Downers Grove Public Library Director Rick Ashton to Retire

Submitted by the Downers Grove Public Library.

The Downers Grove Public Library will soon begin the search for its next director. At the monthly Library Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 18, Director Rick Ashton informed the Board that he plans to retire on March 31, 2016.

Ashton has served as Director of the Downers Grove Public Library since September 2011. In a letter presented to the Library Board, he reported that the library has completed all the work that he called “a long To Do List.”

The most visible item on that list was the major building renovation completed in October 2014. In addition, he emphasized the creation of a strategic plan, excellent customer service, high levels of public use and satisfaction, and technological progress among the library’s achievements.

The decision to retire, Ashton said, was prompted by the need for a new To Do List. His letter to the Board (below) stated, “You deserve to build this new list with a new Director who will be present to see it through to completion. I will depart with the satisfying knowledge that the work we have done has enriched and empowered the community.”

Before joining the Downers Grove Public Library 4 years ago, Ashton, age 70, served for 20 years as City Librarian of the Denver Public Library and in other professional library positions. Denver Public Library Commission recently named the formal meeting room in the Central Library the “Rick Ashton Legacy Room,” honoring his work in Denver from 1985 to 2006.

Ashton thanked the Downers Grove Library Board for affording him the opportunity for what he called an “encore performance.”

Library Board President Wendee Greene and other Board members thanked Ashton for his service. They expressed their confidence that the Board, staff, and next director will continue to build on the accomplishments of the past four years. Greene called a special Board meeting for Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. to begin organizing the search for Ashton’s successor.