The new director of the Victoria Public Library is looking forward to helping write the next chapter of an institution she’s been helping to grow in one way or another for the last 22 years.
Jessica Berger has been promoted to Victoria Public Library director after serving as assistant director since 2016 and serving as interim director since November 2022.
“During my time with the library, I’ve seen firsthand what a tremendous positive impact the library has in our community,” Berger said. “I’m grateful to have been a part of that, and I’m excited about the opportunity to grow that impact even further in this new role.”
Berger has held many different roles since she first began her career with the library 22 years ago. Her management experience with the library began in 2012 when she was promoted to the role of communication services manager.
At a time when the library’s Facebook page only had 500 likes, Berger worked to build the library’s communications and marketing strategy, which included finding out what patrons wanted from the library and helping staff to improve library programs.
“We tried to build an image for ourselves as a community resource with consistently high-quality programs and services,” Berger said. “We want to be sure that if people see the library’s logo on an event, they know it’s going to be a great program that they will enjoy.”
As library director, Berger will focus even more on setting goals for the library and ensuring that the library continues to meet the community’s needs.
Berger’s promotion comes as the library is developing a new master plan, which will set short-term and long-term objectives for the expansion of library resources. The City Council will consider formal adoption of the plan in April.
“We had an exceptional pool of outstanding, qualified candidates, but Jessica’s knowledge of and heart for our community set her apart,” City Manager Jesús A. Garza said. “Given her rapport with current staff and stakeholders in our community, I am confident that our library will continue to offer residents award-winning services under her leadership.”
To learn more about Victoria Public Library programs and services, visit www.victoriatx.gov/library.