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. Plans for a community open house are in the works.
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 (2024).
- Read the search summary here (pdf)
- Find video links and additional board statements at oppl.org/board
