Newport's Library Director Announces Retirement

Newport Beach Library Services Director Cynthia Cowell will retire in October and move to Nashville, Tenn., according to a city news release.

Cowell, who has worked at the Newport Beach Public Library since 2008 and played a key role in the vision and expansion of the Central Library, will retire on Oct. 5 to spend more time with her husband and family.

“Two things happened,” Cowell said. “Professionally, we completed the library expansion. Personally, my husband and I came upon a great home in Nashville near his extended family. It was too good to pass up so we bought it and our Orange County home is on the market."

Cowell spent three decades working for various public libraries before coming to Newport Beach where she spent much of her energy on leading the library into a full-scale implementation of electronic library services including e-books,  electronic magazine subscriptions, circulating iPads and more.

City Manager Dave Kiff said although he knew Cowell would retire one day, its much quicker than he hoped.

“Her expertise, vision and, of course, her Texas charm are a winning combination," Kiff said in a released statement. "During Cynthia’s time here, she made our outstanding and award-winning library system even better.”

Kiff added the expansion of the Central Library represents Cowell's "lasting legacy" to Newport Beach.

"I will think of her as I walk through the Central Library and see the families enjoying the children’s areas, small groups gathered on the patio to study, patrons relaxing in the reading areas," Kiff said. "People loving the library as much as she does.”

The city will have an open recruitment process to fill Cowell's library services director position. Jill Johnson-Tucker, chair of the Newport Beach Public Library Board of Trustees, said Cowell leaves behind big shoes to fill.

“Her contagious enthusiasm, can-do attitude and deep love for and understanding of the library system make her an unparalleled library director, and one who will be sorely missed,” Johnson-Tucker said.

Cowell doesn't have plans to job hunt in Tennessee, but said she would like to volunteer at the library.

“I hold a steadfast belief that libraries do still matter, even in the face of the Internet and a world driven by virtually instant access to information,” Cowell said.

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