ELPL Director Kevin King Resigns

East Lansing Public Library Director Kevin King is resigning just 16 months after taking the job, ELi has learned from two independent sources with knowledge of the resignation.

King’s last day at ELPL will be July 25 and he has been hired by Midwest Tape/Hoopla as the library solutions strategist. He announced his resignation in an email to library staff and East Lansing City Council.

“I am committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition,” King wrote in the email. “I will work closely with the Leadership Team to transfer responsibilities, share institutional knowledge, and provide any necessary support to maintain continuity and momentum.

“We have accomplished a lot as a team, and I will always be proud of that work. Even though we have not always agreed, I know that all of you care deeply about the library and the patrons we serve.”

ELi spoke with King about his departure on Wednesday morning. He said he was recruited to apply and his new employer created a position specifically for him and his strengths. We asked him about the challenges his successor will face.

“They will continue to deal with funding issues at all levels,” he said. “The strategic plan will move forward. During my time, we were able to add more staff that were desperately needed to address what patrons asked for; something I’m very proud of.”

King also said that he created an afterschool mitigation plan and a task force to address behavioral issues at the library amongst K12 students who utilize the facility after they leave school for the day.

“My time was short,” King said, “but I appreciated meeting as many people as possible and working for a staff and city that really, really cares for their library.

The ELPL Board of Trustees is hosting a special meeting Thursday, July 3 at 10 a.m. to discuss the vacancy.

Note: This story was updated shortly after it was published to add comments from King.