By Teri Vance
After five years of leading the Carson City Library, Director Sena Loyd is closing that chapter. She is leaving in February to take a job in the private sector.
“We’ve been able to accomplish so much at the library, and I am excited to bring that with me,” she said. “I will continue to tout the values of building for our future.”
Diane Baker, the library’s business manager, was named interim director at Friday’s meeting of the Carson City Library Board.
Loyd started at the Carson City Library in September 2012 as a technology trainer. She advanced to director in January 2014 when then-director Sara Jones left. She is happy with her achievements at the library —which include the addition of virtual and augmented reality, a makerspace, where patrons learn skills like sewing and woodworking, and a recent remodel of the interior.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done over the past five years,” she said. “Both inside and outside of school, we’ve brought our community learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and math.”
Loyd said she appreciated working with library staff to celebrate milestones in the community.
“For me, personally, the most exciting event we hosted was the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party,” Loyd said. “Our staff was able to provide solar eclipse glasses for a really exceptional event. The community members who participated were so grateful for the opportunity.”
She has also valued the connection she’s made with patrons.
“I’m going to miss the wonderful people who used the library as a learning resource, as entertainment and sometimes even as a shelter,” she said. “Everyone is welcome in our library.”
The Carson City Library was one of 14 library finalists in 2018 for the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is nominated again for the 2019 award.
“This is not only an accomplishment for the community, but it is a testament to the wonderful staff,” Loyd wrote in her resignation letter to the board. “I have no doubt that through this transition of leadership, the staff will continue to provide high-caliber customer service to the community.”
Loyd will remain living in Carson City with her husband, Joe Spencer, and plans to champion the library and other issues.
“I will be an active citizen of Carson City,” she said. “I am not disappearing. For democracy to function, you have to have an engaged citizenry. This is my opportunity to do that.”
