Burns Warms To New State Librarian Job
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Kailua resident and seasoned veteran of public libraries Richard Burns will soon take up a new challenge as State Librarian to oversee the operation, planning, programming and budgeting of all public libraries.
“I want to see libraries become the cornerstones and focal points of each community,” Burns said, with anticipation and excitement in his voice.
Appointed recently by the state Board of Education to replace the retiring Jo Ann Schindler at the end of the year, Burns has all the experience necessary to head the 51-branch statewide system.
He is considered to have a “magic touch” that has been put to good use around Oahu since 1983 as a library assistant and technician,library services and bookmobile librarian, children’s and young adult librarian, and branch manager.
“Of course, there will be several challenges to overcome over the next few years,“Burns admitted of his plans to increase public access to print and online materials as well as to fill the 15 percent of positions currently vacant.
Two recent success stories merely hint at what the public can expect from Burns. As library manager for Waimanalo, he successfully rallied to keep the branch open on Saturdays, despite a budget-cutting order that forced others to close on weekends. He also was a driving force to keep native Hawaiian touches alive, such as landscaping and a koa-framed display case. The grateful Friends of Waimanalo Library, along with state Rep. Tommy Waters, nominated him for 2003 Public Librarian of the Year. Needless to say, Burns won.
When appointed to head the state’s newest branch in Kapolei, Burns warmed to the challenge of building the showcase facility from the ground up, literally. He was there from the very start, ordering and processing books, equipment and other supplies before the branch opened in 2004. The once-floundering library with empty shelves is now the second largest - and busiest in the state - after the main King Street facility.
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