Two weeks after the Austin Public Library hosted the public for a meet-and-greet with the four finalists for the APL director position, Hannah Terrell was named the new director of the public library system on Monday, Dec. 15.
With nearly 20 years of experience working in libraries under her belt, Terrell has been with APL for just over four of those years, first as the division manager of branch services, then as the assistant library director.
She has been serving as APL’s interim director since 2024 after former Director Roosevelt Weeks joined the Fort Bend County Library system as its director. Terrell beat out three other finalists, Cedric Clark, Kathy Donellan, and John Trischitti, all of whom have years of experience serving in various library roles.
On Dec. 1, the night of the meet-and-greet, the four candidates had about 20 minutes to answer questions presented by the audience, pitching why they were the best fit for the role.
On the topic of what she would like to continue and discontinue as the new director, Terrell mentioned that she hopes to see an increased focus on programming for engaging with teens, seniors, and disadvantaged communities. Specifically on the topic of involving more young adults in the public library system, Terrell referred back to some of the work that she has conducted in previous roles.
“I have remodeled my library just for teens,” she said. “I’ve sat down, I’ve talked to them. I’ve dealt with homeless teens.”
She mentioned a time when an unhoused teen was sleeping within one of the libraries she was overseeing. Instead of kicking the individual out of the building, Terrell said that she found ways to engage with him. She believes that this is the first step to making young adults feel welcomed in the spaces.
“What I’m saying is, we have to connect. Young people are dealing with a lot of different issues. Then it is the training of staff, it is making sure that we have the right people working with our youth … Under my administration, we will do it.”
According to APL, the director “leads the Austin Public Library system, overseeing its operations, programs, facilities, and staff.” Next year, Austin Public Library will celebrate its centennial birthday with Terrell at the helm.
Terrell touched on her gratitude for being selected in an official email from APL announcing her as the new director. “It’s been an honor to lead the Austin Public Library as Interim Director, and I am deeply grateful to now be stepping into the permanent role of Director,” Terrell said. “I look forward to continuing this work alongside the brilliant staff at APL as we move confidently together into APL’s second century of service.”
This article appears in December 19 • 2025.