Library Announces Transition in Leadership

Seated L to R: Dee Ann Dent, Library Board Member; Justin Dyer, Incoming Library Director; Judy Fowler, Library Board Member Standing L to R: Stephen Smith, Library Board Member; Ben Cowan, Library Board Vice-President; Roberta Skelton, Library Board President; Sharon Fitch, Library Board Secretary; Russell Keelin, Assistant Library Director.

Hillsboro City Manager, Megan Henderson, announces a significant transition in leadership as long-time library director Susan Mann steps down from her role after more than 41 years of dedicated service.

Mann is set to retire on May 24, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, community engagement, and advocacy.

City Management and the Library Board of Trustees extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mann for her exceptional leadership and tireless commitment to advancing literacy and lifelong learning in our community.

Stepping into the role of Library Director is Justin Dyer, an able librarian with a passion for public service and a strong vision for the future of the Hillsboro City Library. Dyer holds a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Texas and has supplemented his academic background with leadership and management training through the Texas Library Association.

Dyer has worked at the Hillsboro Library in many capacities for the past seven years. Throughout his tenure, Dyer has initiated several impactful programs within the library, including the Family Place early literacy initiative, telehealth services, hotspot lending, and community events like the recent solar eclipse carnival.

Engaged locally, he is an active member of the Hillsboro Lions Club and serves on several community boards, including, the Leadership Greater Hillsboro Board, and Go Hillsboro. Dyer serves on the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, Inc. Board of Directors, which develops workforce solutions for the six county Heart of Texas region. Dyer has held numerous positions on the Texas Library Association’s Small Community Libraries Round Table, where he is slated to be the round table’s Chair for the upcoming year.

In the past, Dyer has served on the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and was a member of the Hillsboro Mainstreet Design Committee. Dyer was class president of the 2022 Leadership Greater Hillsboro class where he led the installation of the “Hello from Hillsboro” interactive photo sign at the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce.

Dyer will bring a fresh perspective to the library director position. Dyer said, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve the community of Hillsboro as its library director. I am looking forward to building upon the rich legacy of this library, while embracing new avenues of outreach, partnership, and programs that will enrich the lives of individuals and families that call Hillsboro home.”

Roberta Skelton, President of the Library Board of Trustees said, "Susan Mann has been an exemplary leader, and we are immensely grateful for her unwavering dedication to the Hillsboro Library. As we embark on this new chapter, we are thrilled to welcome Justin Dyer to lead us into the future. With his passion for libraries, we are confident that the Hillsboro City Library will continue to flourish and serve as a beacon of knowledge and community engagement."

Susan Mann, outgoing Library director said, "It has been a privilege to serve as the Director of the Hillsboro City Library for the past 42 years. I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together, and I am confident that the library is in capable hands with Justin Dyer. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our beloved library."

City Manager, Henderson, was quoted “In over 41 years of service to the City of Hillsboro, Susan Mann has stewarded the library and its resources with vision, determination and creativity.  Her passion for connecting each customer to new worlds and experiences – not only through books, periodicals and other media, but through hands-on events – has enriched the lives of countless Hillsboro and Hill County residents of all ages, backgrounds and interests.  We will long remember Susan as we continue to build and enjoy the institution she has made so strong.”

The Hillsboro City Library invites members of the community to join us in expressing appreciation for Susan Mann’s service and extending a warm welcome to Justin Dyer. Together, we look forward to writing the next chapter in the storied history of the Hillsboro City Library.

A retirement reception for Susan Mann will be held at Hillsboro’s Historic City Hall, 127 East Franklin St., on Friday, May 24 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The public is encouraged to drop by and wish her a happy retirement.