ELPL has welcomed Christiane H. Evaskis-Garrett to the position of interim director. The Library Board of Trustees unanimously extended the offer at their regular board meeting on July 16. Evaskis-Garrett will officially begin her new role on Monday, July 28. She has worked as the Collections Team Leader at ELPL for the past 20 months.
“As a Board, we placed our trust in the strength and talent of our staff — and that trust was affirmed by the success of our previous interim director who came from within the library. It’s inspiring to see gifted staff step up with clarity, vision, and a deep commitment to our community,” said Trustee Ameenah Asante, Board President. “The Board has genuine confidence in Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett's ability to lead during this important time of transition and to carry the library forward with integrity and care.”
Evaskis-Garrett brings over a decade of dynamic leadership and expertise in library and library-adjacent services to her new role. With a Master of Science in Information from the University of Michigan and a background spanning all aspects of librarianship, Evaskis-Garrett has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering community engagement and innovation. Most recently, she served as Collections Team Leader at ELPL, where she oversaw diverse collections, managed budgets, and contributed to outreach initiatives. Her prior roles at Jackson District Library and ProQuest/Ex Libris highlight her ability to bridge technical expertise with public service, ensuring equitable access to resources. A dedicated advocate for libraries, Evaskis-Garrett has held leadership and volunteer positions for the Michigan Archival Association and Michigan Library Association. Her vision for ELPL centers on collaboration, inclusivity, and empowering the community through lifelong learning.
“It is my great honor to be selected as interim director of the East Lansing Public Library,” said Interim Director Evaskis-Garrett. “I look forward to building on the work of my predecessor and to continue to serve the East Lansing community with respect and dignity as we search for our next director.”
During her time at ELPL, Evaskis-Garrett has strengthened the library’s collection development policy and enhanced the library’s unique collections. She also spearheaded accessibility improvements to the local history collection, which was the recipient of funds raised at this year’s Books, Bites, and Bids fundraiser. In her new role as interim director, she will lead the library as the Board conducts a thorough search for a permanent library director.
Get to know our new interim director more with the video below!
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