(Tucson, AZ) Effective September 2, 2025, Tess Mayer will take the reins as Pima County Public Library's 16th director. Her appointment comes after the retirement of Amber Mathewson, who served in the position from 2017 through June 2025.
Tess Mayer joins Pima County Public Library with over 15 years of public library leadership, most recently serving as the Director of the Berkeley Public Library. Prior to moving to California, Tess served as the Director of Library Outreach, Programs, and Services for the King County Library System (KCLS) in Washington. Prior to KCLS, Tess spent ten years with the Seattle Public Library where she held multiple roles including Senior Librarian, Branch Manager, Outreach Services Manager, and Downtown Regional Manager. She holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in American and Multiethnic Studies from Bard College.
Tess was raised in Southern California before attending college in New York and then working and traveling in South America. She taught English in Caracas, Venezuela, later moving to Seattle, WA, where she attended graduate school. As a leader, Tess brings commitment to community and staff engagement, transparency, and equity. Her passion for connecting people with information that can change lives led her to work in public libraries.
In anticipation of joining the Pima County library system Tess says, "I am excited and honored to work alongside such a creative and talented staff. Together we will continue to advance the important work of creating equitable and inclusive library service for all, and engage our community in the development of this vision."
Deputy County Administrator, Steve Holmes, says, "We are looking forward to welcoming Tess to Southern Arizona and working with her to shape the future of the library and continuing to serve a diverse Pima County."
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About Pima County Public Library
For more than 100 years, we've been here for people just like you. Today, in our libraries, online, or out in the community, our dedicated staff and volunteers are always looking ahead to help you find what you're looking for. Every day, we're making our mission a reality by educating and connecting people and inspiring ideas.