Fredericksburg Branch, Purdy managed as Youth Services Department Head for almost ten years. During this time, she conducted a system-wide staffing evaluation to manage the reassignment of over 80 staff members to support the newly opened Howell Branch. She also mentored new leaders within the library and created CRRL's first management training.

In her role as Youth Services Coordinator, Purdy administered youth services for the entire library system and advocated for CRRL in radio interviews, print columns in the Free Lance-Star, and in the professional journal, Voice of Youth Advocates. She administered Summer Reading, Back to School orientations, and CRRL’s support of Stafford’s 350th Anniversary. Purdy worked with local agencies and secured funding to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) exhibitions and programs to the community. Purdy integrated early childhood research into library programs and established Learn & Play rooms in all branches.

Purdy became CRRL’s Deputy Director in 2016, where she was instrumental in the opening of Spotsylvania Towne Centre Branch, CRRL’s joint use library at Germanna’s Barbara J. Fried Center, IdeaSpace, and two satellite locations in Spotsylvania County. Purdy worked on multiple facility projects, including the move of CRRL’s administrative offices from Fredericksburg Branch to the Library Administration Center and renovations and expansions at Fredericksburg and Porter branches. Purdy’s responsibilities included developing a successful COVID Response Plan, collaborating with a consultant on CRRL’s Strategic Plan, drafting policy updates, managing fiscal reports and budgets, increasing internal communication among staff, and multiple hiring, training, and emergency response projects.

Purdy has served the Virginia Library Association in several roles, including on the Children's and Young Adult Roundtable and as Secretary for the Executive Committee. Nationally, Purdy’s work with the American Library Association includes serving with the Association for Library Service to Children's Liaisons with National Organizations Serving Children and Youth. Purdy's regional and local roles include serving with Capitol Choices: New and Noteworthy Books for Children & Teens, Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Network of Enterprising Women, and on the Executive Board of the University of Mary Washington's Women's Leadership Colloquium.

Rebecca Purdy will start in the role of Executive Director October 1. CRRL's current Director Martha Hutzel retires September 30.