New executive director takes over at Des Plaines Public Library

The Des Plaines Public Library’s new executive director is more than familiar with the Miner Street facility.

In fact, she’s been integral to its operation for years.

Assistant Director Laurie Papadourakis has been tapped to lead the library staff. She replaces Jo Bonell, who retired in February after a lengthy medical leave. Papadourakis had been serving as interim executive director since October.

“I love this library and look forward to working with the Des Plaines library board, the (Des Plaines) mayor and city council, and library staff to continue to serve the Des Plaines community in this new role,” she said in a news release.

A nationwide search was held for Bonell’s successor.

Papadourakis joined the library team in 2013 as a readers’ services assistant. She became the materials services manager and then, in 2021, was named assistant director.

In that last role, she managed grants, served as liaison to the Friends of the Library nonprofit group and handled other tasks. She also oversaw construction of The Canvas, the library’s maker space, which is set to open this month.

Board President Gregory Sarlo spoke highly of Papadourakis in the library’s announcement.

“Throughout the search and interview process, as well her past five months acting as interim library director, Laurie has demonstrated a professional, competent, exemplary passion for our library and a caring for our constituents,” Sarlo said. “She is highly respected by library staff and beloved for her ability to manage with compassion and grit.”

Papadourakis’s promotion was effective March 21. She’ll collect a $135,000 annual base salary, a library spokesperson said.

You can meet Papadourakis and learn about her plans for the library Tuesday night when Alderman Mike Charewicz hosts a meeting of 8th Ward residents. It’s set for 7 p.m. at Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road.