Downers Grove Library Board turns first page in search for new executive director

The Downers Grove Library Board has taken its first step in the search for a director to replace Julie Milavec, who will retire in March.

Board members recently agreed to hire executive search firm Deiters & Todd to assist in the search for a replacement for Milavec, who informed the board in February that she plans to step down.

The search is expected to take four months, according to board member Swapna Gigani.

The next step is for the board to decide how it wants to proceed with aspects of the search. Does it want to conduct focus groups comprised of library stakeholders, and will it have committee meetings as the search proceeds?

Board member Marti Sladek said she was impressed by the Deiters & Todd’s experience.

“They’re going to be able to hit the ground running a little bit better with us and give us a little more substantive guidance with this process moving, and that’s why we made this recommendation,” she said.

Board member David Humphreys says the library board will navigate the search process.

“This is our process,” Humphreys said. “We are going to choose the next library director. (Deiters & Todd) are going to provide their guidance, having been through this before many times. But it’s going to be ultimately our process.”

Milavec served as director of the Plainfield Area Public Library from 2000 to 2016 and came to Downers Grove in August of that year.

She also served as director of the West Chicago Public Library District and the Worth Public Library District.

During her time at the helm in Downers Grove, the library was named a Five Star Library in 2022 by “Library Journal.” She also led many capital improvements.

However, Milavec faced her fair share of controversy as director.

For example, in 2022, the library announced it would host a drag queen bingo event in October geared toward seventh to 12th graders.

The event was later canceled after protesters expressed opposition, and the library received threats.

Then, in 2024, the Downers Grove Village Council voted to remove library board member Bill Nienbug from the board for misconduct or neglect of office. The vote came after the library voted to censure Nienburg.