For Immediate Release

1/27/2022

Genna M. Mickey, Library Director

Sugar Grove Public Library District

125 S. Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

630-409-1568 | email

The Sugar Grove Public Library District Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the appointment of Genna M. Mickey as the new Library Director for Sugar Grove Public Library District, effective 1/9/22.

Mickey previously held the position of Assistant Director at the Sugar Grove Public Library District and has been serving the library since January 2015. She has over 10 years of experience serving in the public library field.

Sugar Grove Public Library Board President Brad Knectges states ‘Please join me in congratulating Genna on her well-deserved promotion.”

Prior to joining the Sugar Grove Public Library, Genna worked as an Adult Services Librarian at the River Forest Public Library.  Genna holds a Bachelor of Arts in English – Creative Writing, Communications and Media from DePaul University in Chicago, IL and a Master of Library and Information Sciences from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Genna grew up in the Fox Valley area and is now a resident of Sugar Grove, IL

Board President Brad Knectges says “In this role, Genna will provide the library staff with the necessary resources and budget to serve the community as well as translate trends of emerging community interest into attainable goals, products and services in line with the library’s strategic plan. Genna has been a significant contributor in growing library circulation by 40% between her hire date and early 2020 through effective outreach and programming.  One such example is the “Tales and Trails Book Club”, featured in the American Library Association publication Book Club Reboot in 2019.  Additionally, she contributed to an over 300% increase in adult program attendance from 20 attendees to an average of 75-200 attendees per month by early 2020.”

Mickey states: “I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue to serve my community in this new role.  If you have not yet visited the Library,  I encourage you to stop by, look around, and say hello! You may discover something beyond books for you here. During these pandemic times, we are offering virtual programming, curbside pickup, and expanded e-book offerings. We’re waiving our large meeting room charges for nonprofit groups and offering Zoom room reservations. We are here for you!

The Library is currently under construction on the Now Space, with a partial grant from the State of Illinois, which is expected to open by late Spring 2022 and will include a mixed use community programming space in addition to two studios – one for podcasting and one for video recording with a green screen. The Sugar Grove Public Library faces significant funding issues and is closed on Fridays. All staff including Mickey are part-time, and work creatively to offer a high level of service and programs, including story times, book clubs, film screenings, STEM programming, educational and cultural lectures, and computer assistance.

For more information visit www.sgpl.org, call 630-466-4686, or visit the library at 125 S. Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554.