The Santa Barbara City Library will be officially led by Brandon Beaudette, who has been the library’s acting director since April 2024. Beaudette earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara in 1998 and was first employed by the city a year later. He worked his way from parking and Public Works to city budget manager and senior assistant to the city administrator.
The recruitment process saw 48 applicants apply to be the city’s library director and 15 screened by city personnel. Five made it to the interviews with department directors and library stakeholders, but it was Beaudette who made the cut.
“Brandon has demonstrated his understanding of current library issues, his commitment to the library, and leadership skills during his acting assignment and the interview process,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo in announcing the position.
Correction: The name of Beaudette’s new position is Library Director, not City Librarian.
