Edra L. Waterman
2704 Seminole Drive
Anderson, IN 46012

Kevin Neal, Search Committee Chair
Plainfield-Guilford Twp. Public Library
1120 Stafford Road
Plainfield, Indiana 46168

November 17, 2006

Dear Mr. Neal and Search Committee:

I was excited to see the position announcement for Director of Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library on the Indiana State Library web site. I’ve visited your beautiful facility several times for workshops and meetings, and I’ve always been impressed with the library and staff.

For the past nine years, I have worked as a library professional in a variety of capacities at Anderson Public Library in Anderson, Indiana. APL is a progressive, forward-thinking organization embracing new ideas and change on an ongoing basis. It’s been a wonderful place to grow as a librarian from my first day as a Reference Librarian to my experiences since October 2004 as Assistant Director.

As Assistant Director, I have gained hands-on experience in running an Indiana library. This includes the budgeting process, library policy development, strategic planning, and personnel management. In this position, as well as during my time as Lapel Branch Manager, I have demonstrated my ability to foster a positive environment where individual ideas and strengths are respected and encouraged without sacrificing essential teamwork. I have facilitated positive change while respecting existing traditions. I am goal-directed, organized, and have the ability to assist others in developing and attaining individual goals that support an overall mission and vision of library service. These experiences have prepared me to embrace the new challenges and responsibilities of being a library director.

Libraries are an essential part of any community, and I am a passionate advocate for library services. I am excited about the future role of public libraries, especially in a growing, dynamic community such as Plainfield. My extensive experience with public speaking informs all of my interactions, and I love talking to groups of any size about the great things the library has to offer. I am continually looking for ways the library can change and respond to our community. Providing up-to-date, relevant services tailored to the actual needs of those we serve is essential, and to accomplish this, I believe we need to get our message and our staff out beyond the brick and mortar walls of our institutions to interact directly with the community.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Edra L. Waterman