Jayanti Addleman named new Director of Library Services for the City of Hayward

HAYWARD, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019-- Jayanti Addleman, the County Librarian and Library Director for Monterey County, has been named the new Director of Library Services for the City of Hayward.

Addleman, who will begin work in Hayward on Jan. 14, led the Monterey County Free Libraries during a period when the organization came to be recognized for its vibrancy, creativity and innovation in the stretching of resources and delivery of services in an increasingly diverse community.

“We are very excited to have Jayanti join the City as we evaluate how our public libraries can best meet the needs and aspirations of Hayward and as we prepare to open our new main library, the 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center,” said Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo.

Addleman is widely considered a passionate advocate for literacy, inclusion of underserved and marginalized communities, and helping people reach their potential.  She has been recognized for professional achievement, including selection in 2015 as California Library Association’s Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy and as one of Monterey County’s Outstanding Women.

During her tenure, the Monterey County Free Libraries system won several awards for its service to adults and children, including two in 2018—the Excellence in Education Award from the Monterey County School Boards Association and the Valley of the World Education Award from the National Steinbeck Center.

Hayward City Manager McAdoo selected Addleman as the City’s next Director of Library Services after a competitive recruitment and evaluation process that included interviews with panels of community members, library professionals, Hayward library staff members and City executive leadership.

“I am equally excited about coming to Hayward and look forward to working with its wonderful library staff to serve the Hayward community,” Addleman said.  “It is a special point in time with all the investment made in library services, and it is going to be a great honor to be part of it.”

Addleman began her career at the pioneering online information company Dialog Information Services of Palo Alto.  Previously, she has worked at Salinas Public Library, Hartnell College and Gavilan College.

She has earned a Master of Arts degree in English from Jadavpur University in India and a Master of Library Science degree from San Jose State University.