Cortez announced Friday that Elizabeth “Beth” Edson has been selected to direct the Cortez Public Library, starting Dec. 16.
Edson was chosen from a “pool of highly qualified candidates” recruited by Columbia Ltd., which has helped to bring leadership talent to Cortez since 2021.
“We are excited and pleased to welcome Beth to the city of Cortez and look forward to her leadership and contributions to our library operations,” said City Manager Drew Sanders.
Edson will move from Kansas City, Missouri. She has more than 15 years of library experience and graduated with her master’s degree in library and information science from Emporia State University in 2014.
Her most recent roles include serving as the director of the Health Sciences Library at Saint Luke’s Hospital and as a branch manager for the Kansas City Public Library.
Edson also plans to build relationships with community partners and develop programs for library users.
“She is eager to apply her expertise to enhance the resources and services of the Cortez Public Library. Beth looks forward to connecting with the library staff and is excited about getting to know each of them,” the city said.
Edson said she also enjoys her dogs, recreation, music events, reading and movies. She is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals pro sports teams.
