After an extensive national search, the Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees voted Thursday evening to hire Elsworth Carman as the library’s next executive director.
“Elsworth’s compassionate, value-driven, and unifying leadership is a great fit for the Oak Park Public Library at this locally and nationally significant time,” said Madhurima Chakraborty, Search Committee Chair and Library Finance Officer.
Board President Matt Fruth said “Throughout the interview process, it was clear Elsworth possesses the ability to engage deeply with community members, library trustees, and library staff, bringing a community-building and collaborative approach.”
Carman has served as an executive director in two public libraries: Iowa City Public Library and Marion (Iowa) Public Library. He also worked for the City of Marion as the Director of the Department of Administrative Services and as a manager in Oak Park and (Washington) DC public libraries.
“My experiences as a manager at Oak Park Public Library shaped my approach to leadership, and I am thrilled to return as the next executive director. Throughout the interview process, I had the opportunity to engage with current staff, and it was inspiring to hear their optimism about the library’s future,” Carman said.
“Throughout my career, I have prioritized inclusive hospitality, reducing barriers to library services, and supporting intellectual freedom. I look forward to building on Oak Park’s exceptional work to ensure every community member feels welcome, supported, and celebrated by their library,” Carman added. “I am eager to connect with the Oak Park community—including patrons, library staff, and other stakeholders—to learn how the library can best meet community needs today and in the years ahead.”
Carman will begin in his new role on May 27.
About the process
Professional search firm Koya Partners conducted the national search, marked by a thoughtful and rigorous evaluation of candidates. A search committee—led by Library Trustees Madhurima Chakraborty (Committee Chair), Susanne Fairfax, Theodore Foss, and Library Interim Co-Executive Director Leigh Tarullo—worked with Koya, meeting every other week.
Feedback from community members and library staff members contributed to the decision. After the final in-person stage of interviews and meetings, the board received extensive positive feedback from library staff members about Carman’s candidacy.
Throughout the process, public updates from Koya were given at board meetings and search committee meetings. Video recordings and minutes of those 2025 open sessions can be found in the Board Meetings section below by date and on the page titled Board Meeting Materials & Minutes (2025).
Koya Partners Search Summary
OUTREACH
- Koya Partners was retained on July 9, 2024 to lead the search for the next Executive Director of Oak Park Public Library.
- Koya conducted an extensive needs assessment with Board and staff, before working with the Search Committee to finalize the Executive Director position profile.
- The position profile was approved on October 8, 2024, and Koya began outreach to over 380 contacts within their network, referrals, and the library’s own network and outreach.
- The position profile was posted using listservs and posting sites including but not limited to: Job Boards (Institute for Nonprofit Practice, The Black Ivy League), Universities & Colleges with MLS/MILS Programs: Kent State, Rutgers), and library specific networks (American Library Assoc.)
- 44 individuals expressed interest in the position with 33 submitting applications.
- 44 individuals expressed interest.
- Of those who disclosed, the candidate pool represented 45% People of Color, 55% White, 37% Male, 60% Female, and 3% Non-binary. Eight candidates also self-identified as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- The Search Committee reviewed eleven applications in detail. Those applications that did not move forward lacked a library sciences degree or did not bring management experience.
- Before First Round Interviews were conducted, a survey was sent to the community to learn more about their desired qualities and qualifications and to gather questions to be considered for candidate interviews
- Over 200 responses were received; responses were synthesized and delivered to the Search Committee via this presentation. All raw data was also shared.
- Koya also held Community office hours; 4 people attended.
FIRST ROUND INTERVIEW
- Six candidates were invited to first round interviews which were 60 minutes via zoom video. These were conducted between 1/13 – 1/17/2025.
- In first round interviews every candidate was asked the same questions all of which were based on the responsibilities and characteristics required and preferred which were outlined in the position profile.
- Note: Candidates were given the questions in advance of their interview in order to prepare. First round interview questions were informed in part by a community survey, as well as Leadership Staff and Board input.
- The Search Committee debriefed first round interviews and decided to invite four candidates to second round interviews.
SECOND ROUND INTERVIEW
- Four candidates were invited to second round interviews; one candidate withdrew from the search process before interviewing.
- Second round interviews were 75 minutes via zoom video and occurred 2/10-2/11/2025. In the second round of interviews candidates were asked to prepare a 10-minute opening statement on their leadership and anti-racism philosophy and work. All other questions varied amongst candidates based on their opening statements and follow-up questions from first round interviews.
- Search Committee Recommendation
- The Search Committee met on 2/12 after second round interviews concluded and determined their recommendation to the Board is to invite all three candidates to the final round of interviews based on the candidate strengths including:
- Passion for and demonstrated experience with the mission and values of Oak Park Public Library, including commitment to anti-racism;
- Senior leadership level in libraries and library-specific expertise including experience managing the operations aspect of libraries from facilities to finances;
- History of empowering, supporting and resourcing staff;
- Experience working within broader community both with patrons and potential patrons, as well as with partner organizations, elected and unelected officials, and media.
2/18 BOARD MEETING
- The Board unanimously approved the Search Committee’s recommendation to invite all three candidates to the final round of interviews.
- Finalists will be invited to half-day in-person interviews at the Oak Park Public Library. Final interviews will include time with the current Co-Interim Executive Directors, a panel interview with the staff Directors, a meet and greet with all-staff, and a panel interview with the Board.
- Prior to interviews, Koya will conduct 360-degree reference checks on candidates and share full reports with the Board.
- Following in-person interviews, Koya will collect feedback from all-staff, staff Directors, and the Board and create a report for the Board’s review.
- The Board will meet in March to review all feedback and the entirety of the search before voting to make an offer to a candidate for the position of Executive Director.