East Regional Library will be closed for scheduled maintenance from 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, through 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. The book drops at East Regional will also be closed during this time. Books can be returned to any library location.
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Leadership

Durham County Library’s Administrative Leadership Team (ALT) works hard to advance the mission, vision, and values of the library. ALT 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. ALT members are stewards for library resources and ensure that resources are used wisely and effectively to meet the needs of our users.

Library Director

Library director Dana Conners.

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

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.

Administrative Leadership Team

Sandra Lovely.

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

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

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.