Leadership
Durham County Library’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) works hard to advance the mission, vision, and values of the library. ELT members meet regularly to discuss and align leadership and staff viewpoints regarding the library’s issues, trends, and future strategic direction. They are advocates for the needs of their respective areas, sharing those priorities and perspectives in planning discussions. ELT members are stewards for library resources and ensure that resources are used wisely and effectively to meet the needs of our users.
Library Director
Dana Conners
Email: dconners@dconc.gov
919-560-0160
With more than 30 years of experience in public libraries across North Carolina and Texas, Dana is excited to bring her passion for lifelong learning and community engagement to Durham County Library. Durham’s rich history, diversity, and creative energy make it a remarkable place to live and work, and she looks forward to advancing the library’s mission to encourage discovery, connect people, and lead in literacy. Public libraries offer so much more than books—they provide opportunities, connections, and support for individuals and families at every stage of life, and that purpose continues to inspire her. Outside of work, Dana enjoys reading (of course), staying active, and traveling with her husband; she also loves exploring great food and spending time with their dog, Baxter, and their cat, Mango.
Deputy Director
Stephanie Fennell
Email: sfennell@dconc.gov
919-560-0164
Stephanie has worked for the Durham County Library system for over 15 years in a variety of positions. She holds her Master of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University and has completed coursework in the Education Doctorate Program at Capella University with a focus in Leadership and Management. True to her commitment to serve, Stephanie plays an active role on multiple committees within the Library and Durham County Government. The thing that keeps her on her toes and is her favorite thing about working at Durham County Library is the people.
Pronouns: she/her
Executive Leadership Team
Sandra Lovely
Assistant Director for Planning & Facilities
Email: slovely@dconc.gov
919-560-0168
Sandra has worked in state, university and public library systems since 1988. She came to Durham County Library in 2003 and has served as Assistant Library Director since 2013. In her role as Assistant Library Director, she ensures that facility needs are met for the seven library locations that comprise the Durham County Library system. She works closely with facility managers to identify and resolve building concerns and needs and oversees various vendor contracts, including security and janitorial contracts. Her favorite thing about working at Durham County Library is getting to know and work with the wonderful and talented staff.
Kathy Makens
Assistant Director for Resources & Finance
Email: kmakens@dconc.gov
919-560-0187
Kathy oversees Library Technical Services, the North Carolina Collection, and the library budget. She has worked in public, academic, and special libraries for over 20 years. Specialties have included small business, legal reference, government documents, patents and trademarks, statistics, information literacy, working with low literacy populations, strategic planning, emerging technology, and gaming in libraries. She is an excellent rat trainer.
Pronouns: she/her
Stephanie Bonestell
Public Relations Officer
Email: sbonestell@dconc.gov
919-560-0151
Stephanie Bonestell, Public Relations Officer for the Durham County Library, brings over 30 years PR, communications, and marketing experience to the library system. She often provides a unique perspective to happenings around the library, as her background comes from multiple industries. Stephanie’s favorite unique program at DCo Library is the Seed Library, and her all-time favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and cast of crazy dogs.
Lakesia Farmer
Library Human Resources
Email: lfarmer@dconc.gov
919-560-0162
Lakesia Farmer has worked for Durham County Library since 2007 and has served as the Library’s HR person since 2012. She is an active member of the Triangle Society for Human Resource Management and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. One of the things that Lakesia loves about working in HR is meeting new people. She often says that she tries to put the human in human resources. As part of her role, Lakesia oversees the library’s bi-annual Staff Development Days, helps train staff, serves on interview panels, and works with the library’s summer interns. Outside of work, Lakesia enjoys spending time with family. She and her husband can often be found cheering for their son at one of his many sporting events. She also loves traveling, reading, learning new things, and helping others.
Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees serves as an advisory board for the Library Director. Each member is dedicated to library advocacy and listens to the needs of the community regarding what is and isn’t working within the library system. They have served as a voice for the transformation of Main Library and have spoken in support of increased outreach efforts for the Bragtown community while the location was closed for repairs. They share excitement from friends, neighbors, and library patrons who express their love for Durham County Library. The Board of Trustees also supports the library’s budget requests to Durham County and works diligently with staff to review and approve library policies. They are a committed group of individuals, dedicated to Durham County having the best library system possible.
Members of the Board of Trustees are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The general public is welcome and encouraged to apply for these appointments.