UT alum back home as new East Moline library head
Bianca Sierra is the new director of the East Moline Public Library, hired by the board at a special session on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Sierra’s appointment comes after a nationwide search to fill the position following the departure of former director Laura Long, who accepted a position with the Fremont Public Library District in Mundelein, Ill.
Sierra, a Quad-City native, most recently served the Davenport Public Library managing two branch locations. She is a graduate of United Township High School in East Moline, has a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and an master’s in English from Western Illinois University and earned her M.A. in Library Science from Clarion University.
Returning to East Moline as the library director is a dream job according to Sierra, who will start her new position on Feb. 7, 2024.
The board highlighted the confidence and strength Sierra presented during the interviews and cited her leadership qualities and vision for the library and community as key to the continued growth and success of the library, according to a Thursday release.
“East Moline has changed over the years and continues to change,” said East Moline Library Board Trustee Sheryl Hanson. “I was impressed with Bianca’s ideas on how we can best identify and meet the changing needs and grow our services.”
Sierra posted on Facebook this week about her first library visit to a book mobile outside of St. Mary’s school in East Moline and having to ask her dad to go to the library to get a card.
“I remember the children’s room and how exciting it was every time the library lady came to read to our classes,” she wrote. “She had puppets and did all the voices. I don’t think I was popular or exceptional enough in high school to be thought most likely to do anything memorable, but almost 25 years after graduation, it feels pretty great to be the person most likely to run the city library someday!
“I haven’t been able to really explain what an honor this is to be entrusted and supported by the staff and board of trustees,” Sierra said. “I cannot wait to be working in the community and eventually living there again in a couple years. East Moliners my door will always be open. I can’t wait to see you.”
For additional information, visit the library website HERE.
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