Published Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:07 AM

Texan taking reins of B-CS libraries

By MAGGIE KIELY
maggie.kiely@theeagle.com

A native Texan will take over as director of the Bryan-College Station Library System on Nov. 16.

Larry Koeninger served as the director of the Fort Dodge Public Library in Iowa before accepting his new position. Before that, he served as the librarian for three school districts in Texas.

Being able to come back to Texas was a major attraction of the job, Koeninger said.

"I live in Iowa," he said. "I hate winter, and I know there's no real winter down there."

Koeninger grew up near Lubbock and attended the University of Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts and a master's degree in library science. He also received his doctorate in educational leadership at Texas Tech University.

Koeninger said he was looking forward to working with the community. Bringing more awareness of the resources available at public libraries will be one of his goals, he said.

"It's a struggle we have all the time," he said. "Everybody knows there's a library there, and they think they know what it does, but they don't always know all the details. Public libraries serve a really useful function. We can help you explore and learn more."

Koeninger will replace Clara Mounce, who has worked for the local library system for 31 years.

"He's going to be super," said Mounce, who was involved in hiring the new library director. "He knows that he has to work with the staff and get to know them and follow their leadership. He won't be bossy, and he won't look over your shoulder."

Koeninger will be responsible for overseeing administrative services at all three libraries in the system -- the Bryan Public Library, the Larry J. Ringer Library and the Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History. His duties will include handling the budget, employment, public services and programs and anything else at the administrative level.

Mounce said she wasn't sure when her last day at the library would be but said that once she leaves, she plans to write the history of her 31 years with the local libraries.

A retirement reception will be held for Mounce at 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Bryan Public Library.

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