Renee Grassi, Library Director of Lake Bluff Public Library, shared her resignation with the Library Board of Trustees on August 26. Her last day with Lake Bluff Library will be September 20. Ms. Grassi has accepted the position of Assistant Director at Wilmette Public Library. 

Ms. Grassi joined Lake Bluff Public Library in January 2023. During her tenure, she has had a demonstrable impact on the organization. Her leadership and vision have guided several initiatives to improve services, safety, and accessibility for the community and staff.  Major initiatives have included a Universal Design and Accessibility Assessment, execution of a Strategic Facilities Plan, implementation of the Library Pilot Hours, and a variety of public furnishing and equipment upgrades to enhance customer experience. 

One of Ms. Grassi’s most notable contributions was her financial work with the Library Board to address employee salary inadequacies aligning staff compensation with cost of living and industry standards. In addition, she collaborated with the Library Board to successfully retrieve over $80,000 in unallocated Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) funds, providing critical financial support for the Library. Her efforts also secured multiple grants that have enhanced the building’s accessibility, safety, and community engagement. 

Director Grassi says, “Lake Bluff Public Library has a long celebrated history in this town, and I am deeply honored to have been a part of it. While there are challenges ahead for the organization, I have every confidence in the staff, the Library Board, the Friends of the Lake Bluff Library, the Lake Bluff Public Library Foundation, and the residents of Lake Bluff. My sincere wish and hope is that the community can work together to ensure that Lake Bluff Public Library has a strong and permanent place in the future of this community.”

As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, the Lake Bluff Library Board of Trustees and staff want to express their deepest gratitude for her contributions to the Library. Her passion, creativity, and commitment will be missed, but we are excited to see the great things she will accomplish as she embarks on the next chapter in her professional career.

The Lake Bluff Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a Special Meeting at the Library on Thursday, September 5 at 6 pm to begin planning the transition. Discussions will continue during the Board’s Regular Meeting scheduled Tuesday, September 17 at 7 pm. The Board of Trustees will oversee naming an Interim Library Director and lead a search for Ms. Grassi's permanent successor.