AUBURN, Ala.- The Auburn Public Library will have a new director beginning on Oct. 1 as the current director, Tyler Whitten, retires after 25 years of service. He will pass the torch to Cynthia Ledbetter who will enter the new role with nearly 28 years of library experience.

“We are fortunate to have longstanding and dedicated librarians in leadership at the Auburn Public Library who have public service at the heart of everything they do,” said Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch. “I’m grateful for the years Tyler invested in our community, and I look forward to seeing the impact Cynthia will make as she leads our library into this next season.”

An Auburn native, Ledbetter began her career as a library assistant with Auburn University Libraries in 1996. She entered the field after realizing that her initial career choice of nursing wasn’t quite a fit — the library world felt like a more natural choice.

“Since childhood, I have always loved the worlds you can discover through stories,” Ledbetter said.

When she had the chance to transition to the Auburn Public Library in 2003, she happily took the job, excited to more directly serve Auburn’s residents.

“Being able to serve my hometown has been a gift,” Ledbetter said.

Ledbetter has held several roles during her 21 years with the City of Auburn, giving her a broad knowledge of the Auburn Public Library’s services. She has worked in cataloging and materials selection, youth and adult public services and, most recently, programming and outreach.

Over the last four years, Ledbetter has led the library’s Engagement and Outreach team. The division develops, implements and promotes the library’s ever-growing number of programs and events such as weekly story times and seasonal reading challenges. She has also managed grants and secured funding for initiatives, including funding that helped stock the shelves at the Boykin Community Center’s micro library and outfitted the library’s new outreach van.

Ledbetter also played a large role in expanding the library’s Third Grade Reading Dragons program, which is now in its eighth year. Each month throughout the school year, the library visits every Auburn City Schools third-grade classroom for 30 minutes to share stories and encourage the joy of reading. In the spring, the library sponsors a field trip where all Auburn City Schools third graders visit the library and hear from an acclaimed children’s author.

During her time with the City, Ledbetter’s dedication has extended beyond her daily duties. She has taken time for professional development, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2015 and a Master of Library and Information Studies in 2020. She is also a 2024 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration’s Leading EDGE program. She has served on several City committees and has partnered with Auburn University as a member of its Common Book Program Steering Committee and its Center for Educational Outreach & Engagement Advisory Committee.

Aside from her love of reading and learning, Ledbetter said the impact that libraries have on their communities is what has kept her in the field for so long.

“Libraries provide so much more than books,” Ledbetter said. “Whether someone is looking for their next great read, wanting to make friends through a program or looking for help starting a business, libraries give people opportunities to reach their fullest potential. Every community deserves a welcoming place that inspires, enriches and delights them. They deserve somewhere they can learn, explore, connect and play. I believe the Auburn Public Library is that place.”

Moving forward, Ledbetter is excited to see the library continue to grow as a gathering place that people want to visit. As Auburn grows, Ledbetter said the library needs of the community will only continue to expand.

“I want to see the library not only continue to provide excellent traditional services but to creatively expand services beyond the library walls,” Ledbetter said. “We want to meet the community where they live, work and play.”