Mid-Continent Public Library Director Retires

Mid-Continent Public Library Director and CEO Steven V. Potter announced this week that he will retire at the end of June.

Mid-Continent Public Library Director and CEO Steven V. Potter announced this week that he will retire at the end of June

Potter has been the director at MCPL, which operates 35 service locations and serves more than 850,000 residents across Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties, for 12 years but he has worked for the Library since 1988. During his 34 years with MCPL, Potter has served in a variety of different roles--from shelving books and managing day-to-day branch operations to cataloging and digitizing items, overseeing system-wide technology projects, and performing administrative functions at the Library's headquarters.

"I feel much has been accomplished in my three decades at MCPL," said Potter. "We have worked hard to provide the best library experience, and I think the people I've worked with for all these years have exhibited exceptional stewardship, allowing the Library to have a great collection, welcoming facilities, and a strong financial position. It has been my great honor to serve this library, and I know staff will continue to provide great service in my absence."

During his tenure as director, Potter ushered in many significant milestones and achievements for the Library.

"Mr. Potter has been an exceptionally effective leader and strong advocate for libraries, and Mid-Continent Public Library is well-respected and nationally renowned as a direct result," said MCPL Board Member Joycelyn Tucker Burgo. "His long, successful tenure has allowed the MCPL district to flourish through child and adult literacy, small business development, and building the modern community resource MCPL is today. As a community, we have been extremely fortunate to have had him at the helm as director for the past 12 years. On a personal note, if there was a way to keep him at the helm, I would be all for it. I applaud his many accomplishments and wish him well."

In looking toward the future, Potter shared his enthusiasm for retirement: "I really look forward to benefiting from Mid-Continent Public Library's service as a customer for the first time since 1988."

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story