New Library Director Named

Jessica Cadiente (pictured), former library director for the City of Lompoc, has been selected as Santa Barbara’s new director, responsible for oversight of public libraries in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, and Solvang. She’ll manage 100 regular and hourly staff and an annual system-wide budget of $7.2 million. “I believe in the transformational power of public libraries as community change agents,” Cadiente said in a prepared statement. “The Santa Barbara Public Library System provides opportunity at every stage of life.” And after the City Council welcomed her on Tuesday, she stated, “I know the best is yet to come.” Cadiente has served as acting director since September, when Irene Macias retired after nine years at the helm.