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Retirement of Phoenix City Librarian
Monday, March 18, 2024

Rita Hamilton, Phoenix City Librarian has officially announced her retirement in April after serving Phoenix as City Librarian for 13 years.

Rita has dedicated her entire career to providing quality library services to the public. As Phoenix City Librarian, Rita has continuously focused on improving library services and resources through automation, growth and incorporating advancing technologies. Rita has held various positions in the library profession for almost 50 years. She developed her knowledge and experience through an extensive career of high-profile projects with Pima County Library, Nashville Public Library, and Scottsdale Public Library before her appointment as Phoenix City Librarian in 2011. As Phoenix City Librarian she has directed all library operations at Burton Barr Central Library and 16 branch libraries providing specialized library services College Depot, StartUp PHX, and PHXWorks.

“This is not a decision I have made lightly; I have been in the library world for some time, beginning as a student volunteer at my high school library,” said Rita Hamilton. “It has been my great honor to be part of many of Phoenix Public Library’s achievements; especially serving the young readers, families, life-long learners and all those that look to the library for life improving information and resources. I am privileged to have worked alongside the dedicated library staff, fellow City of Phoenix departments, and partner with a wonderful cadre of library stakeholders throughout our community. I am excited to see how Phoenix Public Library will continue to embrace new initiatives, build new libraries, and rise to meet the needs of our communities.”

"I want to first thank Rita for her leadership these past 13 years in her role as the City Librarian, as well as recognize the positive partnerships that have been developed during her tenure, including the Public Health efforts that were successful as a result of the Phoenix Public Library Team," said Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “Effective March 18, 2024, I have asked Mitch Menchaca to help with the transition as the Interim City Librarian while we conduct a national recruitment that will include both internal and external candidates.”

City of Phoenix and Phoenix Public Library wish Rita a happy and well-deserved retirement. Rita’s retirement is effective April 5, 2024, allowing for a seamless transition with interim City Librarian, Phoenix Arts & Culture Director Mitch Menchaca. The City of Phoenix will conduct a recruitment for the next leader in a new chapter of the 125-year Phoenix Public Library story.