Director of King County Library System leaves position in negotiated resignation

The following statement was issued by the King County Library System Board of Trustees on March 29, 2017:

SEATTLE – March 29, 2017 – Gary Wasdin, director of the King County Library System (KCLS) since January 2015, has resigned.

“KCLS is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all of its users,” said Jim Wigfall, KCLS Board President. 

“When it came to our attention that Mr. Wasdin violated KCLS’ code of conduct, the Board took immediate action. Mr. Wasdin has chosen to resign his position effective immediately, and the Board fully agrees with this decision.”

KCLS, one of the busiest libraries in the United States, provides open, non-judgmental and free access to ideas and information to all members of the community. The System strives each day to create the best environment for its patrons.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our communities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism and excellence,” said Wigfall.

Finance Director Dwayne Wilson has been assigned legal signing authority until an interim director is selected by the Board.

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KCLS did not issue any further details. Wasdin, who was hired after a extensive nationwide search, has been in the position since January 2015.

The two libraries in Shoreline and one each in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are all part of the 48 libraries in the King County Library System, one of the largest and most active in the United States.