NEW ULM – On Monday, the New Ulm Public Library will have a new director.

Kris Wiley was approved unanimously as the new director during the Thursday meeting of the Library Board. She has served as the assistant director for five years. She was recommended for the position by City Manager Brian Gramentz.

Wiley thanked the board and said she has learned a lot in her years as assistant director. “I hope to carry on the tradition of great public service,” she said.

Wiley replaces Larry Hlavsa who recently retired.

The transition of the new Young Adults area on the Broadway side of the second floor has been completed. This change will give the section greater shelf room. DVDs are now on the main floor, a location which staff believe will be more convenient for patrons.

In order to help facilitate the redesign of the former space for Young Adults, Wiley requested up to $15,0000 from the Library Fund balance to purchase furniture and install carpeting in the area. According to Wiley, the library has not purchased furniture in nearly a decade and much of the existing furniture is worn out from prolonged use. The Board approved the funding request.

The Friends of the Library donated funds for several projects, including a genealogy database. The database may be used by patrons at the library on their own laptops or used on the library’s computer. Wiley will conduct an introduction to ancestry classes on June 25 and June 26 at 8:30 a,m. Registration is limited to 10 people. Those wishing to register may call the library.

Wiley informed the Board that the Wanda Gag statue is still in the design phase. New ideas are being brought to the committee. The Board will ultimately approve the final design.

The Paws to Read summer program began Monday, June 9. A total of 311 children signed up for the program, which will run for eight weeks, concluding on July 31.