David Seleb, who has led operations at several area libraries, has been named the interim Lake Bluff Public Library director as the search starts for a permanent director.
The Lake Bluff Library Board selected Seleb to be the director on a short-term basis, following the resignation of Renee Grassi. He started his new role on September 23.
Seleb, a Lake Forest resident, was the interim director of the Lake Forest Library in early 2023.
“I enjoy using my career experience as a public library director to assist library organizations through periods of transition,” Seleb wrote in an e-mail. “It certainly helps that the Lake Bluff Public Library is practically in my backyard.”
Prior to that, Seleb was the full-time director of four different libraries in the Chicago area including Winnetka, Wheeling and Oak Park.
“David brings extensive experience in both large and small libraries, as well as a strong understanding of serving communities in the North Shore of Chicago,” Library Board President Bonnie Shaul said in a statement. “He will be an asset to Lake Bluff, the staff, and the Board of Trustees during the transition, as the board conducts a search for a new permanent library director.”
Shaul said in an interview the Board anticipates Seleb will work in Lake Bluff for four to six months. She said it would be a part-time position, set to average 15-20 per week where he will be paid $100 per hour.
“In periods of transition, people are looking for reassurance, stability, and support,” Seleb said. “I think I provided all of that for the Lake Forest Library and I hope to do that for the Lake Bluff Library.”
Shaul noted the library board is scheduled to start the process of hiring a new director in October.
Grassi’s last day in Lake Bluff was September 20. She accepted an assistant director position in Wilmette.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
