Scottsdale recently welcomed Michael Beck as leader of the city’s public library system.
Beck brings more than three decades of county and municipal government experience to Scottsdale, and earlier in his career held the role of Adult Services Coordinator at Scottsdale Public Library.
Most recently, he served as the city of Glendale’s chief librarian, where he spearheaded innovative public programming, cultivated vital partnerships, secured numerous successful grants, oversaw building renovations and projects, and notably, established the Heroes Regional Park Library.
In Scottsdale, he will oversee operations, collections and programming at the city’s four award-winning library branches, as well as the online resources found at ScottsdaleLibrary.org.
Beck grew up in Virginia and began his library career in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Elon University and a Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro.
“Being back in Scottsdale feels like coming home, it really does,” Beck said.
His love for libraries has evolved over the course of his career, as libraries have reinvented themselves to meet community needs, but one thing has remained constant, he said — the fundamental value of having free access to knowledge.
It’s something Beck serves to enhance and protect.
“I always had a calling for public service; that’s something my parents instilled in me, and I truly believe in giving back. We’re able to do that in so many ways at the library. We are basically the People’s University. Scottsdale libraries are known for going above & beyond in our service to the community and being much more than just a place to learn.”
As Mayor David D. Ortega put it, “Scottsdale libraries are centers of community gatherings, childhood excitement, teen exploration, core education, career resources, art exhibits and occasional mysteries, drama and so much more.”
“Spoiler alert! Mike Beck, the new library director, and his entire staff are set to make each episode at the library memorable for you.”
After all, the library’s motto, “Putting People at the Heart of Dynamic Library Services,” is an ethos that’s built into Beck’s leadership approach. In the year ahead, he looks forward to meeting all 118 library staff members to hear their perspective on the Scottsdale Public Library experience.
In his free time, Beck is active with the Kiwanis Club, enjoys hiking with his dogs and has been learning his way around a new backyard smoker. He’s also an avid movie-goer and, of course, enjoys a good book.
He encourages everyone to stop by a branch, sign up for a library card and experience for themselves all the wonderful resources and programs Scottsdale Public Library has to offer.
