MRL Board of Trustees Announces Rochelle Carr Named Library Director

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December 23, 2021


Harrisonburg, VA – December 23, 2021 – The Massanutten Regional Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Rochelle Carr has been named Library Director, a role which focuses on the strategic leadership and vision for the seven-branch regional system. Ms. Carr was selected after a national search was conducted by Bradbury Miller Associates, a recruiting firm which specializes in identifying library leadership. Carr replaces Lois W. Jones, who retired from MRL August 31, 2021 after serving as Library Director for 10 of her 33 years with the regional library system. 
Ms. Carr brings over 18 years of library experience and management to MRL, having most recently served as the Director of Shasta Public Libraries in Redding California, and as Library Director for Curry Public Library prior to the SPL appointment. Carr holds a Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from California State University. Carr is expected to assume MRL’s director role on February 1, 2022. 
“We are thrilled to welcome Rochelle as MRL’s next leader and feel confident that she will lead MRL toward continued success,” stated Laura Thomas, MRL Board of Trustees President. “We were pleased with the breadth of highly qualified and deeply experienced candidates that Bradbury Miller presented in our search and that the selection process was so comprehensive. We are especially excited that Rochelle will bring a host of innovative ideas, solid leadership experience, and a vision that will position MRL well into the future. We look forward to welcoming Rochelle to our community and to supporting her as the next chapter of MRL’s history begins.” 
“I am so excited to be joining the team at the MRL and to rediscover my roots in Virginia,” stated Carr, who during her interviews for Library Director enjoyed exploring local history as well as her family connections to the Shenandoah Valley. “I am looking forward to connecting with MRL’s service community and to getting to know - and learn from - MRL’s strong and dedicated staff. Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Page County are so beautiful. I feel very lucky and excited for the future ahead.” 
MRL’s Trustees anticipate that Carr will initially spend several weeks on a listening tour of MRL’s seven branches to become acquainted to the unique needs and patronage of each location. Additionally, public receptions welcoming Carr to MRL patrons and community leaders will take place in the spring in both Harrisonburg/Rockingham County and in Page County. 
Media alert: Media is invited to interview Ms. Carr after her arrival by scheduling through Mary Golden Hughes, MRL’s Director of Advancement at the contact information listed above. 
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About Massanutten Regional Library: 
Founded in 1928, Massanutten Regional Library is a seven-branch library system that serves nearly 160,000 residents in Harrisonburg, Page County, and Rockingham County. MRL branches are located in Bridgewater, Broadway, Elkton, Grottoes, Harrisonburg, Luray and the town of Shenandoah, with administrative offices located at Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg, the system’s largest branch. Library patrons have access to over 300,000 books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, online learning and research tools, and other resources free of charge. Residents can obtain a free library card by visiting their local MRL branch. As a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization MRL is funded in partnership with state and local funding and through the generosity of patron donations.