Bridget Esqueda has been appointed City Librarian for the Salem Public Library effective Monday, February 26.

Esqueda has been acting in the capacity of City Librarian for the past eight months. This appointment follows a competitive internal recruitment.

“Bridget’s leadership of the Library during this interim period has been exemplary,” said Deputy City Manager Scott Archer, who oversees the Library as part of the Community Services Department. “Bridget has implemented new policies, updated procedures, and stabilized our library operations during a time of change, while thoughtfully supporting staff and fostering a positive organizational culture.”

Esqueda began her service at the Library in September 2022 as Deputy City Librarian. She brings 17 years of experience in varied public library system roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and Technical Communication from Arizona State University, and a master’s degree in Library Science with a focus on administration and public library services from San Jose State University.

“I’m happy to have had this past eight months to see if this would be the right fit for me at this time,” Esqueda said. “I wouldn’t be able to do this job as well as I have if not for the leadership that was already here, Rachel Collins, Programming and Outreach Supervisor, and Sonja Somerville, Learning and Development Supervisor.

Esqueda’s first months presented their fair share of challenges, as she and her team addressed the impact of the City’s budget shortfall on the Library.

“As we navigate the current budget and revenue challenges, I am committed to optimizing our services to ensure that we are making the greatest impact and using our library’s strategic plan as our guide,” she said. “I will continue my efforts to overcome these hurdles and provide the community the best service possible with our current resources.”