Leading "The People's University"
A Discussion with Cle Public Library Executive Director Felton Thomas

Felton Thomas celebrated his own inaugural day as the executive director of Cleveland Public Library on Monday, January 19. He succeeds Andrew Venable, Jr. who retired last year. Thomas embodies over 20 years of library science experience and passion. He grew up in poverty in Las Vegas, and at age 12, discovered his local library as an alternative to truant behavior. His frequent attendance inspired the Children's librarian to suggest he volunteer as a page. He did, and age 13, became the youngest person to work in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library system. He continued his career journey at the University of Hawaii where he earned his master's degree in library science.

Cool Cleveland spent some time with Thomas in his tenth floor, glass enclosed, Main Library office overlooking Lake Erie recently. The hot topic? National Library Week, of course, which starts this Monday, April 13. This year's theme is Worlds Connect @ Your Library and it couldn't be more fitting.

Library Journal recently named Cleveland Public Library (CPL, also known in these parts as The People's University), as a Five Star library. Thomas envisions taking CPL to a level of superior relevance in the community -- a height where people are positively impacted in their personal and professional lives.

Thomas, who's pursuing his PhD in Leadership Management at Simmons College, touched on a lot during our interview: suggesting some great reads on leadership, responding to a recent comment by Apple, Inc founder Steve "People don't read anymore" Jobs, Barack Obama's presidential election, the "greening" of CPL, and the impact of social networking complemented our conversation:

Cool Cleveland: What has been your career journey that's led you to become the Executive Director of Cleveland Public Library?

Felton Thomas: It's been a long, interesting journey. I discovered my local library at the age of 12, when I had to choose between hanging out with my friends who were trouble-bound or finding a safe haven from gangs and violence. At 13, The Children's librarian suggested I volunteer as a page since I was always there. I agreed, becoming the youngest person to work in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library System.

Ten years ago I had the opportunity to meet then Cleveland Public Library director, Andrew Venable, Jr. He was the first African American library director I'd known. I aimed to hold a position similar position to his, and, as fate would have it, when he retired, Cleveland Public Library pursued me as his replacement. I was happy in Las Vegas, and also knew that Cleveland Public Library was an attractive system. I began to rethink my position, consulted with my family, and we agreed the move to Cleveland would be a good decision. I'm happy to be here.

Leaders have a vision for success. What is your vision for Cleveland Public Library?

Library Journal recently chose Cleveland Public Library as a Five Star library system. We have a wonderful commitment from the community, and everywhere I go, people commend its accomplishments. I want to take Cleveland Public library to a place where urban libraries haven’t been. That is, possessing superior relevance in the community, beyond providing circulation materials and Internet access. I envision Cleveland Public Library reaching patrons on a deeper level, including their family and work life.

This year’s National Library Week theme is Worlds Connect @ Your Library. How do you interpret the motto?

Today, libraries are being used at unprecedented levels worldwide. Here at Cleveland Public Library, circulation and Internet usage is soaring. Globally, people are looking to their community infrastructure, including libraries, for leadership and life enhancement.

Imagine that you serve on the committee to select Librarian of the Year. What criteria would you use in choosing the recipient?

Someone who is innovative and reaching out to all segments of the community, including socio-economically and racially. Typically, librarians hold the mindset that we only serve certain demographics. The Librarian of the Year would transcend that belief.

How can libraries foster environments of creativity and innovation?

One way is to listen to their patrons. Historically, libraries have adopted a command approach regarding community needs. As librarians, we have the education, experience, and ability to interpret public wants and originate cool, innovative ideas. We need to seize that opportunity more and build on ideas like Teen Tech Week.

"The Disconnected" represents nearly 3.8 million people nationwide, age 18 to 24 who are neither in school or employed. How is Cleveland Public Library engaging this population?

Cleveland Public Library is creating its strategic plan, including ways to reach this often over looked population. We view Cleveland Public Library as The People's University. Your university is free and you can create your own educational path. Enroll today, graduate tomorrow, or, enroll today, and graduate 20 years from now.

“People don’t read anymore,” is a recent quote by Apple founder, Steve Jobs. How do you respond to his statement?

Today’s studies dispel that belief. For years, the number of people reading for leisure was declining. In 2005, it was less than 50 percent of the population. Various groups, including schools have been championing literacy and reading.

Their efforts seem to be successful because recent data shows an increase to 52 percent of adult Americans reading for leisure. It’s not an ideal number but does represent an upswing.

What are non-readers missing out on?

They’re missing the opportunity to be where they want to be when they want to be there. I grew up in one of the poorest sections of Las Vegas and never ventured out of the city. I could however, read a book and be where I wanted to be and lead the life I wanted. When you choose not to read, you limit your capabilities.

You grew up in one of the poorest sections of Las Vegas and rose above the poverty. What message do you have for underprivileged youth today?

I offer the message of the library. Libraries can befriend you for a lifetime, enabling you to become the person you want to be. I’ve been fortunate to reconnect with adults who benefited from my services, both as a page and branch manager in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library System. They remind me that my support helped them become the lawyer, teacher, etc. they are today. They found a safe environment at the library, which was missing at home.

What do you think Barack Obama’s presidential election symbolizes?

It symbolizes a generational shift including a change in work dynamics. For decades, consumerism, living beyond your means, and self-centeredness ruled. I think that mindset is being replaced with more personal and social responsibility.

It’s going to be a difficult metamorphosis, and libraries will play a major role during the change. In many communities people view libraries as centers where they can contribute to something larger than themselves.

What books are you currently reading?

I’ve been reading leadership books, including Influencer by Kerry Patterson, because I’m enrolled in a PhD Management Leadership Program at Simmons College. Another favorite is The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. The book is enlightening on multiple levels because it addresses daily energy management vs. time management. It’s a good read for anyone experiencing new situations, including a new job.

Since you’ve mentioned leadership, what are some essential qualities of a good leader?

Energy and passion are vital and need to be included in your vision. A good leader is a good decision maker. People in organizations experiencing difficulty are probably making bad decisions. Imagine management as a triangular model. At the apex is Decision Making. One point is Energy and Passion, and third point is Focus and Discipline.

Global warming is a concern for libraries as well. How is Cleveland Public Library “greening” its operations?

[Our] Green 2.0 Committee to reduce the system’s carbon imprint was in place before I arrived. The task force is concluding their proposal for my review, which I anticipate reading. The library plans to advance the [GreenCityBlueLake] initiative proclaimed by Mayor Jackson’s office.

You have a profile on LinkedIn and Cleveland Public Library patrons can receive Twitter updates, too. What can you say about Web 2.0/social networking applications today?

Everyone, especially parents of youth and teens need to realize that we’re entering a new generation. Social networking sites like MySpace and YouTube are influencing our youth. Interestingly, kids today happily display their actions online.

Parents however, mostly prefer anonymity. Look for Cleveland Public Library to provide more opportunities for patrons to learn about technology and social networking. People should consider Cleveland Public Library as their place for one-stop shopping to learn about today’s world. That’s our mission.

What concluding imprints do you hope to leave on Cool Cleveland readers?

I moved to Cleveland because of the city’s progressive future, especially regarding its library systems. Cleveland Public Library has always been a bellwether among libraries nationwide. My goal is to continue its legacy.

Cleveland has blighted, economically challenged areas, and libraries represent a beacon of light to even the poorest of neighborhoods.

Lastly, today’s successful libraries transcend yesterday’s image of quietude. People need to know that libraries are a place they can go to create lifetime enjoyment. I want to instill a sense of fun at Cleveland Public Library.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Tim Zaun timATtimzaun.com

Keep up with Zaun at http://www.timzaun.typepad.com
(:divend:)