Melanie Morgan named new director of New Hanover County Public Library system

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) —  Melanie Morgan has been selected as the new director of the New Hanover County Public Library system.

County officials said Morgan will begin her new role March 31.

County Manager Chris Coudriet said the library system is at an important point and Morgan’s experience expanding services and access made her the right choice to lead the next chapter.

Morgan has served as director of libraries for the Neuse Regional Library system since 2018, overseeing branches across Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. According to a news release, under her leadership, the system received statewide recognition, including two 2024 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association awards for digital literacy outreach and facility innovation.

In 2021, Morgan was named North Carolina Public Library Director of the Year by the association, the highest statewide honor for a library director.

Before joining Neuse Regional Libraries, Morgan served for four years as director of Madison County Public Libraries. During her tenure, that system earned Library Journal’s Best Small Library in America Award.

The Neuse Regional Library system was also named a finalist for the 2022 Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal, one of only 15 libraries selected nationwide.

Morgan’s work has focused on expanding access to library services in underserved communities, including initiatives providing homework help, adult tutoring and broadband access in rural areas. Her broadband expansion efforts earned recognition from Gov. Roy Cooper.

Morgan holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Central Florida.

Her professional service includes roles on the North Carolina State Library Commission, the NC Cardinal Governing Board, the State Library LSTA Advisory Committee and the NC LIVE Readers Advisory Committee. She has also contributed to the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy.

Morgan said she looks forward to joining New Hanover County as the library system continues to grow, including the recent opening of the Grace District facility downtown and the planned opening of the Northchase Library later this year.